How To Install and Utilize Virtualmin on Ubuntu 24.04

Welcome back to the Greenhost.cloud blog! Today, we’re diving into the world of server management with a guide on how to install and utilize Virtualmin on Ubuntu 24.04. Virtualmin is a powerful and flexible web hosting control panel that simplifies the management of virtual hosts. Whether you’re a seasoned sysadmin or a newcomer to server management, this guide will walk you through the installation process and help you get started with Virtualmin.

What is Virtualmin?

Virtualmin is a web hosting control panel that allows you to manage multiple virtual domains through a single interface. It’s based on Webmin, which provides a robust framework for Linux server management. Virtualmin supports various services, including Apache, Nginx, MySQL, and Postfix, making it a comprehensive solution for hosting websites and managing server resources.

Why Use Virtualmin?

1. Ease of Use: Virtualmin’s intuitive web interface makes it easy to manage virtual servers, domains, and applications.
2. Multi-User Support: You can create separate user accounts with different permissions, allowing for collaborative management.
3. Rich Feature Set: Virtualmin offers various features, including backup and restore options, SSL management, and DNS configuration.
4. Open Source: Being an open-source solution, Virtualmin provides flexibility and customization options.

Prerequisites

Before we start the installation, make sure you have:

• A server running Ubuntu 24.04.
• Root access or a user with sudo privileges.
• A fully qualified domain name (FQDN) pointing to your server (optional but recommended).

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing any new software, it’s a good idea to update your system packages. Open the terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

Virtualmin requires certain packages to be installed. Use the following command to install them:

sudo apt install curl wget software-properties-common -y

Step 3: Download the Virtualmin Installation Script

Virtualmin provides an automated installation script that simplifies the setup process. Download it using the following command:

wget http://software.virtualmin.com/gpl/scripts/install.sh

Step 4: Make the Script Executable

Next, make the downloaded script executable:

chmod +x install.sh

Step 5: Run the Installation Script

Now, you can run the installation script. This process may take some time, so be patient:

sudo ./install.sh

During the installation, you’ll be prompted with various questions. You can typically accept the default options. Once the installation is complete, you should see a message indicating success along with the URL to access the Virtualmin interface.

Step 6: Access Virtualmin

After the installation is complete, you can access Virtualmin through your web browser. Navigate to:

https://your-domain-or-ip:10000

Replace your-domain-or-ip with your server’s domain name or IP address. For a first-time login, use the credentials of your server’s root user or any user with sudo privileges.

Step 7: Configure Virtualmin

Upon your first login, you will be guided through the post-installation wizard. This wizard will help you configure essential settings, including:

1. License Agreement: Agree to the license terms.
2. Email Settings: Configure your email settings.
3. Features and Plugins: Select any additional features or plugins you want to enable.
4. Database Servers: Set up your database server configurations.

Complete the wizard to finalize your Virtualmin setup.

Step 8: Create a Virtual Server

Now that Virtualmin is running, you can create a virtual server to host your website. Here’s how:

1. Click on “Create Virtual Server” in the left sidebar.
2. Fill in the required information, such as domain name, description, and administration password.
3. Select your desired features (e.g., databases, email accounts).
4. Click “Create Server.”

Step 9: Manage Your Virtual Server

With your virtual server created, you can now manage it using Virtualmin’s interface. You can configure DNS settings, set up databases, manage files, and much more.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Virtualmin on Ubuntu 24.04 and created your first virtual server. Virtualmin is a versatile tool that can help you manage your web hosting environment efficiently. As you explore its features, you’ll discover how it can simplify your server administration tasks.