A Control Panel is a tool employed to handle the content of a hosting account. This includes, but is not limited to, files, email messages, databases, stats and various operations carried out with them. The CP provides a web-based interface to manage all these things and anything else associated with the web hosting service using different sections where you can access functions through buttons and/or menus. The simpler to use a CP is, the easier it'll be for you to handle your online presence altogether. In the standard scenario, the CP is the Internet hosting account’s back office, while an independent billing account is used to manage payments and domain name registrations - if the company offers this particular service. Trouble tickets can be managed via the billing account or by using a separate system.