Plugin Configuration

First you need to configure the plugin in ClientExec’s server section (go to admin -> servers) as shown in the picture below.

“Use Secure Connections” should be set to “Yes” if you have cURL and openSSL compiled into PHP.  “Verify Certificate” should be set to “Yes” to ensure for maximum security however if you are having problems with this set to “Yes” try setting it to “No”. The “Access Key” is used to access your Interworx-CP server.  This value is generated within Interworx-CP under the NodeWorx->API Key menu.  Under the “Available Plugin Events” you can check under which events ClientExec will interact with Interworx-CP. At least have “Create” checked to have the accounts created inside Interworx-CP.

Interworx-CP Package Configuration

Before configuring the packages in ClientExec, you must create package templates in Interworx-CP.  This is done under the “SiteWorx” menu by clicking on “Packages”.   Clicking on “Add” in the image below will allow you to add new package templates if there aren’t any setup.  Once configured remember the package name as we will need to enter it in the ClientExec package configuration.

Package Configuration

Now you have to link a given ClientExec package with a Package you must previously create in Interworx-CP. Remember the correspondant package type in ClientExec must have the setting “Show Domain Options” set to Yes in order for the plugin to work.

The first thing you need to do in the package configuration screen is select the server you configured in the previous step and move it to the right side using the [>>] button. Then enter the Interworx-CP package name in the box as previously setup in Interworx-CP.

When I look at the options in EXIM CONFIGURATION I see:

** send HELO based on the domain name in /etc/mailhelo (*: HELONAME can be added to the file to change the default helo name) [?]
Send HELO based on the domain name in /etc/mailhelo (*: HELONAME can be added to the file to change the default helo name)

** Send outgoing mail from the ip that matches the domain name in /etc/mailips (*: IP can be added to the file to change the main outgoing interface) [?]
Send outgoing mail from the ip that matches the domain name in /etc/mailips (*: IP can be added to the file to change the main outgoing interface)

** Automaticlly send outgoing mail from the account’s IP address instead of the main IP address. Warning: If you turn this setting on you should make sure reverse DNS entries match the ones in /etc/mail_reverse_dns. [?]
Automaticlly send outgoing mail from the account’s IP address instead of the main IP address.

How do I change the info for these files, all of them are currently empty except for /etc/mail_reverse_dns which has the main server ip and machine name. Do I just edit it manually with VI or PICO and it will work or will it be blown away with the next “upcp”?

What is the format for these three files?

You may use any command-line text editor such as vi (or vim), nano (or pico), to edit the files. As long as the automatic option is not in use you can manually update and manage the mailhelo and mailips files without them being overwritten.

The easiest method to see a full version of the files with proper syntax is to temporarily enable the following “automatic” option:
WHM: Main >> Service Configuration >> Exim Configuration Editor >> Standard Options >> Domains and IPs
* Automatically send outgoing mail from the account’s IP address instead of the main IP address. Warning: If you turn this setting on you should make sure reverse DNS entries match the ones in /etc/mail_reverse_dns

the above option will create the files so you can simply view their contents to see how they are used.

Alternatively, you can manually create them based off the following examples, while being sure to use your own domains and IP addresses where applicable; however, please note that to retain customizations of the two files, mailhelo and mailips, it is necessary to enable the relevant options via the Exim Configuration Editor in WHM as seen below.

WHM: Main >> Service Configuration >> Exim Configuration Editor >> Standard Options >> Domains and IPs
* Send HELO based on the domain name in /etc/mailhelo (*: HELONAME can be added to the file to change the default helo name)
* Send outgoing mail from the ip that matches the domain name in /etc/mailips (*: IP can be added to the file to change the main outgoing interface)

Full Path: “/etc/mailhelo”

Code:

domain2.tld: domain2.tld

sub.domain2.tld: domain2.tld

addondomain.tld: domain2.tld

other.domain3.tld: other.domain3.tld

*: server1.domain1.tld

In mailhelo, the example entry that begins with an asterisk sets the default HELO for domains without their own specific entry; you could, if desired, just have the default set and nothing else.

The “#.#.#.#” entries in the following two examples are meant to represent IP addresses on your system; be sure to use only valid, public IP addresses that are accessible via the Internet.

Full Path: “/etc/mailips”

Code:

domain2.tld: #.#.#.2

sub.domain2.tld: #.#.#.2

addondomain.tld: #.#.#.2

other.domain3.tld: #.#.#.3

*: #.#.#.1

In mailips, the example entry that begins with an asterisk sets the default outbound (sending) IP address for domains without their own specific entry; you could, if desired, just have the default set and nothing else.

You should not have to manually edit or manage the mail_reverse_dns file; the only two that you would manually edit are mailhelo and mailips. For the sake of showing an example, though, here is what the mail_reverse_dns file might look like:

Full Path: “/etc/mail_reverse_dns”

Code:

#.#.#.1: server1.domain1.tld

#.#.#.2: domain2.tld

#.#.#.3: other.domain3.tld

To help understand why the above examples look the way they do, in terms of why a particular domain has a specific HELO value and or why a particular domain has a specific outbound IP, and to help show what you might expect to see from the aforementioned “automatic” option, the following could be assumed:
1.) “domain2.tld” is a primary domain
2.) “sub.domain2.tld” is a sub-domain of “domain2.tld”
3.) “addondomain.tld” is an add-on domain of “domain2.tld”
4.) “other.domain3.tld” is an also primary domain
5.) “server1.domain1.tld” is the server hostname

If you opt to manually create, update and manage the mailhelo and mailips files, you are free to customize them as needed provided they contain the correct syntax and use only valid domains and IP addresses.

Creative Web Designers offers simple SMS gateway connectivity for those who need to SMS-enable their systems, websites, or applications. Using Creative Web Designers API (Application Programming Interface) integration is fast, simple and reliable.
Our API is immediately multicast messaging enabled, allowing integration to any front-end or legacy system, with a direct connection into Creative Web Designers global gateways.
Learn more about each of our API connectivity options below:

• HTTP/S API
  Our most popular connection, HTTP is one of the simpler forms of communication to the Creative Web Designers API. It is used in the form of an HTTP/Internet Post.
• SMTP [E-mail to SMS] API
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• SMPP API
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• XML API
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• http://www.version-next.com/bulk-sms/index.html

How to Create Mailing Lists

- Login to your cPanel and click the “Mailing Lists” icon under the “Mail” category.

- On the “Mailing lists” page, click the “Add Mailing List” link.

- Next, enter a name for your mailing list and a password in the appropriate fields.  Make sure you confirm the password on the next line.

- Choose the domain the mailing list will be used on from the list of options provided in the drop-down menu.

- Lastly, click the “Create” button.

How to Edit Mailing Lists

Creating a mail listing is easy.  Editing them is just as simple.  The Mailman script makes a large number of configuration options available to you and the steps below will show you how to go about accessing them.

- Login to your cPanel account and click on the “Mailing List” icon underneath the “Mail” category.

- On the Mailing List page, you can find your mailing lists by using the handy search function.  Once you find it, login to the list you just created with the password you assigned.  Doing so will open up a separate administrative panel that allows you to play around with the settings and options.

How to Delete Mailing Lists

If you have mailing lists you want to delete for whatever reason, don’t worry because removing them is easy.  You can even delete multiple lists simultaneously if you choose to.  Before proceeding, we must warn you that by deleting a mailing list, you will also be deleting all the data it contains.  This includes existing messages, archives and member email addresses.  If you feel that you will need this information later on down the road, you should either copy those files or download them to your local hard drive before deleting them.  Keeping this in mind, follow the steps below:

- Login into cPanel and click the “Mailing Listing” icon under the “Mail” category.

- On the “Mailing Lists” page, click the “Mailing Lists” link.

- Next, simply click the “Delete” button next to the list you want to delete.

- Finally, confirm the deletion by clicking the “Yes” button.

Conclusion:

There you have it.  Now that you know how to create mailing lists, you can enjoy a more effective way to manage your email campaigns and stay in touch with your clients.

]]> http://www.version-next.com/blog/index.php/cpanel-tutorial-working-with-mailing-lists/feed/ 28 http://www.version-next.com/blog/index.php/what-is-a-web-hosting-control-panel/ http://www.version-next.com/blog/index.php/what-is-a-web-hosting-control-panel/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:24:54 +0000 admin http://www.version-next.com/blog/?p=1552 A web hosting control panel is simply software that is installed onto the web host’s server that is designed to give you control of web hosting features. Through the web hosting control panel users are able to access and use all the fancy features the web hosts advertise on the features page. Control panels give web hosting users administrative access to set up email accounts, FTP accounts, add subdomains, add databases, manage files and more.

The control panel a company offers can make your web hosting experience a smooth one or extremely frustrating. Keep in mind that every provider has their own preference, preferences in which you may be forced to accept upon signing up with them. What is the primary significance of control panels? The answer is simple – power. A control panel gives you the freedom to control the features of your web hosting account. It allows you to access all the essentials such as your domains, email and FTP accounts, files, databases and much more. When it comes to dedicated server hosting, the control panel is what will enable you to create the best site possible by putting the administrative power in your hands.

Available Control Panels

With so many programs available, choosing one for your dedicated server can be a grueling process. The best way to make this determination is to know what you are looking to achieve and what a particular control panel has to offer. In general, control panels are designed for specific platforms or operating systems, which usually boils down to Windows, Linux or Unix. Some of the most popular options include cPanel, Plesk, Ensim, Hostopia, Sphera and vDeck, all of which are very reliable.

If you are new to the dedicated server environment then you want a control panel that is intuitive and easy to use. However, if you already have a bit of experience, you may prefer something that offers more power and flexibility. Programs such as cPanel and vDeck are very popular and extremely easy to use while control panels like Ensim tend to be more functional and suited for advanced users. If you want something that offers the best of both worlds, Plesk might be a good option as it is both user-friendly and highly functional.

Choosing a Control Panel

One way to find a control panel suited for your dedicated server is to play around with a few demo versions. Many companies will provide you with temporary login credentials to get a feel of the software before making a decision. By doing so, you will experience a number of different platforms and are more likely find a control panel that works best for your requirements. Always remember that any program has a learning curve and will take some time getting used to. Because each control panel has its own set of features and capabilities, you should choose a program that matches your skill level. When basing a control panel on your personal needs, its functionality and your abilities, you will be able to find one that is just right for your dedicated server.

A new version of cPanel was released earlier this year, a product specifically designed for the VPS platform. Aptly named as cPanel VPS Optimized, this version comes with numerous improvements, optimized to consume a minimal amount of memory when the program is idle and not in use. The new control panel offers many of the features you will find on the standard cPanel but is finely tuned for VPS hosting. This optimization allows web hosting companies and end-users to comfortably host multiple domains per server as more memory will be available.

There have been many tests to rate the performance of the new cPanel. In one particular test, a virtual private server with 500 MB RAM showed that the standard cPanel installation left 248 MB RAM free, even when the program is idle and not being used. This means that cPanel claimed more than half the memory on the server. The VPS version showed that when idle, cPanel uses no more than 90 MB RAM and leaving around 495 RAM to be used by other programs and services.

The developers of cPanel were able to optimize the control panel and ensure lower memory consumption by reconfiguring the Apache component associated with it. The Apache server application is what serves the web pages from the virtual private server to the people who wish to view them. While Apache is known to be a memory hog, the VPS version of cPanel was tweaked to keep things running at the same speed without consuming too many resources. By reducing the amount of memory cPanel and its neighboring programs utilize, VPS hosts are able to effectively allocate their servers and offer a more affordable hosting solution.

Aside from the performance tuneup, the new cPanel still provides a simple user interface with an array of great features. With this program, you can handle various tasks that cannot be performed with standard versions. From creating email accounts and password protecting your directories to uploading files and installing software, it can all be done without using the command line. The VPS version supports a number of add-ons which allows you to customize the appearance, enhance functionality and incorporate custom applications. Combining extensive system management and an intuitive GUI, the new cPanel offers the flexibility you need to succeed in VPS hosting.

cPanel VPS Optimized is currently only available in Edge, Current and Release versions. This control panel is however, available through partners and distributors who offer cPanel VPS licenses with their web hosting packages. Because the program is still in testing stage, experts recommend getting hands on with a demo version before using it on a live VPS hosting account.

The main objective of a control panel is to enrich the webmaster’s experience by providing a number of tools that dramatically reduce administrative challenges. One of the most widely used control panels on the market is cPanel and its counterpart WHM (Web Host Manager). Both are incredibly easy to use, offering a Graphical User Interface with icons well designed on the main page. cPanel comes integrated with a variety of features and tools that allow you to control various aspects of your web hosting account and even provides details on bandwidth and other vital statistics.

Similar to most technologies related to the web hosting arena, control panels have evolved tremendously over the years. Aside from the basic functionality such as creating email accounts and adding domains, most of today’s software offer the ability to transfer files via FTP, database management, marketing tools and backup utilities. The average control panel typically comes included with pre-designed templates and software that allows you to build your entire site. Other advanced functionality that has become common is the inclusion of application installers. For example, cPanel is integrated with Fantastico which enables the easy one-click installation of additional software such as WordPress, Cube Cart and Joomla.

There are several factors that must be considered when looking for web host and the control panel is one of the most important of all. Although the software for you will largely depend on your personal requirements, a good control panel should offer the following qualities:

Interface: The control panel interface is the main page and the first thing you will see upon logging into your account. Look for a program that has all the essential features located on the interface as this will make your management tasks much easier.

Platform: In the web hosting world, platform simply refers to the operating system installed on the web host’s server. The platform is crucial as control panels tend to be designed for one system or another.

Features: Control panels are all about features. The more features you get, the greater level of control you will have over your website.

There are numerous control panels on the market and taking the time to choose a good one is extremely important. If you would like to get more hands on, look for a web host that offers a demo version so you can test out the control panel for yourself.

HSPcomplete

With HSPcomplete, you can manage your entire VPS hosting account from a single login interface. The software is based on a template, making it lightweight and incredibly easy to use. Despite the simplicity, it does come integrated with some pretty nice features. HSPcomplete is very reliable but lacks the functionality required to be successful with reseller accounts.

Plesk

Another template-based control panel, Plesk has won numerous awards for its performance in the shared and VPS hosting environment. Unlike HSPcomplete, it is also makes a viable option for reseller hosting. This control panel is fast, feature-rich and reliable, offering benefits to users on the administrator and domain level. If want to give your customers a powerful control panel, Plesk is the answer.

cPanel/WHM

The award-winning cPanel is the leading control panel software. Many web hosts and end-users prefer this application because of its straightforward, feature-rich interface. The GUI is designed in a manner that allows even inexperienced users to thrive with a VPS account. Because cPanel is primarily based on icons and not templates as the control panels mentioned above, it generally takes up more disk space and resources.

Recommendations

If you are still having a difficult time deciding which control panel to choose for your VPS account, the following details may help. Both Plesk and HSPcomplete are created by software company Swsoft, the same people who developed Virtuozzo, the virtualization technology installed on most VPS hosting accounts. These control panels are sure to give you excellent performance as they only leave a small footprint in the Virtuozzo software. This is because the programs are based on a single template running on the physical node instead on the virtual private server.

The cPanel/WHM (Web Host Manager) package never makes a bad choice for the simple fact that it is so easy to use. However, the size of the software and design that fits a great number of icons on the interface makes it a bit slower than other control panels. You can certainly get by with cPanel on a VPS, but you may not get the performance a control panel like Plesk will provide.

Some customers go to a VPS hosting provider having done their research and know what control they want and others have no clue. Whether its in a virtualized environment or typical hosting arrangement, the right control panel all boils down to personal preference. If you have no familiarity with control panel software, your best bet would to check out a live demo and try to determine which program you feel comfortable with.

GNUPanel

A relatively new option, the GNUPanel is an application scripted in the PHP5 programming language and designed to run on the Debian distribution of Linux. The standout features of this software include domain and FTP management, mail management and database administration. This control panel lets you control popular applications such as the Apache web server as well packages like PHP and MySQL among others. The software also enables the automatic installation of various third-party programs including Joomla, phpBB, osCommerce and WordPress among others. Hence the name, GNUPanel has an open-source license under the GPL. Although this control panel is currently restricted to the Debian platform, its developers say the application is currently being designed to support other operating systems.

SysCP

The SysCP control panel allows you to manage your web space, mail, CGI scripts, DNS settings, create custom error pages, view statistics and more. The features integrated into the software provide you with the ability to control a wide variety of applications including Apache, BIND, Courier and ProFTPD. While there are numerous modules built-in into the control panel, there are even more extensions available for download that enable you to administer other aspects of the server. Some of the third-party modules for SysCP include tools that allow you to manage applications such as Fetchmail and SpamAssassin, perform backups of your critical data and more. This control panel supports five major Unix-like distributions with the most notable being Debian, Gentoo, FreeBSD, OpenSuSe and Ubuntu. Under the GNU GPL, SysCP can be freely distributed and modified. Before installing SysCP, be sure to check for compatibility as it supports certain versions of the afore mentioned operating systems.

Webmin

The Webmin control panel is becoming an increasingly popular option for dedicated server customers. This software is incredibly easy to use and loaded with a number of features, which are primarily modules that provide the ability to administer the server. It comes standard with modules for Apache and BIND, a BSD firewall, bandwidth monitoring, a cron job manager and much more. Aside from the built-in modules, Webmin supports a variety of third-party extensions that can be downloaded from the web. It also gives you the option to develop your modules. Webmin currently supports more than 80 different operating systems including Unix, FreeBDS and several variations of Linux. Because it is under the GNU GPL as open-source software, many developers from all over the world have contributed to the code and improved the software. The most recent versions of Webmin have been released under a license similar to that of BSD, basically meaning that it can be freely distributed and modified for both commercial and non-commercial use.