If you’re running a website on PHP (like WordPress, Laravel, or Joomla), having the right PHP version and extensions is crucial for performance and compatibility. At Sternhost, we make it easy to manage your PHP settings directly from your cPanel.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Switch PHP versions

• Install or enable PHP extensions

• Troubleshoot common issues

✅ Why PHP Version and Extensions Matter

Your website’s PHP version can affect:

• Speed: Newer versions are faster and more secure.

• Compatibility: Many CMS platforms require a minimum PHP version.

• Security: Older PHP versions no longer receive security updates.

PHP extensions are like plugins that enable extra functionality. For instance:

• pdo_mysql is required for database connections.

• fileinfo is needed for file uploads in WordPress.

🔄 How to Switch PHP Versions in cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel
   Access your Sternhost cPanel using your credentials.

2. Find “Select PHP Version”
   Scroll to the “Software” section and click Select PHP Version.

3. Choose Your PHP Version
   Use the dropdown to select your desired PHP version (e.g., 8.2 or 8.1).

   ✅ Tip: We recommend PHP 8.1+ for most modern websites.

4. Click “Set as current”
   This will apply the selected version to your domain.

🧩 How to Install or Enable PHP Extensions

After choosing your PHP version:

1. In the Select PHP Version screen, you’ll see a list of extensions with checkboxes.

2. Check the boxes for the extensions you need (e.g., mbstring, curl, intl, zip).

3. Click Save.

🔍 Not sure which extensions you need?

Here are some popular platforms and their requirements:

• WordPress: mysqli, curl, zip, json, mbstring, fileinfo

• Laravel: openssl, pdo, mbstring, tokenizer, xml, ctype, bcmath

• Magento: soap, intl, gd, sockets, simplexml

🛠 Troubleshooting PHP Configuration Issues

• Changes not showing?
  Clear your cache or restart your application (for frameworks).

• Missing PHP selector?
  Some hosting plans don’t include the selector. Contact Sternhost Support to upgrade your plan.

• Getting a white screen or 500 error?
  This often means an extension is missing. Check your error logs or enable display_errors.

🔐 Bonus: Improve Security with PHP

While you’re editing your PHP settings, consider:

• Disabling exec() and shell_exec() functions unless needed.

• Setting display_errors to Off in production mode.

• Updating to the latest stable version for security patches.

💬 Need Help?

Our support team is available 24/7. Chat with us or check our Knowledge Base for more tips.

If you’re ready to start broadcasting online, two names dominate the world of internet radio streaming: SHOUTcast and Icecast.

Both platforms allow you to stream live audio to your audience—but which one is best for you? In this post, we’ll break down the pros, cons, features, and differences between SHOUTcast and Icecast to help you choose the right solution for your online radio station with Sternhost.

What Are SHOUTcast and Icecast?

SHOUTcast Overview

SHOUTcast is the older and more established streaming platform. It’s known for its:

• Easy setup

• High compatibility

• Widespread use in radio players and apps

Pros:

• Widely supported on most internet radio directories

• Supports MP3 and AAC+

• Great for commercial radio stations

Cons:

• Limited open customization

• Licensing fees for monetized public stations

Icecast Overview

Icecast is an open-source streaming server developed by the Xiph.org Foundation. It offers flexibility and advanced format support.

Pros:

• Free and open-source

• Supports multiple mount points and formats

• Perfect for personal, hobbyist, or educational broadcasts

Cons:

• Slightly more complex for beginners

• Some players may not support all formats (e.g., OGG)

Feature Comparison Table

Which Should You Choose?

Choose SHOUTcast if:

• You need maximum compatibility with radio directories like TuneIn, SHOUTcast.com, etc.

• You’re running a commercial, licensed station

• You want a simple, plug-and-play setup

Choose Icecast if:

• You want more flexibility and format options

• You prefer free, open-source tools

• You plan to stream privately or as a hobby

SHOUTcast and Icecast on Sternhost

At Sternhost, you get access to both platforms with:

• 📡 Fast streaming servers

• 🎵 Auto DJ (Centova Cast)

• 📱 Mobile and browser support

• 🛠️ 24/7 technical support

👉 Explore Our Internet Radio Hosting Plans

Final Verdict

There’s no universal winner—your choice depends on your technical needs, audience size, and budget.

Still not sure? Our team is happy to help.

📩 Contact Support

The world of broadcasting is no longer limited to FM frequencies. With Internet Radio Hosting, you can reach a global audience with just a computer and an internet connection. Whether you’re starting a music channel, talk show, church stream, or educational broadcast, Sternhost provides the tools and technology to help you go live in minutes.

In this article, we’ll guide you through getting started with your own internet radio station using SHOUTcast or Icecast on Sternhost.

What is Internet Radio Hosting?

Internet radio hosting allows you to broadcast audio content live over the internet. It’s perfect for:

• 🎶 DJs and music curators

• 🗣️ Podcasters or talk show hosts

• 📢 Churches, schools, or community groups

• 📡 Online news and radio stations

With Sternhost, you can choose from SHOUTcast or Icecast, the industry’s most popular streaming platforms.

How It Works (Simplified)

1. You (the host) send audio to a streaming server using software like BUTT or RadioBOSS.

2. The streaming server (Sternhost) sends the live audio to your listeners via a player or browser.

3. Listeners tune in from your website or shareable link.

Step-by-Step: Launch Your Internet Radio Station

✅ Step 1: Choose Your Hosting Plan

Head to Sternhost Internet Radio Hosting Plans and pick a plan that suits your expected number of listeners and bitrate needs.

Look for:

• SHOUTcast or Icecast option

• Disk space (for Auto DJ)

• Bandwidth limit

• Number of listeners

✅ Step 2: Log into Your Azura Cast Panel

Once your account is activated:

1. Log in to Azura Cast Control Panel

2. Use the credentials sent to your email.

3. Familiarize yourself with the dashboard — you’ll see options for AutoDJ, Source, Server Settings, etc.

✅ Step 3: Set Up AutoDJ (Optional)

AutoDJ lets you stream even when you’re offline.

• Upload MP3 files to your library

• Create playlists

• Schedule or loop playlists

• Enable AutoDJ from your panel

No need to stay online 24/7!

✅ Step 4: Configure Your Live Broadcast Software

To go live manually:

1. Download and install BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool):
   👉 https://danielnoethen.de/butt/

2. In BUTT, input the server IP, port, and password (from your panel).

3. Click “Play” or “Start” to go live.

🛠️ Advanced users may prefer RadioBOSS, Mixxx, or SAM Broadcaster.

✅ Step 5: Share Your Stream

Your streaming link will be something like:
🔗 http://stream.sternhost.com:PORT/stream
You can embed a player on your site or share the link directly.

💡 Want a custom branded player? Ask Sternhost Support

Bonus: Understanding SHOUTcast vs Icecast

Need help choosing? See our guide: SHOUTcast vs Icecast: Which Is Better?

Common Uses of Internet Radio Hosting

• Music & DJ streaming

• Podcast rebroadcast

• Sermons and live church audio

• School and university radio

• Live event coverage

Troubleshooting Tips

• ❌ No sound? Check your source connection or audio levels.

• 🔒 Stream offline? Make sure AutoDJ or your source is running.

• ⚙️ Buffering? Lower your bitrate or upgrade your plan.

Need help? Our support team is available 24/7.
📨 Open a Ticket

Final Thoughts

Starting your own online radio station has never been easier. With Sternhost’s reliable internet radio hosting powered by SHOUTcast and Icecast, you get a secure, fast, and flexible broadcasting platform—ready for your voice to be heard.

Seeing a “Not Secure” warning next to your website’s URL can be alarming—both for you and your visitors. It signals that your site doesn’t have a valid SSL certificate, putting your data and credibility at risk.

In this article, we’ll break down why your site shows “Not Secure” and how you can secure it with HTTPS using your Sternhost hosting account.

What Does “Not Secure” Mean?

When a browser like Chrome or Firefox labels your website as “Not Secure,” it means:

Your website is using HTTP instead of HTTPS, and data transferred is not encrypted.

Without SSL encryption, things like login forms, contact details, and payment info are exposed to interception.

Why SSL (HTTPS) Matters

Here’s why you need SSL:

• 🔐 Encrypts data between your site and visitors

• 🛡️ Builds trust and credibility

• 📈 Improves SEO rankings

• 🧾 Required for payment processing

• 🚫 Prevents “Not Secure” browser warnings

Common Reasons for “Not Secure” Warning

How to Fix the “Not Secure” Warning

✅ Step 1: Install an SSL Certificate (Free via Sternhost)

1. Log in to your Sternhost Client Area

2. Go to Services > My Services

3. Click Manage next to your hosting package

4. Under the “Security” section, look for SSL Certificate

5. Click Install Free SSL (Let’s Encrypt)

🔄 Allow 10–15 minutes for full activation.

✅ Step 2: Force HTTPS in cPanel

Once SSL is installed:

1. Log in to cPanel

2. Go to “Domains”

3. Enable the “Force HTTPS Redirect” toggle next to your domain

This ensures all traffic is redirected securely to https://yourdomain.com.

✅ Step 3: Fix Mixed Content Issues

Some pages might still load images, scripts, or styles over HTTP.

1. Use this free tool: https://www.whynopadlock.com/

2. Identify insecure resources (images, CSS, JS)

3. Edit your site code or use a plugin (e.g., Really Simple SSL for WordPress) to correct them.

Bonus Tip: Use AutoSSL or Premium SSL

• AutoSSL: Automatically renews free SSL certificates every 90 days.

• Premium SSL: Offers higher trust, warranty, and visual browser indicators like the padlock.

👉 Compare SSL Options at Sternhost

How to Know If SSL Is Working

• You see a padlock icon in the address bar

• Your URL starts with https://

• No browser security warnings

Final Thoughts

The “Not Secure” warning can drive visitors away and hurt SEO—but it’s easy to fix. With Sternhost, you get free SSL, HTTPS redirect tools, and expert support to help you secure your site in minutes.

Email forwarding lets you automatically redirect incoming emails from one address to another—without needing to check multiple inboxes. Whether you’re trying to forward emails to a Gmail address or another team member, cPanel’s built-in tools make it easy.

In this article, we’ll show you how to create, manage, and delete email forwarders using your Sternhost cPanel account.

What is Email Forwarding?

Email forwarding automatically sends a copy of any message received by one email address to another. For example:

Emails sent to support@yourdomain.com can be forwarded to your personal Gmail at yourname@gmail.com.

This feature is ideal for business owners, teams, or anyone managing multiple email accounts.

Steps to Set Up Email Forwarding in cPanel

✅ Step 1: Log in to Your cPanel

1. Visit 👉 https://yourdomain.com/cpanel
   (Replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain)

2. Enter your username and password.

✅ Step 2: Locate the Forwarders Tool

1. Scroll down to the Email section.

2. Click on “Forwarders.”

✅ Step 3: Add a New Email Forwarder

1. Click “Add Forwarder.”

2. Under Address to Forward, enter the name of the email address you want to forward (e.g., info).

3. Choose the domain from the dropdown if you have more than one.

4. Under Destination, choose “Forward to Email Address” and enter the destination address (e.g., yourname@gmail.com).

5. Click “Add Forwarder.”

✔️ Done! All incoming mail to info@yourdomain.com will now be forwarded to the email you specified.

Optional: Set Up Domain Forwarding (Forward All Emails)

Want to forward all email accounts on a domain?

Here’s How:

1. In the Forwarders section, go to the “Add Domain Forwarder” tab.

2. Select the domain you want to forward from.

3. Enter the destination domain.

🧠 Example: All emails from @yourdomain.com → @anotherdomain.com.

How to Delete or Edit a Forwarder

1. Go back to the Forwarders section in cPanel.

2. Scroll down to see existing forwarders.

3. Click “Delete” next to the one you want to remove, or edit it by deleting and recreating.

Tips and Best Practices

• ✅ Use a dedicated forwarding address (e.g., forward@yourdomain.com) for specific purposes.

• 🔒 Avoid forwarding to blacklisted or unreliable email providers.

• ✉️ You can forward to multiple addresses by creating multiple forwarders.

Troubleshooting Forwarding Issues

If you’re not receiving forwarded emails:

• Make sure the destination email address is correct.

• Check your spam/junk folder.

• Confirm that DNS/MX records are properly configured on your domain.

• Contact Sternhost Support if the issue persists.

Final Thoughts

Email forwarding in cPanel is a powerful tool that simplifies email management. Whether you’re consolidating multiple inboxes or redirecting team emails, Sternhost makes it easy to stay connected.

Webmail allows you to access your email directly from your browser—no need for third-party email clients like Outlook or Thunderbird. At Sternhost, we provide two powerful webmail options: Roundcube and Horde.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to access and use Webmail through cPanel, what each client offers, and how to make the most of your email hosting.

What is Webmail?

Webmail is an online interface that lets you check your email from anywhere in the world using your web browser. When you host a website and email service with Sternhost, you get built-in access to Webmail via Roundcube and Horde.

Accessing Webmail via cPanel

You can access Webmail in two primary ways:

✅ Method 1: Login via cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel:
   👉 https://yourdomain.com/cpanel
   (replace with your actual domain)

2. Under the Email section, click “Email Accounts.”

3. Locate the email address you want to access, then click “Check Email.”

4. Choose either Roundcube or Horde as your default Webmail client.

5. You’re in! Begin sending or managing your email.

✅ Method 2: Direct Webmail Login

Use this if you want to go straight to Webmail without entering cPanel:

1. Go to 👉 https://yourdomain.com/webmail
   (replace yourdomain.com with your domain)

2. Enter your full email address (e.g., info@yourdomain.com) and password.

3. Choose between Roundcube or Horde and access your inbox.

Roundcube vs Horde: What’s the Difference?

🟢 Choose Roundcube if:

• You want a clean and simple experience.

• You mainly send, receive, and organize emails.

🟠 Choose Horde if:

• You need calendar, task, and note features.

• You prefer a full-featured webmail suite.

Key Features of Webmail

• 📥 Read and reply to emails

• 📤 Send emails with attachments

• 📁 Organize messages into folders

• 🔍 Search your inbox

• 🧾 Set up email filters and forwarders

• 🔒 Change your email password

• 🚫 Mark spam and block senders

📌 Pro Tip: Want to forward Webmail to Gmail? Learn how to set up email forwarding in cPanel.

Managing Your Email Storage

Your webmail inbox shares storage with your hosting account. To avoid hitting limits:

• Regularly delete old emails or archive them.

• Empty your spam and trash folders.

• Use IMAP with desktop clients to manage space.

Need more space? Upgrade your hosting plan for higher storage limits.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

❓ Can’t log in?

• Double-check your email address and password.

• Make sure your domain is pointing to Sternhost and DNS is properly set.

🛑 Email not sending?

• Ensure SMTP settings are correct.

• Check if your domain’s DNS records (especially MX) are configured.

If problems persist, contact Sternhost Support.

Final Thoughts

Webmail is an essential tool for managing your email on the go. Whether you prefer the minimalism of Roundcube or the features of Horde, Sternhost ensures you have a secure and user-friendly environment to handle your communication needs.

If you’ve forgotten your cPanel password or simply want to change it for security reasons, don’t panic. This guide will walk you through resetting your cPanel password in a few easy steps using your Sternhost Client Area or WHM (Web Host Manager) if you’re a reseller or VPS user.

Why You Might Need to Reset Your cPanel Password

There are several reasons to change your cPanel password:

• You’ve forgotten the current password.

• You suspect your account may have been compromised.

• You want to maintain good security hygiene by updating your password regularly.

Regardless of the reason, resetting your cPanel password is quick and straightforward.

Method 1: Reset via Sternhost Client Area

The easiest way to reset your cPanel password is through the Sternhost Client Area.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Log in to your Sternhost Client Area:
   👉 https://www.sternhost.com/clientarea

2. Navigate to Services > My Services.

3. Locate your Hosting Package and click “Manage” or “View Details.”

4. On the service details page, click “Change Password” under the Actions tab.

5. Enter your new password and confirm it.
   🔒 Use a strong password that includes upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

6. Click “Save Changes.”

You can now access your cPanel with the new password.

Method 2: Reset Password via WHM (For Resellers/VPS Users)

If you have WHM (Web Host Manager) access, you can reset cPanel passwords for any account under your management.

How to Do It:

1. Log in to WHM:
   👉 Usually at https://yourdomain.com:2087
   (Replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain)

2. Search for “List Accounts” in the left-hand menu.

3. Find the domain you want to reset and click the “+” icon beside it.

4. Click “Change Password.”

5. Enter a new password and click “Change.”

Done! The user can now log in to cPanel with the updated credentials.

Optional: Reset via cPanel Login Page (If Enabled)

Some servers allow password reset directly from the cPanel login page.

1. Go to your cPanel URL (e.g., https://yourdomain.com:2083).

2. Click “Reset Password” or “Forgot Password?”

3. Follow the email instructions sent to your registered email address.

⚠️ Note: This feature must be enabled by the hosting provider. If it’s not available, use Method 1.

Tips for Managing cPanel Passwords

• Use a password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass to store your login credentials.

• Never reuse passwords across multiple platforms.

• Regularly update your passwords every 3–6 months.

Need Help?

If you run into any issues, Sternhost support is always here to help.

📩 Submit a Support Ticket

Final Thoughts

Resetting your cPanel password on Sternhost is simple and secure. Whether you’re managing a personal website or client sites as a reseller, keeping your credentials safe ensures your hosting environment stays protected.

Have more questions? Explore our Knowledge Base or reach out to our support team today.

Every website depends on the internet protocol (IP) address to connect users and servers. But with the explosive growth of the internet, the original addressing system — IPv4 — has become insufficient. Enter IPv6, the next-generation protocol designed to solve these limitations. Understanding the differences between IPv4 and IPv6 is essential for website owners who want their sites to stay accessible, fast, and secure.

What Are IPv4 and IPv6?

• IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4): Launched in the 1980s, IPv4 uses a 32-bit address format, allowing around 4.3 billion unique IP addresses. For example, an IPv4 address looks like: 192.168.1.1.

• IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6): Developed in the late 1990s, IPv6 uses a 128-bit format, providing a virtually unlimited number of addresses (about 3.4×10^38). An example IPv6 address looks like: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.

The shortage of IPv4 addresses has made IPv6 essential for the future growth of the internet.

Why IPv6 Matters for Website Owners

1. Address Exhaustion

The primary reason IPv6 exists is to solve IPv4 address exhaustion. Many ISPs and hosting providers have started allocating IPv6 addresses, and some regions already face IPv4 shortages.

2. Improved Performance

In some cases, IPv6 can improve website loading speeds by enabling more direct routing and fewer network address translations (NATs). Studies by Google on IPv6 adoption show increasing IPv6 traffic worldwide.

3. Better Security Features

IPv6 was designed with security in mind. It natively supports IPsec (Internet Protocol Security), which encrypts and authenticates data traffic. Though IPsec can also be used in IPv4, it is mandatory in IPv6.

4. Future-Proofing

IPv6 adoption is accelerating globally. Websites that don’t support IPv6 risk losing accessibility as ISPs and networks transition.

How to Check If Your Website Supports IPv6

You can use tools like:

• IPv6-test.com

• Google’s IPv6 Test

These will show whether your website and hosting provider support IPv6.

What Website Owners Should Do Next

1. Talk to Your Hosting Provider

Make sure your host supports IPv6. Many modern hosts provide dual-stack support, meaning your website works on both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

2. Update DNS Records

Your DNS must include AAAA records to point your domain to the IPv6 address of your server. This ensures users on IPv6 networks can reach your website.

3. Test Your Website

Use online tools to verify your site works over both IPv4 and IPv6.

4. Monitor Traffic

Once enabled, monitor your traffic analytics to see how many visitors use IPv6.

For guidance on DNS and IP configurations, the Cloudflare Learning Center is a great resource.

What Happens If You Don’t Support IPv6?

Your website will remain accessible to IPv4 users, but as the internet moves forward:

• Some users (especially on mobile and emerging markets) may experience slower connections or fail to reach your site.

• SEO could be affected due to performance or accessibility issues.

• Your infrastructure may become more costly and complex, relying on IPv4-to-IPv6 translation methods.

Final Thoughts

IPv6 is no longer optional for websites aiming to stay competitive and accessible worldwide. By ensuring your site supports IPv6 alongside IPv4, you’ll future-proof your online presence and potentially improve performance and security.

Ready to host your website on a platform that fully supports modern internet protocols and ensures fast, secure, and reliable connections? Explore our optimized hosting plans built for the evolving web.

One of the first steps in launching your website with Sternhost is connecting your domain name to our servers. Whether your domain is registered with us or another registrar (like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains), this guide walks you through how to point your domain to your Sternhost hosting plan using DNS.

🔍 What Does “Pointing Your Domain” Mean?

When you register a domain, it needs to know where your website lives. That’s done through Domain Name System (DNS) settings — specifically nameservers or A records — that tell the domain to connect to your Sternhost hosting account.

✅ Step-by-Step: Pointing Your Domain to Sternhost

Option 1: Change Nameservers (Recommended)

This is the easiest and most flexible method — it allows Sternhost to manage your DNS settings completely.

✏️ Step 1: Locate Sternhost Nameservers

After purchasing your hosting plan, you’ll receive a welcome email from Sternhost with nameservers. Typically, they look like this:

If you didn’t receive them, you can also find them in your Sternhost Client Area under My Services > Hosting Details.

✏️ Step 2: Log in to Your Domain Registrar

Go to where your domain is registered (e.g. GoDaddy, Namecheap).

• Find the DNS Management or Nameservers section.

• Choose “Custom Nameservers.”

• Replace existing nameservers with Sternhost’s:

• Save or confirm the changes.

⏳ DNS changes may take up to 24–48 hours to fully propagate worldwide.

Option 2: Update A Records (Advanced)

If you want to keep DNS management with your registrar but point only the web traffic to Sternhost, you can update the A record.

✏️ Step 1: Get Your Sternhost Server IP

Find your shared IP address in your cPanel Dashboard or in the welcome email.

✏️ Step 2: Modify A Record at Your Registrar

• Go to DNS settings.

• Locate the A record for your root domain (@) and www.

• Edit the IP to match the Sternhost IP (e.g. 185.123.45.67)

• Save your changes.

🧠 Don’t forget to delete or disable conflicting A records to avoid routing issues.

🌍 How to Check If DNS Has Propagated

Use tools like:

• WhatsMyDNS

• DNS Checker

Enter your domain and check that the nameservers or A records are pointing to Sternhost.

🛡️ Bonus Tip: Enable SSL After DNS Propagation

Once your domain is fully connected, head into your cPanel > SSL/TLS section and install a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate.

🔗 How to Install an SSL Certificate on Sternhost →

🚀 Why Choose Sternhost?

• Fast, secure SSD hosting

• Free domain registration on select plans

• 24/7 expert support

• Easy-to-use cPanel interface

👉 Explore Hosting Plans

🧠 Need Help?

Visit our full Knowledgebase, or reach out to Sternhost Support — we’ll help you every step of the way.