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?

1. Update Ubuntu before installing Webmin packages

sudo apt update -y  && sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Install dependencies:

sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https

3. 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"

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Allow Webmin access from a firewall. (Optional) if it is enabled:

sudo ufw allow 10000/tcpsudo ufw reloadsudo ufw status

7. 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:

1. System Configuration: Webmin provides an intuitive interface to manage system configuration settings, including network settings, user accounts, file permissions, and system services.
2. 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) or yum (Red Hat/CentOS).
3. File Management: Webmin allows users to navigate and manipulate the file system, upload and download files, and change file and directory permissions.
4. Service Management: Users can start, stop, and configure system services such as Apache web server, MySQL database server, SSH, and more.
5. Firewall Configuration: Webmin provides tools for configuring system firewalls, including creating rules and managing firewall settings.
6. Disk and Storage Management: Users can manage disks, partitions, and storage devices, including formatting, mounting, and managing filesystems.
7. 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.
8. System Monitoring: Webmin provides monitoring capabilities, allowing users to view system resource usage, monitor processes, and check system logs.
9. Backup and Restore: Users can set up automated backup schedules, manage backup configurations, and restore data using Webmin.
10. User and Group Management: Webmin allows administrators to manage user accounts, groups, and access control settings.
11. Remote Management: Webmin can be used to manage remote systems as long as they are accessible over the network and Webmin is properly configured.
12. 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.