Webmin is a web-based system administration tool designed for Unix-like operating systems, including Linux. It provides a graphical interface that allows users to manage and configure various aspects of the system through a web browser. Webmin is particularly useful for users who are more comfortable with graphical interfaces and want an easier way to perform system administration tasks.
NOTE: The IP address of your host running Webmin must be set to a static IP address. Follow the guide here on how to set static IP address.
Learn how to install Webmin on Ubuntu 20.04?
- Update Ubuntu before installing Webmin packages
sudo apt update -y && sudo apt upgrade -y
- Install dependencies:
sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https
- Setup Webmin repository
sudo wget -q http://www.webmin.com/jcameron-key.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add - && sudo add-apt-repository "deb [arch=amd64] http://download.webmin.com/download/repository sarge contrib"
- Install Webmin package
sudo apt install webmin -y
After installation you should see an output as shown below:
Webmin install complete. You can now login to https://ubuntu:10000/as root with your root password, or as any user who can use sudoto run commands as root.
- Check status of Webmin service:
sudo systemctl status webmin
Output:
● webmin.service - LSB: web-based administration interface for Unix systems
Loaded: loaded (/etc/init.d/webmin; generated)
Active: active (running) since Mon 2020-10-19 15:43:32 UTC; 18s ago
Docs: man:systemd-sysv-generator(8)
Tasks: 1 (limit: 934)
Memory: 30.1M
CGroup: /system.slice/webmin.service
└─22386 /usr/bin/perl /usr/share/webmin/miniserv.pl /etc/webmin/miniserv.conf
Oct 19 15:43:30 ubuntu systemd[1]: Starting LSB: web-based administration interface for Unix systems...
Oct 19 15:43:30 ubuntu perl[22370]: pam_unix(webmin:auth): authentication failure; logname= uid=0 euid=0 tty= ruser= rhost= user=root
Oct 19 15:43:32 ubuntu webmin[22370]: Webmin starting
Oct 19 15:43:32 ubuntu systemd[1]: Started LSB: web-based administration interface for Unix systems.
- Allow Webmin access from a firewall. (Optional) if it is enabled:
sudo ufw allow 10000/tcpsudo ufw reloadsudo ufw status
- Connect to Webmin dashboard via IP address of the server using sudo user or root account.
https://192.168.1.200:10000
Here are some of the key uses and features of Webmin in Linux:
- System Configuration: Webmin provides an intuitive interface to manage system configuration settings, including network settings, user accounts, file permissions, and system services.
- Package Management: Users can use Webmin to manage software packages and perform tasks like installing, updating, or removing software packages using package managers like
apt
(Debian/Ubuntu) oryum
(Red Hat/CentOS). - File Management: Webmin allows users to navigate and manipulate the file system, upload and download files, and change file and directory permissions.
- Service Management: Users can start, stop, and configure system services such as Apache web server, MySQL database server, SSH, and more.
- Firewall Configuration: Webmin provides tools for configuring system firewalls, including creating rules and managing firewall settings.
- Disk and Storage Management: Users can manage disks, partitions, and storage devices, including formatting, mounting, and managing filesystems.
- DNS and DHCP Configuration: Webmin offers tools for managing Domain Name System (DNS) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) settings, making it easier to configure local networks.
- System Monitoring: Webmin provides monitoring capabilities, allowing users to view system resource usage, monitor processes, and check system logs.
- Backup and Restore: Users can set up automated backup schedules, manage backup configurations, and restore data using Webmin.
- User and Group Management: Webmin allows administrators to manage user accounts, groups, and access control settings.
- Remote Management: Webmin can be used to manage remote systems as long as they are accessible over the network and Webmin is properly configured.
- Custom Modules: Webmin supports third-party modules and plugins that extend its functionality, enabling users to add additional features and customize their experience.
Webmin simplifies many administrative tasks by presenting them in a user-friendly web interface, reducing the need for users to interact with the command line directly. However, it’s important to note that while Webmin can be a convenient tool, administrators should still have a solid understanding of the underlying system and its command-line tools, as well as the potential security implications of using a web-based administration interface.