How to Use Webmin on Linux [Ultimate Guide]

Use Webmin on Linux to simplify server management through a user-friendly web interface that lets you configure, monitor, and control your system without using the command line.

Webmin is a powerful web-based system administration tool that allows you to manage your Linux server through an easy-to-use graphical interface accessible from any web browser. With Webmin, you can handle common server tasks such as user management, disk quotas, services, software packages, firewall rules, and more without using command-line tools extensively.

This guide will walk you through installing Webmin on a Linux server, accessing the Webmin interface, basic security and configuration tips, and managing your server efficiently.

Prerequisites

• A Linux server running Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, or similar distributions
• Root or sudo access to install and configure software
• Terminal (SSH) access to your Linux server
• Ports open in your firewall (Webmin uses port 10000 by default)

Use Webmin on Your Linux Distro

Webmin is a powerful web-based interface for managing Linux systems through a browser. It simplifies tasks like user management, package updates, and configuring services, all without using the terminal. Whether you’re running Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, or another Linux distribution, Webmin can help streamline your system administration workflow.

Install Webmin on the Linux Server

To begin using Webmin, you’ll first need to install it on your Linux server. Webmin provides an official installation script that simplifies setup, especially on Ubuntu or Debian-based systems.

Method: Using Official Setup Script (Recommended for Ubuntu/Debian)

• Update your package list:

sudo apt update

• Download the Webmin setup script:

curl -o webmin-setup-repo.sh https://raw.githubusercontent.com/webmin/webmin/master/webmin-setup-repo.sh

• Run the setup script to add the Webmin repository and GPG key:

sudo bash webmin-setup-repo.sh

When prompted, confirm by typing y to set up the Webmin releases repository.

• Install Webmin with recommended dependencies:

sudo apt install webmin --install-recommends -y

If you want manual installation, you can add the Webmin repository and key manually and install the package using your distribution’s package manager.

Start and Enable Webmin Service

Webmin service typically starts automatically after installation.

Verify its status:

sudo systemctl status webmin

If not started, start and enable it:

sudo systemctl start webmin
sudo systemctl enable webmin

Configure the Firewall to Allow Webmin Access

Make sure your firewall allows incoming traffic on port 10000:

• For UFW (Ubuntu/Debian):

sudo ufw allow 10000/tcp
sudo ufw reload

• For firewalld (CentOS/RHEL/Fedora):

sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=10000/tcp
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Access Webmin Web Interface

Open your web browser and navigate to:

https://YOUR_SERVER_IP:10000/

• You may encounter a browser warning about the self-signed SSL certificate; you can safely proceed by adding an exception or replacing it with a trusted certificate later.
• Log in using your root or sudo user credentials.

Secure and Configure Webmin

Once Webmin is installed and running, it’s essential to secure and fine-tune it for safe day-to-day use. Webmin comes with a default setup that works out of the box, but taking a few extra steps can significantly strengthen its security and usability. Follow these key practices to protect your server and ensure a smoother experience:

• Change the default Webmin password: After logging in, go to Webmin → Webmin Users, select your user, and change the password.

• Configure SSL certificates: For secure access, replace the self-signed SSL certificate with one issued by a trusted CA (e.g., Let’s Encrypt).

• Restrict access by IP (optional): You can limit Webmin access to certain IP addresses via its access control settings under Webmin Configuration → IP Access Control.
• Keep Webmin updated: Use your package manager to apply Webmin updates as part of system maintenance.

Using Webmin for Server Management

With Webmin, you can perform a range of server administration tasks, such as:

• Manage users and groups
• Configure Apache, Nginx, PHP, MySQL/MariaDB
• Monitor system performance and logs
• Manage firewall rules (e.g., iptables, UFW)
• Schedule cron jobs
• Control services and daemons
• Configure disk quotas and partitions

Webmin modules provide configurable interfaces for most common Linux administration needs, reducing the need for manual command-line operations.

Conclusion

To use Webmin on your Linux server, install it via the official setup script or repository packages, allow access through your firewall, and log in to the web interface on port 10000. Webmin offers a comprehensive and user-friendly GUI for managing almost every aspect of your Linux server, ideal for both beginners and experienced administrators wanting convenient remote management.

For detailed instructions and advanced configurations, you can check the official Webmin documentation.