cPanel Set to End Support for PHP 4

Webmasters running a cPanel dedicated server might have to update their servers next month as cPanel will end support for PHP 4. Beginning May 2012, EasyApache and cPanel will announce that they will no longer support PHP 4 for server management. PHP 4 is an outdated version of the PHP server-side programing language. PHP helps websites create login pages, forums, surveys, picture galleries, and other dynamic features. It improves the website functionality and makes a website nicer for those that want something else besides a plain static HTML page. The development and support of PHP 4 has been stopped for several years now as PHP 5 has improved the functionality and security of the language. Many of the common vulnerabilities and exposures, also known as CVE, reported to PHP developers has been address in the newer versions of PHP (PHP 5.3.10) but left unchecked for PHP 4 which makes discontinuing support for the language for cPanel a smart choice.

Those that need more time to update their servers from PHP 4 to PHP 5 will be able to use PHP 4 for EasyApache 3.12 through the Custom Option Module. This will give webmasters more time to upgrade their servers to the new version of PHP. There are very few websites that are still using PHP 4 for their server side scripts. Many webmaster choose to upgrade to PHP 5 when it was released. It is important for every webmaster to update their PHP/cPanel/WHM to the latest version to prevent security breaches. For example, PHP 5.2.x has some major vulnerabilities that was fixed when PHP 5.3.x came out. Webmasters that are weary of updating their servers for fear of breaking their scripts will experience an even bigger problem down the road when an attack happens. It is best to protect your cPanel dedicated servers before it becomes the target of a DOS attack.

If you’re running a cPanel dedicated server it is time to update to the new version of PHP. For those that are thinking of switching to cPanel or WHM for server management we have a step by step guide on how to setup a cPanel dedicated server. You can also check out our list of useful cPanel applications and add-ons for your website. cPanel is a great server management software to install on a dedicated servers. The cPanel development team provide 24/7 support for those that are having trouble setting up their servers and need some help from a professional. The folks from cPanel will also be at the Internet World Expo in London this week to showcase some of their new stuff. Should be an interesting booth to checkout.