Webmin as a control panel for server management

A large number of web servers on the internet run on a Unix-like operating system. In most cases this is a distribution of Linux. However, configuring the system often presents a major challenge for inexperienced users. Webmin is a program designed to simplify server administration and configuration with the popular free operating system.

Server administration under Linux

Because of its high stability and excellent performance many administrators and web hosting providers prefer Linux over other operating systems as the basis of their software stack. In the area of security, most Linux servers also have an edge over the competition.

However, the administration of a Linux system can be a major hurdle for inexperienced users. Setting up, maintaining and managing the various services requires a sound understanding of their respective functionality. In addition, many functions can only be accessed via the console. To work effectively in this area, knowledge of the various console commands is necessary. These differ from one distribution to another.

Webmin is a control panel that makes it possible to administer all applications installed on a Linux server via a graphical user interface. In addition, the project provides further useful modules for download to extend the panel's functionality.

What is Webmin?

The Webmin programme was first introduced in 1997. The developers led by Jamie Cameron aimed to provide a simple and intuitive solution for the management and configuration of all services on Linux .

Since then the project has been actively developed and improved by a community. As the control panel is freeware, there is no professional support team behind it. Users can, however, find tutorials and support in a community forum or in the Webmin Wiki.

Installing Webmin

In most Linux distributions Webmin is already included in the repositories. If this is not the case, the software package can be downloaded from the developers' website. The following package formats are available:

• .deb - for Debian-based systems such as Ubuntu or Linux Mint
• .rpm - for Red Hat Linux distributions
• .tar - for installation as a tarball

As the project is actively maintained and regularly updated, downloading directly from SourceForge is recommended. The versions in the repositories are largely out of date. However, if you do not need the latest version of the software and do not want to jeopardise the stability of your system under any circumstances, you can safely fall back on the repository versions.

Installing Webmin adds a small server to the system which the control panel uses to display the administration interface. This can be accessed in any browser via the address http://IP address:10000 . However, before the programme can be used, authentication as an administrator is required.

Features of Webmin

After opening the control panel in the web browser, the dashboard appears with some statistics such as CPU utilisation or available disk space. On the left side there are several submenus which can be opened with a click.

These are the various sections that can be managed via the software.

Webmin section

In the Webmin section you can configure the control panel itself. Particularly important is the control of access permissions. Server management via the browser is by default secured only by the admin's password. To prevent misuse, a machine or an IP address on the network with administrator rights should be defined. Other machines or users not authorised to administer the server can be excluded accordingly.

System section

So that the web server can run on the operating system without disruption, some system adjustments are necessary. These include the adaptation of the boot process as well as the optimisation of program workflows. In the System section there are numerous options to improve the server's functionality on the respective OS. In addition, Webmin offers a backup function that allows the system to be restored should it ever fail.

Servers section

All services essential for effective server administration can be found under the Servers section. Here you can configure the web, database and DNS servers, create email mailboxes or set up a remote access via an SSH server.

Hardware section

In this section the free control panel provides all the statistics and functions for the management and optimisation of the available hardware. With just one click new disk partitions can be created or storage media cleaned.

Networking section

If you want to equip your system with a firewall, you will find useful tools and settings under the Networking section. On Linux the packet filter duo Netfilter/iptables is widely used. Webmin provides an easy-to-use user interface for this, enabling even non-experts to manage the filter. Additionally, basic network settings can be defined. If a network error occurs, bandwidth measurement is a helpful tool for troubleshooting.

Who is Webmin suitable for?

The control panel is suitable for all administrators of Linux servers, who want to make server management a little easier. Linux users in most cases already have basic knowledge of their system. However, Webmin can be a helpful complement, particularly if users feel unsure when configuring via the command line.

Use our Web hosting control panel comparison to find out which admin tool best suits your individual requirements.

Our article is based on our own experience and research, as well as information from external sources.

Sources & further links on the topic:
https://www.webmin.com/ (official website of Webmin)