Cockpit vs Webmin: What are the differences?

Cockpit and Webmin are web-based administration tools that provide a graphical interface for managing Linux servers. Let's explore the key differences between Cockpit and Webmin in more detail:

1. User Interface: Cockpit has a modern and user-friendly interface with a responsive design. It provides a sleek and intuitive dashboard that allows users to easily navigate and manage various aspects of their Linux server. Webmin, on the other hand, has a more traditional interface that may feel familiar to users who are accustomed to classic system administration tools. It offers a comprehensive menu-based interface with various modules for managing different server components.

2. Scope of Management: Cockpit primarily focuses on managing individual Linux servers. It provides features for monitoring system resources, managing services, configuring network settings, and accessing system logs. It is designed to provide a streamlined experience for server administration. Webmin, on the other hand, offers a broader scope of management. It supports not only Linux servers but also other Unix-like systems, including FreeBSD and Solaris. Webmin provides a wide range of modules for managing system configuration, users and groups, file systems, network services, and more.

3. User Access Control: Cockpit integrates with the underlying system's user authentication mechanism, such as PAM (Pluggable Authentication Modules), and relies on the system's user accounts for access control. It allows administrators to assign specific permissions to different users or groups. Webmin, on the other hand, has its own user management system. It provides a web-based interface for creating and managing user accounts within Webmin itself. Administrators can define fine-grained access controls for each user, specifying the modules and actions they can perform.

4. Extensibility and Customization: Cockpit has a focused set of built-in features and is designed to provide a consistent user experience across different Linux distributions. While it offers some extensibility through add-ons, the options for customization are more limited compared to Webmin. Webmin, on the other hand, provides a highly modular architecture that allows for extensive customization and integration with third-party modules. Users can install additional modules to extend Webmin's functionality and tailor it to their specific needs.

5. Package Availability: Cockpit is included by default in many modern Linux distributions, such as CentOS, Fedora, and Ubuntu, making it readily available for installation without additional steps. Webmin, on the other hand, needs to be manually installed and configured on the server. It is available as a separate package that needs to be downloaded and installed from the Webmin website.

6. Target Audience: Cockpit is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, making it suitable for both novice and experienced administrators. It is well-suited for individual server management and is particularly popular among desktop users and small-scale deployments. Webmin, on the other hand, caters to more advanced users and system administrators who require a comprehensive set of tools for managing multiple servers or a broader range of system configurations.

In summary, Cockpit and Webmin are web-based administration tools for managing Linux servers, each with its own strengths and target audience. Cockpit provides a modern and user-friendly interface with a focus on individual server management, while Webmin offers a broader scope of management and extensive customization options.