Ensuring that every visitor to your website uses a secure HTTPS connection is critical for data privacy, SEO ranking, and user trust. If your site is hosted on Sternhost or any other cPanel-powered hosting platform, you can easily force all traffic to use SSL by adding a few lines of code to your .htaccess file.

In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to enable HTTPS redirection using .htaccess and why it’s important.

Why Force SSL?

Forcing SSL ensures:

• Data Encryption – Protects sensitive user data like login credentials and payment details.

• Improved SEO – Google prioritizes HTTPS websites in search rankings.

• Trust & Credibility – Visitors feel safer seeing the secure padlock icon in the browser.

If you haven’t installed an SSL certificate yet, you can quickly set up a Free Let’s Encrypt SSL on Sternhost or purchase a premium SSL for added features.

Step 1: Access Your .htaccess File

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard (or via Sternhost Client Portal).

2. Go to File Manager → public_html.

3. Locate the .htaccess file.

   • If you don’t see it, enable “Show Hidden Files” in the File Manager settings.

Step 2: Add the SSL Redirect Rule

Edit the .htaccess file and insert the following code at the very top:

• RewriteEngine On activates Apache’s rewrite module.

• RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off checks if the visitor is not using HTTPS.

• RewriteRule permanently redirects all traffic to HTTPS.

Step 3: Save and Test

• Save the file and refresh your website.

• Visit http://yourdomain.com—it should automatically redirect to https://yourdomain.com.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Backup First: Always create a backup of your .htaccess file before editing.

• Mixed Content: Ensure all internal resources (images, scripts) use HTTPS to avoid security warnings.

• Clear Cache: Clear browser and CDN cache to see immediate changes.

Extra Security with Sternhost

Sternhost offers free SSL certificates and one-click HTTPS enforcement directly in cPanel, making the process even easier.
👉 Get Sternhost Web Hosting to enjoy built-in SSL management, automatic renewals, and 24/7 support.

SEO Tips

• Use tools like SSL Checker to confirm proper installation.

• Add an HSTS header to enforce HTTPS for all future connections.

Final Thoughts

Enforcing SSL with .htaccess is a simple yet powerful way to secure your website, boost search rankings, and build trust with visitors. If you host with Sternhost, SSL management is seamless, ensuring your site stays secure at all times.

Protecting your domain name is one of the most critical steps in securing your online presence. A domain lock helps prevent unauthorized transfers, ensuring that your valuable web address stays under your control. In this guide, we’ll explain how to lock and unlock your domain using your Sternhost client portal and why it matters for your website security.

What is Domain Locking?

Domain locking is a security feature that prevents unauthorized domain transfers. When a domain is locked:

• Your registrar will reject any attempts to transfer it to another provider.

• The domain’s settings remain protected from accidental or malicious changes.

Unlocking the domain is only required when you want to transfer your domain to a new hosting provider.

Why Locking Your Domain is Important

• 🔒 Prevents Unauthorized Transfers: Stops hackers or third parties from moving your domain away without permission.

• ✅ Protects Your Brand: Keeps your business identity safe.

• 💡 Peace of Mind: Ensures your website remains accessible and secure.

How to Lock Your Domain in Sternhost

Sternhost makes it easy to lock your domain with just a few clicks:

1. Login to Your Sternhost Client Portal.

2. Go to Domains and select the domain you want to secure.

3. Locate the Registrar Lock option in the domain settings.

4. Toggle the switch to Lock to enable domain locking.

Once locked, your domain is safe from unauthorized transfers.

How to Unlock Your Domain

You may need to unlock your domain if you plan to transfer it to another provider:

1. Login to your Sternhost Client Area.

2. Go to Domains → select the domain.

3. Find Registrar Lock and toggle it to Unlock.

4. Save your changes to allow transfers.

⚠️ Tip: Only unlock your domain when you’re ready to transfer. Always relock it after the process is complete.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your domain locked ensures that your online business remains secure. With Sternhost’s easy-to-use dashboard, you can lock or unlock your domain anytime, protecting your digital assets from unauthorized access.

A secure website builds trust and protects sensitive data. Whether you’ve purchased an SSL certificate from a provider like DigiCert, Comodo, or Namecheap, installing it correctly on your hosting account is crucial.

If you use Sternhost’s reliable web hosting, installing a third-party SSL certificate in cPanel is quick and hassle-free. This guide will show you how to set it up step by step.

Why Install a Third-Party SSL Certificate?

While free SSL solutions like Let’s Encrypt are great for basic encryption, a third-party SSL certificate can offer:

• Extended Validation (EV) for higher trust levels.

• Wildcard Support to secure multiple subdomains.

• Advanced Encryption and stronger warranties.

• If you require business validation or premium features, a third-party SSL is the way to go.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Third-Party SSL in cPanel

1. Purchase and Obtain Your SSL Certificate

• Buy your SSL certificate from a trusted provider (e.g., DigiCert, GeoTrust, Sectigo).

• During purchase, you’ll be asked for a CSR (Certificate Signing Request)—you’ll generate this inside cPanel.

2. Generate a CSR in cPanel

• Log in to your cPanel account from your Sternhost dashboard

• Navigate to Security > SSL/TLS.

• Click Generate, view, or delete SSL certificate signing requests (CSRs).

• Enter your domain details (Common Name, City, Country, etc.).

• Click Generate and copy the CSR provided.

3. Submit the CSR to Your SSL Provider

• Paste the generated CSR into your SSL provider’s order form.

• They’ll validate your domain or organization (depending on the SSL type).

• After verification, you’ll receive certificate files via email (usually a .crt file and CA bundle).

4. Upload the SSL Certificate to cPanel

• Return to cPanel > SSL/TLS.

• Click Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS).

• Select your domain.

• Paste the certificate code (or upload the .crt file).

• Click Install Certificate.

✅ Your third-party SSL is now active!

Verifying the SSL Installation

After installation:

• Visit your site using https://yourdomain.com to confirm.

• Use tools like SSL Checker to ensure everything is set up correctly.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Mismatch Error: Make sure the CSR and certificate were generated for the same domain.

• Intermediate Certificates: Always upload the CA bundle to prevent browser trust issues.

• Propagation Delay: It may take a few minutes for changes to reflect.

Why Choose Sternhost for SSL Installation

At Sternhost, our cPanel hosting plans support all SSL types, whether free or premium. With 24/7 support, automatic backups, and a robust infrastructure, installing and maintaining third-party SSL certificates is seamless.

Conclusion

Installing a third-party SSL certificate in cPanel enhances security and improves trustworthiness for your website visitors. Whether you need standard encryption or advanced validation, Sternhost’s cPanel hosting gives you the flexibility to secure your site with ease.

Email is the lifeline of business communication. But sometimes, you might run into the dreaded error: “Cannot connect to SMTP server.” This issue usually occurs when your email client or application cannot establish a connection with the mail server.

If you’re hosting your emails on Sternhost (whether shared hosting, business hosting, or VPS), this guide will help you diagnose and fix SMTP connection errors quickly.

Common Causes of SMTP Connection Errors

Before diving into fixes, let’s understand why this happens:

1. Incorrect SMTP server details – wrong hostname, port, or security type.

2. Blocked ports by ISP or firewall (often Port 25).

3. Authentication issues – incorrect username/password.

4. SSL/TLS misconfiguration.

5. Mail server downtime or misconfigured DNS (MX records).

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. Verify Your SMTP Settings

For Sternhost email, use the following standard details:

• SMTP Host: mail.yourdomain.com

• SMTP Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS)

• Username: Your full email address (e.g., info@yourdomain.com)

• Password: Your email password

👉 Double-check these in your email client (e.g., Outlook, Thunderbird, mobile mail apps).

2. Test SMTP Connectivity

Run this command in Terminal/Command Prompt:

If it fails, the port may be blocked or misconfigured.

3. Change SMTP Port

• Try switching from Port 25 (commonly blocked by ISPs) to Port 465 (SSL) or Port 587 (TLS).

• In cPanel, go to Email Accounts → Connect Devices for recommended settings.

4. Check Authentication

Make sure “My outgoing server requires authentication” is enabled in your email client. Without this, the server will reject your connection.

5. Verify SSL/TLS Certificates

If you’re using a custom domain with SSL, ensure the certificate is valid. Expired or self-signed certificates can cause connection issues.

• In Sternhost cPanel, use AutoSSL to issue free certificates.

• Reconfigure your email client to use SSL/TLS.

6. Update DNS (MX Records)

Ensure your MX records are correctly pointing to Sternhost servers. Incorrect MX or A records can cause mail delivery and connection errors.

👉 In cPanel → Zone Editor → verify mail.yourdomain.com points to your Sternhost server IP.

7. Check Firewall or Antivirus

Some firewalls or antivirus programs block SMTP ports. Temporarily disable them and test again.

• On Sternhost VPS, make sure your firewall (CSF or iptables) allows Ports 465, 587.

8. Contact Sternhost Support

If all else fails, it might be a server-side issue. The Sternhost support team can quickly help troubleshoot SMTP logs, firewall rules, and mail server configs.

Preventing Future SMTP Issues

• Always use secure ports (465/587) instead of Port 25.

• Keep your domain’s DNS and SSL updated.

• Regularly monitor mail server health in Sternhost cPanel or VPS dashboard.

Conclusion

The “Cannot connect to SMTP server” error can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s caused by simple misconfigurations or blocked ports. By following the steps above, you can restore smooth email sending from your Sternhost hosting account.

If you’re still experiencing issues, don’t hesitate to contact Sternhost Support for expert help.

When running a website or web application, you may need specific PHP modules to enhance functionality. For example, applications like WordPress, Laravel, or Magento often require modules like cURL, GD, mbstring, or ionCube Loader. With Sternhost VPS hosting, you have full root access, which gives you the flexibility to install and configure any custom PHP modules your project requires.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing custom PHP modules on your Sternhost VPS, ensuring your server is optimized for your website’s unique needs.

Step 1: Connect to Your Sternhost VPS

First, log into your VPS via SSH. On your local machine, run:

Replace your-server-ip with your Sternhost VPS IP address (found in your Sternhost Client Portal).

Step 2: Update Your Server

Before installing new modules, update your package manager to ensure you have the latest versions:

For Ubuntu/Debian:

For CentOS/AlmaLinux:

Step 3: Install PHP and Common Modules

If PHP is already installed on your Sternhost VPS, you can skip this. Otherwise, install PHP and essential modules.

For Ubuntu/Debian:

For CentOS/AlmaLinux:

Step 4: Install Custom PHP Modules

To add specific or custom modules:

• Check available modules

• Install a module

• For PECL extensions (e.g., ionCube, xdebug):

Enable the module by editing the php.ini file:

Add the line:

Restart Apache or Nginx + PHP-FPM:

or

Step 5: Verify Installation

Check if the module is installed correctly:

Or create a phpinfo.php file in your website’s root directory:

Visit yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php and confirm the module is enabled.

Benefits of Installing Custom PHP Modules on Sternhost VPS

✅ Enhanced Performance – Tailor PHP to your app’s needs.
✅ Increased Compatibility – Run complex apps like Magento or Laravel with required extensions.
✅ Full Control – Unlike shared hosting, Sternhost VPS lets you install any module.

Conclusion

Installing custom PHP modules in your Sternhost VPS hosting environment is simple and powerful. Whether you need standard modules like GD or advanced ones like ionCube, Sternhost gives you the flexibility to customize your server to meet your exact requirements.

👉 Ready to take your hosting to the next level? Explore our Sternhost VPS Hosting Plans and gain complete control over your web environment.

When it comes to web hosting and server performance, the way your server processes dynamic requests determines how fast and reliable your website runs. Three major methods are CGI, FastCGI, and PHP-FPM. While they serve a similar purpose, their efficiency and scalability vary significantly.

In this guide, we’ll explore each, their differences, and which one is best for your website.

1. CGI (Common Gateway Interface)

CGI is one of the earliest standards for running dynamic web applications.

• How it works: For every request, the web server spawns a new process.

• Pros:

  • Very simple to implement

  • Works with multiple programming languages

• Cons:

  • Extremely slow for high-traffic sites

  • High CPU and memory usage due to spawning new processes

👉 Best for legacy systems or very low-traffic sites.

2. FastCGI

FastCGI was developed to improve CGI’s inefficiency.

• How it works: Instead of creating a new process for every request, it keeps processes running and reuses them.

• Pros:

  • Much faster than CGI

  • Reduces server overhead

• Cons:

  • More complex setup

  • Idle processes may still consume memory

👉 Ideal for medium to large websites where performance is important.

3. PHP-FPM (PHP FastCGI Process Manager)

PHP-FPM is an advanced version of FastCGI designed specifically for PHP.

• How it works: Manages pools of PHP worker processes with advanced features.

• Pros:

  • Superior performance for PHP applications

  • Process recycling prevents memory leaks

  • Can assign dedicated pools to different apps/sites

  • Better error handling and logging

• Cons:

  • Only works with PHP-based applications

👉 The best option for high-traffic PHP sites such as WordPress, Laravel, or e-commerce platforms.

4. Key Differences Table

5. Which One Should You Use?

• Avoid CGI unless you are running very old applications.

• FastCGI works well but is less efficient compared to PHP-FPM.

• PHP-FPM is the modern standard and should be your default for PHP-based hosting.

If you’re hosting on Sternhost, PHP-FPM is supported out of the box for maximum performance and stability.

Final Thoughts

CGI, FastCGI, and PHP-FPM all serve the purpose of processing server-side requests, but PHP-FPM stands out as the most efficient for today’s PHP-driven web.

👉 Want faster, more reliable hosting? Explore Sternhost’s optimized hosting plans today!

CGI (Common Gateway Interface) scripts allow you to create dynamic and interactive websites by running scripts written in languages such as Perl, Python, or C. If you’re hosting your website on a Linux-based server, cPanel makes it easy to enable and manage CGI scripts.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to enable CGI scripts in cPanel, best practices, and common troubleshooting tips.

What Are CGI Scripts?

CGI scripts are programs that run on the server to generate dynamic content for web pages. They are often used for:

• Contact forms

• Guestbooks

• Counters and trackers

• File upload/download tools

How to Enable CGI Scripts in cPanel

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Visit yourdomain.com/cpanel and log in using your hosting account credentials.

Step 2: Go to Software Section

In the Software section of your cPanel dashboard, look for Optimize Website or CGI Center (depending on your cPanel theme).

Step 3: Enable CGI Support

1. Navigate to CGI Center (if available).

2. If CGI is not enabled by default, you may need to adjust Apache handlers.

   • Go to Advanced → Apache Handlers.

   • Add a handler for .cgi and .pl extensions using:

     cgi-script


Step 4: Upload Your CGI Scripts

1. Place your CGI scripts in the cgi-bin directory inside your public_html folder.

2. Ensure the script files have the correct permissions:

   chmod 755 script.cgi


3. Use a shebang line at the top of your script (example for Perl):

   #!/usr/bin/perl


Step 5: Test Your Script

Access the script in your browser:

If properly configured, your script will execute instead of showing raw code.

Best Practices for CGI Scripts

• Always set correct file permissions (755).

• Keep scripts inside cgi-bin for security and organization.

• Validate all inputs to prevent exploits.

• Use HTTPS (with a free Let’s Encrypt SSL from Sternhost) to secure form submissions.

Troubleshooting CGI Errors

• 500 Internal Server Error – Check file permissions and shebang path.

• Script Download Instead of Execution – Apache handler for .cgi or .pl might be missing.

• Permission Denied – Ensure ownership and permissions are correctly set.

Conclusion

Enabling CGI scripts in cPanel is straightforward and allows you to create dynamic, interactive websites. With just a few adjustments in your cPanel settings and correct script permissions, you can deploy powerful server-side scripts in minutes.

At Sternhost, we provide fast, reliable hosting with full CGI support so you can focus on building feature-rich websites without worrying about server setup.

Managing a Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a critical responsibility for website owners, developers, and businesses. Sometimes, rebooting your VPS becomes necessary—whether due to software updates, troubleshooting, or server optimization. However, rebooting incorrectly can lead to data loss, downtime, or corrupted configurations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the safe methods to reboot your VPS without compromising stability or performance.

Why You May Need to Reboot Your VPS

There are several reasons why rebooting a VPS might be required:

• Installing updates or patches (e.g., kernel upgrades)

• Resolving system errors or crashes

• Clearing stuck processes that consume excessive resources

• Applying configuration changes to services or applications

• Improving performance after heavy usage

Before proceeding, always ensure you’ve taken the right precautions.

Precautions Before Rebooting

To avoid risks, follow these best practices before restarting your VPS:

1. Backup your data – Use tools like CodeGuard Backup to ensure your files and databases are safe.

2. Notify users/clients – If your VPS hosts live websites or applications, inform users about the scheduled downtime.

3. Check system logs – Identify the root cause of issues using dmesg or /var/log/syslog.

4. Shut down active services properly – For example, stop Apache or Nginx before rebooting.

Methods to Safely Reboot Your VPS

1. Reboot from the VPS Control Panel

Most hosting providers, including Sternhost VPS Hosting, offer a control panel where you can restart your VPS with a single click.

• Log in to your Client Portal

• Navigate to your VPS service

• Select Reboot

This is the safest and most user-friendly method.

2. Reboot via SSH Command

For advanced users, you can reboot directly from the terminal:

Or gracefully shut down services and then restart:

This ensures all processes close cleanly before rebooting.

3. Reboot Specific Services Instead of the Whole VPS

Sometimes, a full reboot isn’t necessary. Restarting only the affected service saves downtime:

• Restart Apache:

  sudo systemctl restart apache2


• Restart Nginx:

  sudo systemctl restart nginx


• Restart MySQL:

  sudo systemctl restart mysql


Common Issues After a VPS Reboot

• Services not starting automatically – Use systemctl enable service-name to fix.

• Network misconfigurations – Double-check firewall and DNS settings.

• Unexpected downtime – Always keep monitoring tools active (e.g., UptimeRobot).

Conclusion

Rebooting your VPS is sometimes unavoidable, but doing it the right way ensures minimal downtime and maximum security. Always take backups, close services gracefully, and use your hosting provider’s control panel when possible.

At Sternhost, we provide managed VPS hosting with powerful monitoring tools and 24/7 support, so you never have to worry about downtime during reboots.

Website security is no longer optional—it’s essential. One of the easiest ways to protect your website visitors and boost your SEO ranking is by installing an SSL certificate. At Sternhost, we make it simple with free SSL integration through Let’s Encrypt. In this guide, we’ll show you how to install a free SSL certificate on your Sternhost hosting account.

Why SSL Matters

An SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) ensures that data transmitted between your website and visitors is encrypted. This not only builds trust but also helps your site rank higher on search engines like Google. Without SSL, browsers may flag your website as “Not Secure,” discouraging potential visitors.

Key Benefits of SSL:

• Encrypts sensitive information (e.g., passwords, payments)

• Boosts SEO rankings

• Increases customer trust

• Eliminates browser security warnings

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Free SSL on Sternhost

1. Log in to Your Sternhost Client Portal

• Visit Sternhost Login.

• Enter your account credentials to access your Client Dashboard.

2. Navigate to SSL/TLS Section in cPanel

• From your hosting dashboard, click cPanel Access.

• Under Security, find SSL/TLS Status.

3. Enable AutoSSL with Let’s Encrypt

• Click Run AutoSSL.

• Sternhost automatically uses Let’s Encrypt to generate a free SSL certificate.

4. Verify Installation

• Once installed, check your website using https://yourdomain.com.

• You should now see the secure padlock icon in the browser.

5. Force HTTPS (Optional but Recommended)

• In cPanel, go to Domains → Force HTTPS Redirect.

• Enable this option to ensure all traffic is redirected to HTTPS automatically.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Propagation Delay: It may take a few minutes for SSL to go live.

• Domain Issues: Ensure your domain is pointed correctly to Sternhost’s servers.

• Expired SSL: Sternhost auto-renews Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates, so you never have to worry about expiry.

Why Choose Sternhost for SSL?

At Sternhost, we prioritize security and performance. Every hosting plan comes with free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates, ensuring your website stays safe without extra cost.

👉 Check out our Web Hosting Plans to start hosting securely with Sternhost today.

Conclusion

Installing free SSL with Let’s Encrypt on Sternhost is fast, simple, and effective. Within minutes, you can secure your website, boost SEO, and build trust with your visitors—all without spending a dime.

Don’t risk your visitors’ security. Secure your website now with Sternhost Free SSL.