What is the Difference Between cPanel and WHM?

cPanel and WHM are used together and are often confused. The definitions and differences are simple enough:

cPanel

cPanel (control panel) is a simple web interface used to manage individual domains or websites (e.g., http://yourwebsite.com). cPanel has a variety of features, including managing email accounts and other options, logs, security settings, domain management, databases, software (such as CGI, PHP, and Perl), and advanced settings, such as Apache configuration and MIME type settings.

One of the most compelling features of cPanel is that a user can manage tasks without requiring the assistance of their hosting provider.

WHM

WHM (Web Host Manager) is a web interface used to manage reseller services and for administrators to manage the site.

Administrators have root-level access in WHM, which allows the administrator to perform advanced functions such as installing or upgrading server software and setting up MX entries. Administrators can add features via pre-built applications or even custom-built applications.

Resellers can manage domains for their users; for example, generate an instance of cPanel for a newly registered domain, install Frontpage extensions, etc. Resellers can also control the hosting plan on a domain-by-domain, or subscriber-by-subscriber, basis.

Differences

cPanel is used to administer one website where WHM is used to administer multiple websites and the hosting server itself. Users that register a domain will use cPanel to manage various aspects of their site. Resellers and web hosting companies will use WHM to administer multiple domains (create, modify, delete, etc.), but not to manage individual settings for each domain.

Working together

cPanel and WHM, taken together, form a powerful combination for managing your web hosting environment. The graphical interface provides a very simple yet flexible way to administer a system without requiring experience and knowledge of a UNIX or Linux command line interface.

Links

• cPanel Official Website