Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to log in to your cPanel through the client area.

Step 1: Log in to the Client Area

Start by heading over to the SternHost website and logging into the client area using your username and password.

 Step 2: Navigate to Services

Once logged in, locate the “Services” option in the menu, click on it to view all the hosting packages associated with your account. Find the service you want to access and either click the “Active” button or click anywhere on the service row. This will open the details of the specific hosting plan.

Step 3: Access the cPanel

On the service details page, you’ll see a sidebar on the left side. Under the “Actions” section, click on the “Login to cPanel” link.

 Step 5: You’re All Set!

Once you click the link, you’ll be automatically redirected to your cPanel dashboard, where you can manage your website’s backend with ease.

With these easy steps, you’ll have no trouble accessing your cPanel through SternHost’s client area.

The PHP memory limit in WordPress is a key setting that dictates how much memory a PHP script can use on your server. Ensuring this limit is appropriately set is crucial for WordPress and its plugins to function efficiently without straining the server. This guide explains what the PHP memory limit is and how to increase it in WordPress.

Understanding PHP Memory Limit in WordPress

The PHP memory limit is configured in the server’s `php.ini` file and can be adjusted as needed. Default limits often range from 32MB to 128MB, which may be insufficient for larger or more resource-heavy websites. 

 Reasons to Increase PHP Memory Limit in WordPress

1. Running Resource-Intensive Plugins and Themes: Plugins like WooCommerce and complex themes require more memory to operate smoothly.
2. Handling Large Volumes of Content: Sites with extensive content, such as large blogs or media-rich sites, need more memory for efficient performance.
3. Improving Performance and Speed: More memory allows the server to handle tasks more efficiently, reducing slowdowns.
4. Preventing Memory Exhaustion Errors: Avoid the “memory exhausted” error by increasing the limit.
5. Facilitating Updates and Maintenance: Memory-intensive updates can proceed without issues.
6. Enhancing Backend Operations: Tasks like data import/export and bulk actions need sufficient memory.
7. Compatibility with Modern Hosting: Modern WordPress installations often require higher memory limits.

 Methods to Increase PHP Memory Limit in WordPress

• Modify `wp-config.php` File
  1. Access WordPress Files: Use an FTP client or your hosting control panel to access your WordPress files.
  2. Edit `wp-config.php`: Find and open `wp-config.php` in the root directory. Back up the file before editing.
  3. Add Memory Limit Code: Insert `define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);` before the line that says `/ That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. /`.
  4. Save and Upload: Save the changes and upload the file back to the server if using FTP.
• Modify `php.ini` File
  1. Locate `php.ini` File: Typically found in the root directory or a specific folder of your hosting account. Back up the file before making changes.
  2. Edit `php.ini`: Open the file in a text editor.
  3. Set Memory Limit: Find or add the line `memory_limit = 256M`.
  4. Save and Restart Server: Save changes and restart the web server via your hosting control panel or by contacting support.
• Modify `.htaccess` File
  1. Access `.htaccess` File: Located in the root directory. Use an FTP client or hosting control panel to access it and back up the file.
  2. Edit `.htaccess`: Open the file in a text editor.
  3. Add Memory Limit Directive: Insert `php_value memory_limit 256M`.
  4. Save and Upload: Save the changes and upload the file back to the server if using FTP.

 Summary

Properly setting the PHP memory limit in WordPress is essential for optimal site performance and stability. If you’re unable to adjust the memory limit yourself, contact your web host’s technical support for assistance. Remember, while increasing the memory limit can improve performance, it’s important to balance this with the overall resources of your server to avoid affecting its performance negatively.

Here’s how you can add a cPanel email account to the Gmail iOS app:

1. Open the Gmail App: Launch the Gmail app on your iPhone.
2. Add a New Account:
   • Tap your profile picture or the initial in the top-right corner.
   • Select Add another account from the menu.
3. Choose “Other” for Email Provider:
   • On the account type screen, scroll down and select Other.
4. Enter Email Address:
   • Enter your full cPanel email address (e.g., yourname@yourdomain.com).
   • Tap Next.
5. Select Manual Setup:
   • Choose IMAP or POP3 based on your preference. IMAP is recommended since it syncs emails across devices.
   • Tap Next.
6. Input Incoming Server Settings:
   • Username: Enter your full cPanel email address again.
   • Password: Use the password for your email account.
   • Incoming Server (IMAP/POP3):
     • IMAP: mail.yourdomain.com (or server IP if required).
     • POP3: mail.yourdomain.com (or server IP if required).
   • Port: Use port 993 for IMAP or port 995 for POP3.
   • Security: SSL/TLS for security.
   • Tap Next.
7. Input Outgoing Server Settings:
   • SMTP Server: mail.yourdomain.com.
   • Port: Use port 465 or 587 for SMTP.
   • Username: Full cPanel email address.
   • Password: The same password for your email.
   • Tap Next.
8. Finish the Setup:
   • Gmail will verify the settings. If everything is correct, your account will be added, and you’ll be able to send and receive emails.

This should allow you to use your cPanel email within the Gmail app on iOS!

To add a cPanel email account to the Gmail Android app, follow these steps:

1. Open the Gmail app on your Android device.
2. Tap the Menu icon (usually represented by three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner of the app.
3. Scroll down and select “Settings.”
4. Tap “Add Account.”
5. Select “Other” as the account type.
6. Enter your email address (your cPanel email) and tap “Next.”
7. Choose “Personal (IMAP)” or “Personal (POP3)” based on your preference:
   • IMAP allows you to sync your emails across multiple devices.
   • POP3 downloads your emails and stores them locally on the device.
8. Enter your email password when prompted and tap “Next.”
9. Configure incoming server settings:
   • IMAP/POP3 server: Enter your domain name or cPanel server address (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com).
   • Port: Use 993 for IMAP or 995 for POP3 (with SSL enabled).
   • Security type: Choose SSL/TLS.
10. Configure outgoing server settings:
    • SMTP server: mail.yourdomain.com.
    • Port: Use 465 or 587.
    • Security type: SSL/TLS.
    • Username: Your full email address.
    • Password: Your email password.
11. Tap Next and configure any account sync settings (like how often to check for new mail).
12. Finish the setup by tapping Next again, and your cPanel email should be added to Gmail. You can now send and receive messages from your cPanel account using the Gmail app.

1. Export your WordPress database

Begin by exporting your WordPress database, where all your site’s data resides. Most hosting providers offer access to this through phpMyAdmin.

To export your database via phpMyAdmin:

• Log into phpMyAdmin and select your database. Typically, the name will start with “wp_”.
• Go to the Export tab at the top of the interface.
• Choose “Quick – display only the minimal options” as the export method and ensure the format is set to SQL.
• Click the Go or Export button at the bottom to download the database.

Note: The downloaded file will be in .sql format. Compress this file into a zip archive and save it on your computer. This .sql file is crucial for your site’s migration, so handle it carefully.

2. Download your site files

Next, download your WordPress files. Use an FTP client like FileZilla to transfer these files to your local computer.

Here’s the process:

• Install an FTP client such as FileZilla on your computer and open it.
• Enter your hostname, FTP username, password, and port number, which you can obtain from your hosting provider.
• Click Quickconnect to connect to your server.

In the right panel of FileZilla, navigate to the public_html folder, which contains your WordPress installation. Select all files and folders within this directory, right-click, and choose “Download”.

Once downloaded, compress these files into a zip archive to simplify the upload to your new server.

3. Upload your site files to the new server

With your files downloaded and compressed, upload them to your new server.

• Use FTP or the file manager provided by your new hosting provider to upload the zip archive to the public_html folder on the new server.
• If the new server has an existing site, delete its contents first to ensure a clean migration.
• After uploading, extract the zip file in the public_html directory to properly place all your WordPress files and folders.

4. Create a new database

Configuring the wp-config.php file is crucial for connecting WordPress to your new database:

• For a fresh installation: Copy and rename “wp-config-sample.php” to “wp-config.php”.
• For an existing site: Edit the existing wp-config.php file.

Open the file in a code editor and update the following lines with your new database information:

For a new WordPress setup, you’ll need to create a fresh database to import your saved SQL data. The process varies depending on your hosting provider, but there are two primary methods to create a database.

Method 1: Using cPanel

1. Login to cPanel with the cPanel username and password.
2. Click on the “MySQL Databases” icon.
3. In the “Create New Database” section, enter a database name and click Create Database.

Method 2: Using phpMyAdmin

1. Access phpMyAdmin using the provided login credentials.
2. Select the Database tab. This will redirect you to a list of existing databases and an option to create a new one.
3. Enter the new database name into the “Create a new database” field.
4. Click Create.

5. Edit the wp-config.php file

Configuring the wp-config.php file is crucial for connecting WordPress to your new database:

• For a fresh installation: Copy and rename “wp-config-sample.php” to “wp-config.php”.
• For an existing site: Edit the existing wp-config.php file.

Open the file in a code editor and update the following lines with your new database information:

/** The name of the database for WordPress */

define( ‘DB_NAME’, ‘database_name_here’ );

/** Database username */

define( ‘DB_USER’, ‘username_here’ );

/** Database password */

define( ‘DB_PASSWORD’, ‘password_here’ );

/** Database hostname */

define( ‘DB_HOST’, ‘localhost’ );

In this section, you’ll find details like database name, username, and password. Replace this information with that of your new host.

If you’re using a new wp-config.php file, you should also replace your unique keys as well.

Once done, save the file.

6. Import your original database

Import your old database into the new one:

• Log into phpMyAdmin on the new sit and select the newly created database.
• Go to the Import tab and click Browse to choose and upload your .sql file.
• Click Import to begin the process.

7. Change DNS settings

Your site should now be on the new server, but you need to update the DNS settings to point to the new host.

• Log into your domain registrar’s site and update the DNS settings to reflect your new server’s IP address.
• The exact steps will vary depending on where you registered your domain name. Most registrars offer clear instructions on their websites. Just search for it on your domain registrar’s website and follow their guide.

8. Update URLs (if applicable)

If you’re moving to a new domain, you need to update URLs in your database. If you’re keeping the same domain, you can skip this section:

1. Use Search Replace DB Script:
   • Upload the Search Replace DB script to your server and run it through your web browser. This script will help you replace old URLs with the new domain. After using the script, remove it from your server for security reasons.
2. Alternatively, Use a Plugin:
   • Install a plugin like Better Search Replace to update URLs. This method is safer and more user-friendly than using scripts.

Bonus: Simplified Migration

For a less complicated migration, consider using a WordPress migration plugin like UpdraftPlus:

1. Create a Backup:
   • Use UpdraftPlus on your old site to create a backup.
2. Download the Backup:
   • Download the backup files to your computer.
3. Upload and Restore:
   • On the new site, install UpdraftPlus, navigate to Existing Backups > Upload Backup Files, and upload the backup file. Select the backup and click “Restore” to complete the migration.

Conclusion

Migrating a WordPress site can seem intimidating, but by following these steps carefully, you can transfer your site successfully. For those looking for an easier approach, migration plugins can simplify the process significantly. Ensure you take your time and verify each step to ensure a smooth transition.

What is DNS Propagation?

DNS propagation refers to the time it takes for changes to your domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) records, such as updating nameservers, to fully propagate or spread across all DNS servers globally. This process typically takes 24 to 48 hours to complete. During this period, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) around the world update their cached DNS information with the new records for your domain. While some users may see the changes almost immediately, others may still be directed to the old DNS records due to varying cache refresh times across different networks.

In short, DNS propagation is the transition period where some visitors may access your website from the new server, while others are still routed to the old one until the changes have fully propagated worldwide.

Why Does DNS Propagation Take Up to 72 Hours?

Let’s imagine you’re in Bari, Italy, and you’ve just updated the nameservers for a domain hosted in Phoenix, USA. When you try to visit your domain, your request doesn’t go directly to the hosting server. Instead, it passes through several Internet Service Provider (ISP) nodes. First, your computer checks its local DNS cache, then sends the request to your local ISP in Bari. From there, it travels to an upstream provider in Rome, Italy, before connecting to an ISP in Hamburg, Germany. Eventually, the request reaches the USA through New York and finally arrives at the ISP in Phoenix, Arizona.


Here is an example of the request trace – the number of ISP nodes and their location will vary in each particular case:

Each of these ISP nodes has its own DNS cache. If the node doesn’t have the updated DNS information, it retrieves it and stores it for future use. This caching system reduces traffic and speeds up future requests, but it also causes delays in the propagation process. Because ISPs have different cache refresh intervals, the DNS information may not update at the same time across all nodes. This is why DNS propagation can take up to 72 hours for the new nameservers to fully propagate.

Pro Tip: To ensure your computer isn’t showing outdated information, clear your browser’s cache and flush the DNS cache after making DNS changes.

What Are the Ways to Pass DNS Propagation?

 1. Reduce Propagation Time (Before Changing Nameservers)

If you haven’t changed the nameservers yet and want to reduce the time for DNS propagation, here’s what to do:

    – Point to the Destination IP via A Record: Update your current DNS provider’s A record to point to the new server’s IP. Set the TTL (Time to Live) for this record to 300 seconds (5 minutes).

   – Change the Nameservers After the Update: Wait about 30 minutes after updating the A record, then change the nameservers for your domain.

This way, your domain will resolve to the old server for locations where propagation isn’t complete, while new locations will see the updated site.

 2. Use Google Public DNS (After Changing Nameservers)

If you’ve already changed your nameservers, follow these steps to access your updated site:

    – Switch to Google Public DNS: Set your DNS to use Google Public DNS servers by following [these instructions](https://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using).

   – Clear Your Browser and DNS Cache: Clear both your browser cache and your computer’s DNS cache.

   – Flush DNS Records: Use Google’s DNS Flush tool to flush the old records (NS and A) for your domain.

If you are still seeing outdated information on your website, you can temporarily force your domain to resolve to the new IP address by editing the ‘hosts’ file on your computer. This method allows you to access your website from its new server even if DNS propagation is not complete. However, keep in mind that this will only work for you, while other users may still be directed to the old server.

Here’s how it works:

1. Edit the host file on your computer to manually map the domain to the new IP address.

2. Once the changes are made, type your website name in the browser, and it will load from the new server.

Important: After 48 hours, when DNS propagation should be complete, remember to remove the entries you added to the host file.

 Alternative: Use Proxy Services

You can also use proxy services to view your website during DNS propagation. These services allow you to access websites anonymously and check how your site looks from different locations.

How to Check if DNS Propagation is Complete

There’s no exact way to know when DNS propagation is fully complete, as it depends on factors like your ISP, TTL (Time to Live), and geographic location. However, there are a few methods you can use to track its progress.

1. Use Online DNS Checkers: Online tools like DNS Checker allow you to check DNS propagation by showing the DNS records from servers around the world. These tools confirm whether your website is fully propagated globally.
2. Use G Suite Toolbox: The G Suite Toolbox also offers a simple way to check DNS propagation by showing whether your domain has been updated on the global DNS network.
3. Command Line Tools: For a more technical approach, you can run certain commands from your computer to check the IP address your domain is pointing to. Here’s how:

 For Windows Users

1. Click the Start button.

2. Go to All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt (right-click and select Run as Administrator).

3. In the Command Prompt, type one of these commands and hit Enter:

   – `nslookup yourdomain.com`

   – `ping yourdomain.com`

   – `tracert yourdomain.com`

   Note: Replace “yourdomain.com” with your actual domain name.

For Mac Users

1. Open the Applications folder, then go to Utilities and open Terminal.

2. Type one of these commands and hit Enter:

   – `nslookup yourdomain.com`

   – `ping yourdomain.com`

   – `traceroute yourdomain.com`

If the IP address matches your new server, the propagation is complete. If it points to the old server, give it more time.

Conclusion

DNS propagation is a vital part of the process when changing nameservers or DNS records for your domain. Although it can take up to 72 hours, understanding the reasons behind the delay and knowing how to check for propagation completion can help you manage your website during this period. By using techniques like editing the hosts file or utilizing proxy services, you can access your site before global propagation is finalized. Patience is key during this time, but with the right tools, you can ensure a smoother transition.

Remember, whether you’re performing DNS changes or waiting for propagation to complete, always keep track of the progress and take steps to minimize any downtime for your visitors. 

Introduction  

Website performance is very important in today’s fast-paced digital world. A slow-loading website can frustrate users, affect your SEO rankings, and result in lost opportunities. Website optimization is essential for improving user experience, driving traffic, and ensuring your site is running smoothly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to optimize your website’s performance and explore common causes of delays that could be hurting your online success.

Why Website Performance Matters  

Your website’s speed and performance play a critical role in shaping the overall user experience. Studies have shown that users expect websites to load within 2-3 seconds, and if a page takes longer, most visitors will bounce. Additionally, search engines like Google take page speed into account when ranking websites. That means faster websites tend to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs), driving more traffic and improving conversions.

Key Benefits of Website Optimization  

The benefits of optimizing your website extend beyond just speed. Here are a few ways it can positively impact your business:  

• Enhanced User Experience – Faster websites keep users engaged longer, leading to lower bounce rates and higher conversion rates.  
• Improved SEO – Search engines reward faster websites, which can boost your visibility and rankings on SERPs.
• Increased Conversions – A well-optimized website can improve lead generation and sales by keeping users on the page and engaged.

10 Practical Steps to Optimize Website Performance

Now that you understand the importance of website optimization, let’s dive into practical steps to improve your site’s performance.

1. Image Compression: Large images can drastically slow down your website. Use tools like TinyPNG to compress images before uploading them to ensure fast load times.

2. Browser Caching: Implement browser caching to store static files like images and CSS in users’ browsers, speeding up load times for repeat visitors.

2. Minify and Combine JavaScript and CSS Files: Remove unnecessary spaces, comments, and characters in your JavaScript and CSS files. Combine them to reduce the number of HTTP requests.

4. Optimize Image Files: Choose the right formats (JPEG for photos, PNG for transparency) and consider using newer formats like WebP for better compression.

5. Limit the Use of External Scripts: External scripts can slow down your site. Only use essential scripts, and load them asynchronously to prevent delays in page rendering.

6. Limit Redirect Usage: Reduce the number of redirects as they can add latency to your website. Fewer redirects lead to faster loading times.

7. Code Minification: Clean up your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript by removing unnecessary characters to reduce file sizes and improve load speed.

8. Prioritize Content Rendering: Load important content first, such as images and text above the fold, and use lazy loading for less critical elements.

9. Mobile Optimization: Make sure your website is responsive and loads quickly on mobile devices. Google favours mobile-optimized sites for ranking.

10. Font Optimization: Only load the necessary font styles and weights, and use font loading techniques to reduce the impact on site performance.

Tools for Monitoring Website Performance  

To ensure your website is performing at its best, regularly test it using tools like:  

• Google PageSpeed Insights – Provides suggestions to improve website performance.  
•  GTmetrix – Analyze your website speed and offer optimization tips.  
•  Pingdom – Allows you to test website speed from different locations worldwide.

Common Website Performance Issues to Watch Out For  

Some common issues that can cause slow websites include:  

• Unoptimized Images  
•  Excessive Use of Plugins  
•  Too Many HTTP Requests  
•  Server Response Time  
•  Unclean Code  

By identifying and fixing these issues, you can significantly improve your website’s speed and overall performance.

Final Thoughts  

Optimizing your website’s performance is important for improving user experience, boosting your search engine rankings, and keeping visitors engaged. Implement the steps we’ve outlined to ensure your website runs smoothly and efficiently. With regular monitoring and adjustments, you’ll maintain a fast, optimized website that supports your online success. If you’re looking for hands-off management, consider managed hosting services that can take care of the technical aspects of website optimization for you.