Linux Server Management – How to Ensure It with GUI

Just like any server, Linux server too needs effective management. In fact, professional and proper monitoring is the only way to make sure that the server is functioning properly. If any issue – even if it is minor – is found, the owners are notified immediately and problems are also fixed up within a quick time frame.

A Linux server runs in a CLI or command line interface environment which is preloaded with minimum essential tools required for installation and configuration of different headless services. If CLI is compared to a full-blown graphic user interface or GUI, such a bare setup has multiple benefits in terms of resource consumption, speed as well as security.

If you have experience of working in a GUI-based environment, you cannot help but wonder if there is any GUI for a server running on Linux OS. A Linux-based desktop environment like KDE, GNOME etc is heavy with resources and doesn’t score high on level of security because more codes will be subject to possible security threats.

A better alternative to this full-blown GUI-based desktop is to utilize a web server administration tool. There is an array of web-based tools for system configuration such as Zentyal, Webmin, ISPconfig etc.

The rest of this write-up will describe the procedures as to configuration and Linux server management with a common web-based GUI.

There are different configuration tools written in different languages. Use a tool that is light in megabyte and has a built-in server that allows for Linux server configuration through web interface. It features a software architecture that allows for module loading to gain extended functionality.

As the first process of Linux server support, start with installation.

Next you need to access the tool interface. When you attempt to access it through a proper command, you must enable the firewall. Also make sure to use HTTPS and not HTTP. If you don’t follow it, an error of redirection will be flashed on the screen.

After you see login page of the software tool, you are allowed to log in as any user or as root to use sudo on Linux server. After logging in, status summary of Linux server will come up on the screen.

Most of these tools have wealth of features that allow the users to configure every aspect of a Linux server. Linux server setup is very crucial to keeping your server in good health and finest workable condition.

Nick Walker is a server management expert. In the scope of this article, he has discussed how to manage Linux server with GUI. If you have any question in this regard, contact him at iserversupport.