A Control Panel is a software tool which is used to handle the content of a hosting account. This can include, but is not limited to, files, email messages, databases, stats and different operations carried out with them. The Control Panel offers a web-based interface to control these things and anything else related to the hosting service via different sections where you can access functions through buttons and/or menus. The easier to use a Control Panel is, the easier it will be for you to handle your web presence in general. In the typical scenario, the CP is the Internet hosting account’s back office, while an independent billing account is employed to manage payments and domain name registrations - if the company provides this service. Trouble tickets may be dealt with through the billing account or through a different system.