# System types

Every host in TurboStack has a **system type** that describes how the underlying server is
managed. The type you choose determines how much you configure directly in TurboStack and which
tabs and options appear in the [host workspace](../platform/hosts/index.md).

## The four types

### customstack

A `customstack` host is a pure Nginx or Apache server managed directly by TurboStack through the
**system users > applications (vhosts)** model. This type gives you the most control and
flexibility: every configuration tab is available, and you manage system users, applications, mail,
caching, queues and FTP yourself.

### cPanel / WHM

A `cpanel` host is managed by cPanel/WHM. Accounts, mail, Domain Name System (DNS) and domains are managed inside
cPanel rather than in TurboStack, so the **Applications**/system-users area and several
**Advanced** options (mail, Varnish, RabbitMQ, FTP server) are hidden or handled by the panel.
The security stack (TurboShield, Firewall and TurboRadar) still applies.

### DirectAdmin

A `directadmin` host follows the same model as cPanel, but the server is managed by DirectAdmin.
The panel owns accounts, mail, DNS and domains, so the equivalent TurboStack tabs and Advanced
options are hidden or deferred to DirectAdmin, while the security stack still applies.

### Windows

A `windows` host is a Windows server. It supports .NET applications, and Linux- and
SSH-specific options are hidden because they do not apply to the Windows platform.

## What changes per type

The table below summarises which parts of the host workspace are available for each type.

| Area | customstack | cPanel / WHM | DirectAdmin | Windows |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications / system users | Available | Hidden (managed by panel) | Hidden (managed by panel) | Available (.NET) |
| SSH | Available | Available | Available | Hidden |
| Advanced: mail, Varnish, RabbitMQ, FTP server | Available | Hidden (managed by panel) | Hidden (managed by panel) | Hidden / not applicable |
| Mail / DNS / domains | Managed in TurboStack | Managed in cPanel | Managed in DirectAdmin | Platform-specific |
| Security stack (TurboShield, Firewall, TurboRadar) | Available | Available | Available | Available |

> [!NOTE]
> Hiding a tab does not remove a capability. It reflects that the panel (cPanel or DirectAdmin)
> or the platform (Windows) owns that area instead of TurboStack.

## How the type is set

The type is stored on the host as `system_type`, with one of these values:

| Value | System type |
|---|---|
| `customstack` | Pure Nginx/Apache managed by TurboStack |
| `cpanel` | cPanel / WHM-managed host |
| `directadmin` | DirectAdmin-managed host |
| `windows` | Windows server |

> [!NOTE]
> The system type is set by Hosted Power when your server is provisioned; it is not a setting you
> change yourself. It reflects how the server is built: `customstack` gives TurboStack full control
> over every layer, while `cpanel` or `directadmin` let the panel handle accounts, mail and DNS. If
> you need a different system type, contact support.

## Related

- [Hosts](../platform/hosts/index.md)
- [Applications](../platform/hosts/applications/index.md)
- [Core concepts](../getting-started/core-concepts.md)
- [Glossary](glossary.md)