Cockpit is a lightweight, browser-based graphical interface for Linux server administration. It is particularly useful for system administrators who want to manage servers through a GUI without abandoning the flexibility of terminal commands.

Ubuntu 24.04 supports the latest version of Cockpit through its official repositories, making installation and usage seamless.

Key Features

FeatureDescription
Web-based InterfaceManage your system from any browser, including mobile devices
Real-Time System MonitoringView CPU, memory, disk usage, network traffic in real-time
Service ManagementStart/stop/restart services, enable or disable at boot
Journal Log AccessBrowse and search system logs directly from the interface
User Account ManagementAdd, modify, or delete user accounts
Software UpdatesView and install available software and security updates
Networking ManagementConfigure IP addresses, DNS, bridges, VLANs
Terminal AccessBuilt-in web terminal for command-line operations
IntegrationWorks well with other tools like systemd, NetworkManager, and firewalld

Why Use Cockpit?

  • Beginner-friendly: Offers an intuitive UI for new users managing Linux servers.
  • Remote Management: Administer multiple servers from a single interface.
  • No Disruption: You can use command line and Cockpit simultaneously — changes are reflected in real-time.
  • Modular: Includes additional packages like cockpit-storaged, cockpit-networkmanager, and cockpit-docker for specific tasks.

Default Port

  • Cockpit runs on port 9090.
  • You can access it via https://your-server-ip:9090.

Security

  • Supports PAM authentication (same as SSH)
  • Requires HTTPS and can be configured with a trusted SSL certificate
  • Access is restricted to system users with login privileges

Use Cases

  • Managing Ubuntu 24.04 home servers or VPS
  • Monitoring logs and services on production environments
  • Simple GUI for setting up and administering multiple services (network, containers, storage)

Limitations

  • Best suited for small to medium-sized deployments
  • Not a full replacement for advanced configuration via CLI
  • Some features may require optional Cockpit packages to be installed

Cockpit provides a modern, responsive, and easy-to-use graphical interface for managing Ubuntu 24.04 servers. It’s ideal for real-time system monitoring, user management, service control, and lightweight administration without the need to remember every CLI command.

Create a Server Instance on Shape.Host

Before installing Cockpit, create a new VPS running Ubuntu 24.04:

Go to https://shape.host and log in.

Click “Create” → “Instance”.

Shape.host Resources dashboard with Create > Instance highlighted.

Set the following:

Location: Choose a nearby data center.

Shape.host instance form with the data center location selector highlighted.

OS: Select Ubuntu 24.04 (64-bit)

Resources: Minimum 1 CPU, 1 GB RAM, 10 GB SSD

Shape.host instance form with the operating system image selector highlighted.

Click “Create Instance”.

Shape.host instance form with the Create Instance button highlighted.

After deployment, note the IP address for SSH access.

Shape.host Resources dashboard with the server IP address highlighted.

Connect via SSH:

ssh root@your-server-ip

On Windows, use PuTTY.

Step 1: Update the System

apt update

🔹 Refreshes the package lists to ensure you get the latest version of available software.

Terminal showing APT package management commands and output.

Step 2: Install Cockpit

apt install cockpit

🔹 Installs the Cockpit web-based server management tool.

Terminal showing APT package management commands and output.

Step 3: Enable and Start Cockpit Service

systemctl enable --now cockpit.socket

🔹 Enables the Cockpit service to start on boot and starts it immediately.

Step 4: Check Cockpit Service Status

systemctl status cockpit.socket

🔹 Verifies that the Cockpit socket is active and running.

Terminal showing systemd service management commands or output.

Step 5: Configure the Firewall (UFW)

Allow access to Cockpit (port 9090):

ufw allow 9090/tcp

🔹 Opens the web management port for Cockpit.

Allow SSH access to avoid being locked out:

ufw allow ssh

🔹 Ensures you can still SSH into the server after enabling UFW.

Enable UFW:

ufw enable

🔹 Activates the firewall with the current rules.

Terminal showing firewall configuration commands and rules.

Step 6: Allow Admin Login (Optional PAM Fix)

Open PAM Cockpit config:

nano /etc/pam.d/cockpit

Find and comment out the following line:

account    required     pam_listfile.so item=user sense=deny file=/etc/cockpit/disallowed-users onerr=succeed

🔹 This line restricts Cockpit access for some users. Commenting it out allows login for all users unless explicitly denied elsewhere.

Terminal showing the GNU nano editor and configuration text.

Step 7: Create a Cockpit Admin User

adduser myadmin

🔹 Creates a new user named myadmin.

usermod -aG sudo myadmin

🔹 Adds myadmin to the sudo group, giving it administrative rights in Cockpit and via SSH.

Terminal showing Linux user account management commands.

Step 8: Access Cockpit Web UI

Open your browser and visit:

https://YOUR_SERVER_IP:9090

Log in with the myadmin user and the password you set.

Cockpit server login form with an error message.

You’ll see a modern dashboard where you can manage your server in real time.

Terminal showing service commands or output during Access Cockpit Web UI.

This Cockpit setup runs smoothly on a secure, lightweight server.

Choose Shape.Host Cloud VPS for:

  • Instant deployment of Ubuntu 24.04 and other OSes
  • SSD-based storage and powerful CPUs
  • Full root access for total control
  • Perfect for Cockpit, WordPress, Docker, and more

Spin up your server and take control—only with Shape.Host.