Hosting Control Panel

Getting started with your hosting control panel

Access your hosting control panel to manage your website, email, domains, and security in one place.

Log in to the control panel

Dashboard overview and main areas

After you log in, the main dashboard shows quick links and your account summary. The key menu areas are:

• Website Tools – manage your website files, databases, backups, domains, PHP version, logs, and performance.

• Email Tools – create and manage email accounts, webmail access, forwarding, autoresponders, and junk mail settings.

• Domain & DNS Tools – manage DNS records, nameservers, contacts, and domain redirects.

• Security – control SSL, two-factor authentication, visitor blocking, password protection, hotlink protection, and malware scanning.

• One-Click Installs – install applications such as WordPress, WooCommerce, Joomla, Drupal, OpenCart, Magento, PrestaShop, and other business tools.

Use the left-hand menu or dashboard shortcuts to move between these areas.

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Website Tools

Website Tools give you direct control over files, databases, backups, and core site settings. If you are unsure about any option, especially databases or advanced features, contact Universal Computing before making changes.

File Manager

Use File Manager to view, upload, rename, move, and delete files on your hosting space.

Typical uses:

• Uploading small files such as images or PDFs.

• Editing a configuration file in an emergency.

• Checking that your website files are in the correct folder.

For large uploads or regular work, use FTP Accounts instead of File Manager.

FTP Accounts

Create FTP Accounts to connect from an FTP client on your computer.

You can:

• Create new FTP users with access to specific folders.

• Change FTP passwords.

• Remove FTP users who no longer need access.

For help choosing and setting up an FTP client, contact support.

Backup/Restore

Use Backup/Restore to create and restore backups of your website and databases stored on the hosting server.

You can:

• Take manual backups before making changes.

• Restore from a previous backup if something goes wrong.

Care Essentials includes manual backups on the hosting platform. Higher care plans add off-site backups and restore support.

Snapshot Backups

Snapshot Backups provide quick restore points for your hosting space.

• Create a snapshot before a change, such as updating a plugin or theme.

• Restore a snapshot if the change causes problems.

If you are unsure which snapshot to use, ask Universal Computing to advise.

phpMyAdmin

Use phpMyAdmin to view and manage MySQL databases through a web interface.

Typical safe uses when guided by support:

• Checking that a database exists.

• Exporting a database backup.

• Running a specific query provided by Universal Computing.

MySQL Databases

The MySQL Databases section lets you:

• Create and remove MySQL databases.

• Create and manage database users.

• Link database users to databases.

If your website was set up by Universal Computing, your required databases are already created.

Remote MySQL Access

Remote MySQL Access allows external servers or tools to connect to your databases.

• This is an advanced feature.

• It can increase security risk if used incorrectly.

Only use Remote MySQL Access when a developer has asked for it and with Universal Computing’s guidance.

Manage Domains

Use Manage Domains to view and manage domains linked to your hosting account.

You can:

• Add domains that point to your hosting space.

• Set which folder each domain should use for its website.

• Remove domains you no longer use.

If you are unsure which domain should point where, ask support before changing anything.

Manage Subdomains

Manage Subdomains lets you create subdomains such as shop.yourdomain.co.uk or test.yourdomain.co.uk.

Typical uses:

• A separate area for testing or staging.

• A dedicated sub-site for a shop, blog, or portal.

Remember that each subdomain normally needs its own website files or application.

Change PHP Version

Use Change PHP Version to select which PHP version your website runs on.

• Newer PHP versions are usually faster and more secure.

• Older websites or plugins may need specific versions.

If you want to change the PHP version, first confirm with Universal Computing that your site is compatible.

Scheduled Tasks (Cron Jobs)

Scheduled Tasks (often called cron jobs) let you run scripts at regular times, such as every hour or every day.

Examples:

• Triggering a routine clean-up script.

• Running a regular import or export.

This is a developer-level feature. Only set up scheduled tasks if a developer has given you full instructions.

SSH Access

SSH Access gives command-line access to your hosting space.

• Intended for developers and advanced users.

• Commands run over SSH can change or delete files very quickly.

If you think you need SSH, speak to Universal Computing first to confirm the safest approach.

Block Visitors

Use Block Visitors to prevent access to your website from specific IP addresses or countries.

Helpful for:

• Blocking repeated malicious requests.

• Restricting access from regions where you do not trade.

If you accidentally block yourself, contact support to have the block removed.

Hotlink Protection

Hotlink Protection stops other websites from directly linking to your images or files and using your bandwidth.

• Enable it to reduce abuse of your content.

• Allow your own domains so your site continues to work correctly.

If images stop appearing on your site after enabling hotlink protection, review the allowed domains list or contact support.

SSL Certificate

Your SSL Certificate protects data between visitors and your site and enables https in the browser.

• On managed sites, Universal Computing handles SSL installation and renewal for you.

• The control panel shows SSL status and, in some cases, lets you request or reissue certificates.

If your browser shows a security warning for your site, contact support straight away.

Password Protection

Use Password Protection to protect specific folders with a username and password.

Typical uses:

• A private client area.

• A staging or test site you do not want search engines to index.

Share access details only with trusted users and update passwords regularly.

Directory Indexing

Directory Indexing controls what visitors see when they open a folder without an index page.

• Disable indexing to stop visitors from seeing a list of files.

• Enable it only if you intentionally want to show file listings.

For most business websites, disabling directory indexing is the safest choice.

Website Log Files

Website Log Files record visits, errors, and other activity.

Use them to:

• Investigate issues such as pages not loading.

• Review suspicious activity or repeated errors.

• Share details with Universal Computing when requested.

If you are not comfortable reading log files, download them and send them to support for review.

Website Security

The Website Security section groups tools that protect your site.

Depending on your setup, this may include:

• Malware scanning and clean-up tools.

• Security rules to block common attack patterns.

• Additional configuration for firewalls or security filters.

For any security alert or scan result you do not understand, contact Universal Computing for advice.

Website Builder

Some accounts include a Website Builder that lets you create a site using drag-and-drop tools.

• Managed WordPress sites are normally updated through the WordPress admin area (/wp-admin), not the Website Builder.

• If Universal Computing built your site on WordPress, use the WordPress admin to make content edits.

Ask support which editor you should use if you are unsure.

CDN & Optimisation

CDN & Optimisation tools help your site load faster worldwide.

They may include:

• Content Delivery Network (CDN) settings.

• Caching, image compression, and asset optimisation options.

For best results, ask Universal Computing to review any performance settings you plan to change.

Custom Errors

Use Custom Errors to set your own error pages for situations such as:

• 404 – page not found.

• 500 – internal server error.

Custom error pages can guide visitors back to working content and keep your branding consistent.

Sitemap Generator

The Sitemap Generator creates an XML sitemap that search engines can use to understand your site structure.

• Generate a sitemap after major changes to your site.

• Submit it to search engines through their webmaster tools where appropriate.

Universal Computing can help review your sitemap as part of optimisation work.

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra step to the login process, such as a code sent to your phone.

• Enable 2FA on your hosting control panel to protect your account.

• Keep backup codes in a safe place in case you lose your phone.

Use 2FA wherever it is available, especially for admin or email accounts.

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Email Tools

Email Tools let you create and manage mailboxes linked to your domain, control forwarding, and manage junk mail. Care plans include domain email with generous 10 GB mailboxes.

Create an email mailbox

Use this when you need a new email address, such as info@yourdomain.co.uk or accounts@yourdomain.co.uk.

Access webmail

You can read and send emails using webmail from any browser.

If you prefer to use Outlook or another email app, Universal Computing will provide the correct IMAP and SMTP settings for your domain.

Change an email password

Change passwords regularly, or whenever you think an account may be at risk.

Delete an email mailbox

Only delete a mailbox when you are certain it is no longer needed.

If the mailbox owner still needs access to old emails, ask Universal Computing for advice before deleting them.

Other email features

Beyond full mailboxes, Email Tools also include:

• Email Forwarders – automatically forward messages from one address to another.

• Autoresponders – send an automatic reply when someone emails you, for example, for holidays or out-of-office messages.

• Send-Only Addresses – for addresses that only send mail (for example, no-reply@yourdomain.co.uk) and do not keep an inbox.

• Receive-Only Addresses – for addresses that only receive mail and do not send, such as simple intake or logging addresses.

• Junk Mail Settings – tune spam filters, including how strict they are and what happens to suspected junk mail.

• Catch-All Email – receive emails sent to any address at your domain that does not already exist.

If you notice missing messages or too much spam, adjust your junk mail settings or ask Universal Computing to review them with you.

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Domain & DNS Tools

Domain & DNS Tools control how your domain connects to your website, email, and other services.

Manage DNS

Manage DNS lets you add and edit DNS records for your domain, such as:

• A records – point your domain to a website server.

• MX records – direct email to the right mail servers.

• CNAME, TXT, and other records – used for services such as verification, security, and third-party tools.

Only change DNS records when you know exactly what is required, for example, when adding a verified service or moving a website.

Manage Contacts

Use Manage Contacts to update the contact details attached to your domain registration.

You can:

• Keep the registrant, admin, and billing contact details up to date.

• Ensure that renewals and important notices are sent to the correct email addresses.

If your organisation’s details change, promptly review and update domain contacts.

Change Nameservers

Change Nameservers controls which provider manages your DNS.

For example:

• Use Universal Computing nameservers when they manage your hosting and DNS.

• Point nameservers to a different provider if your DNS is managed elsewhere.

Nameserver changes affect all DNS for your domain. Confirm with Universal Computing which nameservers to use before changing them. For more details, see Domain Nameservers.

Domain Lock

Domain Lock helps protect your domain against unauthorised transfers.

• Keep your domains locked by default.

• Temporarily unlock only when you are making an approved transfer.

After any transfer or major change, check that domain locking is enabled again.

Transfer Away

Use Transfer Away if you need to move your domain to another registrar.

You can:

• Request or view the transfer authorisation code (sometimes called an EPP or transfer code).

• Confirm any steps needed to approve the transfer.

Domain Redirect

Domain Redirect forwards visitors from one domain to another.

Typical uses:

• Redirect a co.uk domain to a com domain (or vice versa).

• Point old brand domains to your main website.

Set the redirect target carefully, then test it after saving to ensure it works as expected.

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One-click application installs

The One-Click Installs area lets you install popular applications without manual uploads or complex configuration.

Common options include:

• WordPress and WooCommerce – for content-managed sites and online shops.

• Joomla and Drupal – alternative content management systems.

• OpenCart, Magento, PrestaShop – dedicated e-commerce platforms.

• Other specialist or business applications.

When you choose an application:

• The installer asks for details such as site name, admin username, and password.

• The system creates the required databases and files automatically.

If Universal Computing built your site in WordPress, they will normally manage updates and major changes for you. Use the WordPress admin area to add content rather than creating a new one-click install.

Contact support before installing a new application on a live site, especially if you already have a site running on the domain.

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Security features

Security tools in the control panel help you protect your website, data, and login details.

Key security-related features include:

• SSL Certificate – encrypts traffic and provides https.

• Two-Factor Authentication – protects your control panel login with an extra code.

• Malware scanning – identifies suspicious files or activity (availability depends on your plan).

• Block Visitors – blocks access from specific IP addresses or regions.

• Password Protection – locks private areas behind a login prompt.

• Hotlink Protection – stops other sites from misusing your images and files.

For most security tools, Universal Computing can configure sensible defaults for your site and adjust them as needed as part of a care plan.

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Website hosting and care plans

Universal Computing care plans include UK-based hosting, a control panel, and a range of website services. All plans include:

• Unlimited UK hosting.

• Content Delivery Network (CDN).

• Domain email with generous 10 GB mailboxes.

• Control panel access.

• Free SSL certificate.

• Unlimited storage and bandwidth for typical business usage.

Care Essentials – £199 per year

Care Essentials is the entry-level plan focused on hosting.

Includes:

• Hosting and control panel access.

• Unlimited storage and bandwidth for your business website.

• Manual backups on the hosting platform.

• Basic support for access and uptime issues.

This plan:

• Has a 12‑month minimum term.

• Is ideal if you have your own web developer to manage updates and changes.

Care Standard – £349 per year

Care Standard adds ongoing website management and protection on top of hosting.

Includes everything in Care Essentials, plus:

• Offsite backups and support with restores.

• Updates via staging, so changes can be tested safely.

• Website monitoring for uptime and key issues.

• Malware scanning and help responding to security problems.

• Performance optimisation and tuning.

• Premium software licences for supported tools, where applicable.

• Google Analytics integration to track website performance.

• Technical support for website-related issues.

• Discounted labour rates for additional work beyond the plan.

This plan also has a 12‑month minimum term and suits most business websites that want ongoing care.

Care Premium – £349 per year + £99 per month

Care Premium builds on Care Standard to support growth and marketing.

Includes everything in Care Standard, plus:

• Ongoing SEO content creation or support.

• Monitoring and optimisation focused on search performance and conversions.

• Regular input from Universal Computing to improve your website over time.

Use this plan if your website is a key part of lead generation or sales, and you want proactive help improving results.

If you are unsure which plan you are on, or you want to upgrade, contact Universal Computing for a review.

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Getting help and support

Help is available by ticket, email, phone, and remote support for care plan clients.

Contact options

You can reach Universal Computing in several ways:

• Support portal – Go to texsupport.uk to raise and track tickets.

• Email – Send support requests to support@universalcomputing.co.uk.

• Phone – Call 01383 840808 or 0131 380 3190 (Monday to Friday, 9 am–5 pm).

• Website – Visit universalcomputing.co.uk for more information and service details.

For general guidance on raising tickets, see Getting Support.

Remote support

If you have a care plan, Universal Computing can often connect remotely to your computer to:

• Help you log in to the control panel.

• Configure email applications.

• Demonstrate how to use specific features safely.

You will normally receive a link or instructions for any remote session and can watch everything that happens on your screen.

Security reminder

Keeping your control panel, website, and email secure is a shared responsibility. Use the tools in this guide and Universal Computing’s support to keep your business online and protected.