This post includes a description of Cockpit GUI management on Ubuntu systems. Bobcares, as a part of our Server Management Services, offers solutions to every query that comes our way.

Cockpit GUI Management On Ubuntu Systems

Open-source, lightweight software called Cockpit lets users control Linux via a web interface. This is especially useful for individuals who run Linux with a CLI.

It allows users to update rapidly, allow services, restart the system, use Docker containers, and control the network and storage. It also gives a web-based terminal to send codes remotely on a server.

Pre-requisites: Ubuntu 20.04/22.04 Linux Server, A non-root sudo user, and an Internet connection.

Let’s look into the details of the steps.

Installation 

1. Updating Packages

After setting up a new server, the APT package manager often fails to identify the most recent packages that are accessible for setup through the repositories. Therefore, we must run the update code first before continuing.

sudo apt update

2. Installing Cockpit

Now we can set up it on Ubuntu using the APT package manager:

sudo apt install cockpit -y

3. Activating The Service

To use it, we must manually begin its service. Also, at the same time, allows automatic startup in the event of a system crash or restart. We can use the below code:

sudo systemctl start cockpit cockpit.socket

sudo systemctl enable cockpit cockpit.socket

4. Ensuring The Port In The Firewall

Make that the firewall is open on port 9090, which the app uses to communicate if the system uses an active firewall. The signal to do so is:

sudo ufw allow 9090

5. Enabling Docker Support

We can use the below code to allow Docker support:

sudo apt install cockpit-podman -y

Management 

6. Employing The Web GUI

We can use a browser and this web control interface to remotely use the server or desktop. Open a browser on a device that can connect to the IP address of the Cockpit, and then enter the address in the following format in the URL section:

https://server-ip-address:9090

7. Bypassing The Warning

We will see the HTTPS error “Your connection is not private” as we try to connect to the interface. To bypass it, simply click on the “Advanced” option and then click the link “Proceed to your-ip (unsafe)”. We’ll then see the Login interface.

8. Cockpit Web Management Interface Login

Any user that is present may be used, but it must at least have sudo access so that we may handle different services directly from the interface. We can also choose the root user as an alternative.

9. Dashboard Monitoring

The Overview is the initial screen that appears and shows a variety of data, including CPU and Memory Usage, System Health and Configuration, and Hardware details.

10. Managing Logs

Logs are very helpful in fixing errors and finding the exact sources of issues that arise as a result of some failures. There is a special area where we can compile and quickly use the same using its online GUI.

11. Storage Monitoring

Users can see Reading and Writing speeds on the “Storage” page, the same as they can view CPU and Memory use. In addition to details about filesystems and storage devices.

12. Managing Ubuntu Services

On the CLI, however, it is not easy to disable, enable, or restart services with a single click. However, on this online interface, it is easy to do so in addition to viewing the full list.

13. Managing Accounts

There is no need to change rights or create and delete system accounts using the CLI.

14. Networking

Making a bridge and adding a virtual network while obtaining additional crucial Ethernet Interface data regarding network adapters.

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Conclusion

To sum up, we’ve given the GUI control of the Cockpit on Ubuntu systems in this article. Firstly, we give the steps from our Support team to install the software and then control it via web GUI.