If you are using a distribution derived from one that is on the list, it's a fair bet you won't have any problems, but don't say I didn't warn you.īy the way, why this state of affairs? The problem is a lack of standardization. If your favorite distribution isn't included, some Webmin modules might not work, so be careful. Here's a partial list of supported systems and distributions: Asianux, Caldera, Debian, FreeBSD, Gentoo (and Sabayon), HP-UX, IBM AIX, LinuxPPC, Lycoris, Mac OS X, Mandriva (and Mandrake and Conectiva), MEPIS, NetBSD, OpenBSD, PCLinuxOS, PlayStation Linux, Red Hat (and CentOS and Fedora), Scientific Linux, SCO OpenServer and UnixWare, Slackware, Sun Java Desktop System, Sun Solaris, SUSE and OpenSUSE Linux, Turbolinux, Ubuntu (and derivatives like Kubuntu or Xubuntu), Xandros, Yellow Dog Linux and Yoper Linux.

Webmin runs not only on Linux, but on UNIX and FreeBSD as well. It's quite likely you could really mess things up. On the other hand, don't ever use Webmin as an experimentation tool. If you know what needs be done and how to do it, Webmin can save you from having to memorize lists of parameters or configuration files, and it will help you get things done quickly and safely. You can't merely start using it and change configuration settings without knowing perfectly well what you are doing. Webmin won't let you avoid actually learning about Linux though. (A Linux user I know once said dismissively, “If you want to use graphic tools, use Windows.”) However, for other people, any tool that helps them avoid mistakes or the need to memorize a lot of parameters is a welcome addition to their toolset. If you mention Webmin at a Linux Users Group reunion, it's guaranteed to raise a lively argument-much akin to the “using closed graphics drivers” or “banning all non-open-source software from distributions” discussions on forums and chat channels.įor some people, the idea of using anything but the command line to manage a server is barely short of heretical, and they believe you should not even consider using Linux if you plan on employing such a tool. As an aside, it isn't just any run-of-the-mill tool. Webmin runs on your server and presents a Web-based interface, allowing you to do all sorts of system administration tasks-from the very simple to the very complex ones-without ever touching a configuration file or restarting any process or dæmon on your own. But, until you get to that point, you still need to get things done, and you would do well by installing and using Webmin, a Web-based, comprehensive administration tool for Linux systems.

Obviously, if you ever want to become a full-fledged sysadmin on your own, you have to learn everything. There simply are too many tools, settings, parameters, configuration files, dæmons and what have you to consider. When you start administering a Linux system, one of the biggest challenges is learning exactly what to do, and how to do it.

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