Getting Started with Your Hosting Account

Welcome to DesignThat Cloud! This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get started with your new hosting account, from logging into cPanel to setting up your first website and email addresses.

1. Accessing Your Control Panel (cPanel)

Your hosting account is managed through cPanel, a web-based control panel.

  • Login URL: https://yourdomain.co.za:2083/ (replace yourdomain.co.za with your actual domain)

  • Username: Provided in your welcome email

  • Password: Provided in your welcome email

Once logged in, you’ll be able to manage files, databases, email accounts, and more.

2. Domain Propagation

If you registered a new domain with your hosting package, please note that it can take up to 48 hours for your domain name to become visible on the internet. This is called DNS propagation.

In the meantime, you can:

  • Access your website using the temporary URL provided in your welcome email.

  • Upload files via the temporary FTP hostname (your server’s IP).

3. Uploading Your Website

You can upload your website in one of two ways:

  • cPanel File Manager: Log into cPanel → go to File Manager → upload your files to the public_html directory.

  • FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Use an FTP client (like FileZilla) with the details in your welcome email.

Once propagation is complete, your website will be live at your domain.

4. Creating and Managing Email Accounts

To set up custom email addresses (e.g., [email protected]):

  1. Log in to cPanel.

  2. Go to Email Accounts under the Email section.

  3. Click Create, choose a username and password, then set storage limits.

  4. Use the provided settings in your welcome email to connect your email address to clients such as Outlook, Thunderbird, or mobile apps.

Email Settings:

  • Incoming (POP3/IMAP): mail.yourdomain.co.za

  • Outgoing (SMTP): mail.yourdomain.co.za

  • Username: Full email address

  • Password: As configured in cPanel

5. Managing DNS and Nameservers

If your domain is registered elsewhere, you’ll need to update its nameservers to point to DesignThat Cloud. These are provided in your welcome email.

Once updated, allow up to 48 hours for changes to take effect.

6. Security Best Practices

  • Change your cPanel password after first login.

  • Use strong, unique passwords for FTP, email, and databases.

  • Keep any CMS (like WordPress) and plugins up to date.

  • Enable 2FA in cPanel for added security.

7. Need Help?

If you require assistance, please contact us:

Our team is here to help you every step of the way.

Still need help?

Contact us

Hosting