Ask any budding webmaster if they prefer cPanel or vDeck and they will say “cPanel, of course!”. Ask them why, and they will say “Because I’ve never heard of vDeck.”

Truth is, vDeck is very new to the online world, and many webmasters have no clue what it is or how it works. cPanel is today’s industry standard, but vDeck is challenging this notion — and for good reason. Find out why a vDeck host might be just as good — if not better — than a cPanel host.

vDeck: What is it?

vDeck, now approaching its third edition, is a web control panel for managing a website. On vDeck’s official website, vDeck claims this:

“More than just a control panel, vDeck is the next generation in Web site management. With vDeck, creating, managing and promoting your Web site is as easy as 1-2-3!”

vDeck is essentially a huge system for promoting and building your website without knowing any HTML. Some of the features include a web site statistics program (essentially, a tool that tracks your traffic), pre-installed professional design templates, a content manager, and advertising services. It is a complete system for business professionals. It definitely has a more professional, more in-depth feel than cPanel, which is a simpler solution for normal small business professionals. Two of our top hosts, iPowerWeb and StartLogic, use vDeck as part of their web hosting package. Although reviews are mixed (mostly because the interface is harder to learn), it does provide better benefits to professionals. vDeck is complicated, but it is very in depth — perfect for any big e-commerce site.

…So What Makes cPanel so Great?

Unlike vDeck, cPanel has a simpler, easier interface complete with numerous SMM applications. Some of these applications include Tikiwiki, Joomla, and Moodle. All of these applications are part of cPanel’s add-on Fantastico. Many webmasters rave about the usability and functionality of Fantastico, something vDeck lacks. Although vDeck does have numerous features, cPanel has more features that are more applicable to webmasters looking for easy, functional solutions. This is why most cPanel users refuse to use vDeck. vDeck’s format is unfamiliar and tricky, a huge drawback to vDeck’s success. Two of out top hosts, BlueHost and HostGator , use cPanel as part of their web hosting package.

Drawbacks to cPanel

cPanel is not without its own problems. Unlike vDeck, cPanel only offers basic tools to webmasters, unlike vDeck. cPanel is not a great choice for e-commerce owners who want something more complex from their web management system. vDeck includes a wide variety of e-commerce solutions, including Shopsite and osCommerce. Along with that, vDeck offers search engine optimization and submission services, making promotion easy.

Which Should You Choose?

cPanel and vDeck do have drawbacks and advantages – no one is the winner here. If you plan to run a personal or small business website, go with cPanel. It is easy to learn, use, and comes with Fantastico. For more advanced webmasters who want a professional and thorough approach, whether it is for their e-commerce website or just for that added edge, vDeck is a great, professional solution. Choose either of these for easy web management on-the-go.