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cPanel   is one of the best and most widely used web hosting control panel systems. It’s rich with features and the GUI (web based interface) is easy to use.  It’s compatible   with Red Hat Linux, FreeBSD and several other operating systems.  cPanel for both Windows and Solaris is currently in development.  Here’s a list of just a few of the features   :

Server Backup and Restore
Subdomains (management)
Database Management
Mail (management)
FTP (management)
Stats:  ie. Webalizer, Analog and AW Stats
Network Tools:  ie. DNS Lookup & Traceroute
Advanced Tools:  ie. SSH access & Cron Jobs
Site Tools:  ie. Custom Error Pages & Redirects 
Pre-Installed CGI Scripts:  ie. Bulletin Board, Java Chat 

cPanel also includes an Interactive Knowledge Base and the documentation alone  looks good, it includes a section on “How do I use cPanel?” In addition, you’ll be able to download updates and upgrades . 

You can try it out, however the demos are temporarily unavailable (as of 5/11) on cPanel.net while they’re being migrated to a new system. However, you can sign up for a free 15 day trial: “If you would like a free 15 day trial license to test our software in the meantime, please send an email to billing@cpanel.net and include the IP you wish to have licensed,” states cPanel.net.

How to purchase cPanel

There are various ways to purchase cPanel. One way is via distributors like ServePath .  “There are currently three ways that you can obtain a cPanel license. You can purchase a license from a distributor, obtain a server at a partner NOC that comes with a cPanel license, or if you are purchasing more then 10 licenses you can apply to become a partner NOC. If you just want to try cPanel you can ask billing@cpanel.net for a free 15 day trial license”. Click here for more information and a list of distributors. 

Support

You can submit a support ticket   for any technical difficulties that you may have. However if you purchase your cPanel license through a distributor and are in need of technical support, you must contact that distributor. But with the wealth of information contained in the knowledge base and the support forums, you might not even have to submit a support ticket.

The popularity of cPanel speaks for itself. If you don’t win the 1-year license in our Scavenger Hunt , you can at least try it out for 15 days and then decide if it’s for you. I would try almost anything that might benefit my business or make my life a little bit easier. A lot of WHT members seem to 
like it .