Here is list of software that will make your life much easier:

Putty – A command line utility for working with your server.

http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html

cPanel / WHM Plugins

CSF or Config Server Firewall – A great addon that will help protect your server from attacks, as well as closing unused ports.

http://www.configserver.com/cp/csf.html

PS – if you want something added to the list, please send me an email with the link so I can check it out :

chris AT solidservers.ca