Every Website Needs a Control Panel
When you buy web hosting, you get a control panel — a web-based dashboard where you manage everything about your hosting: files, email accounts, databases, SSL certificates, and more. Hostiko uses DirectAdmin.
DirectAdmin vs cPanel — What's the Difference?
- cPanel — The most well-known hosting control panel. Widely used but expensive (cPanel dramatically raised prices in 2019).
- DirectAdmin — A fast, modern, and more affordable alternative. Used by many quality Kenyan hosts including Hostiko. Does everything cPanel does at lower cost.
What Can You Do in DirectAdmin?
- Upload and manage website files (File Manager)
- Create and manage email accounts
- Install WordPress with one click (Softaculous)
- Manage MySQL databases
- Set up SSL certificates (free Let's Encrypt)
- View website statistics and error logs
- Set up subdomains and parked domains
- Manage FTP accounts
- Create cron jobs for automated tasks
Is DirectAdmin Difficult to Use?
Not at all. DirectAdmin has a clean, intuitive interface. Most Kenyan website owners learn it within an hour. Hostiko also provides video guides and our Nairobi support team is available to walk you through anything.