A Control Panel is a web-based user interface using which you can manage numerous aspects of your online presence. As an example, you could set up or modify website files, create and check email messages, control databases, check visitor statistics etc. Those things are done via buttons and menus within a web browser and the CP may also be called ‘back office’, i.e. the administration area associated with your hosting account. Most Control Panels on the market will enable you to handle all hosting-related matters, but you will normally need a different system to handle payments or to get a new domain if the company offers domain registrations. With respect to the platform they utilize, you could be able to use the billing account to open a support ticket to ask a question or to troubleshoot and fix an issue as well, or you may have to use a 3rd system.