I would recommend the control panel if you aren't familiar with the command line stuff.
Linux machines (if it is a linux VPS) uses configuration files for everything that you will have to open up using your favorite posix editor, such as vi, vim, nano, joe, etc.
There are also cpanel support forums to help those who have cpanel to maximize their use of it.
I know linux very well and would still consider getting the cpanel myself, as it is way less trouble to do what you need to.
Of course this depends on the level of customization you need, and security concerns, etc.
If you need the most robust, rock solid, customized system your best to do it yourself, if you need day-to-day enhancements, such as adding emails, virtual hosts, etc, then cPanel is right for you.