Cockpit is an intuitive, web-based interface that simplifies the management of Linux servers. Designed for both new users and seasoned administrators, it provides a graphical dashboard that allows you to monitor and manage multiple aspects of your server without the need to dive into complex command-line operations. Below, we’ll guide you through the installation of Cockpit on Ubuntu 22.04, and explore its key features and uses.

Prepare Instance Steps

Initiate Instance Creation:

Start by creating a new virtual machine instance on your hosting provider’s platform.

Shape.host Resources dashboard showing the Create menu and available instance templates.

Choose a Location:

Select your preferred data center location.

Shape.host instance form with Amsterdam selected as the data center location.

Select a Plan:

Choose a hosting plan that meets your requirements, and make sure to select Ubuntu 22.04 as the operating system.

Shape.host instance form with the $22 monthly plan and Ubuntu image selected.

Authentication Method:

Set up authentication using either SSH keys or a password, and finalize the instance creation.

Shape.host instance form showing authentication, hostname and instance creation options.

Here you will find the ip to connect to your Instance.

Shape.host Resources dashboard showing a server IP address and CPU usage chart.

Connect to Your Instance:

Use SSH to connect to your server instance with the provided IP address. Log in as the root user for initial setup.

ssh root@your-server-ip

Step-by-Step Installation of Cockpit

Once your instance is set up and you’ve connected to it, follow these steps:

1:Update and Upgrade Your System:

apt update -y
apt upgrade -y
Terminal showing APT package management commands and output.

2:Install Cockpit:

apt-get install cockpit -y
Terminal showing APT package management commands and output.

3:Install Cockpit Podman Module:

apt-get install cockpit-podman -y
Terminal showing APT package management commands and output.

4:Start and Enable Cockpit:

systemctl start cockpit
systemctl enable cockpit.socket
Terminal showing systemd service management commands or output.

5:Verify Cockpit Status:

systemctl status cockpit
Terminal showing systemd service management commands or output.

6:Check if Port 9090 is Listening:

ss -antpl | grep 9090
Terminal showing ss commands or output during Check if Port 9090 is Listening:.

7:Configure Firewall:

ufw allow 9090
ufw allow 80
ufw allow ssh
ufw enable
ufw reload
ufw status
Terminal showing firewall configuration commands and rules.
Terminal showing firewall configuration commands and rules.

8:Final System Update (Optional):

apt update && apt upgrade

9.Accessing the Cockpit Web Console

After completing the steps above, you can access the Cockpit Web Console by opening a web browser and navigating to https://your-server-ip:9090. You can log in using your server’s root or any other user’s credentials.

Cockpit sign-in form.
Cockpit server overview with health, resource usage and system information.

What You Can Do with Cockpit Web Console

The Cockpit Web Console offers a wide range of tools and features, making it an essential utility for managing your Linux server efficiently. Here are some of the key functionalities:

  • System Monitoring: Cockpit provides real-time insights into your server’s performance, including CPU, memory, disk usage, and network traffic. This allows you to quickly identify and address potential issues.
  • User Management: Easily add, remove, and manage users on your server, including setting up user roles and permissions.
  • Service Management: Start, stop, enable, or disable system services directly from the web interface. This is especially useful for managing server processes without needing to use the terminal.
  • Storage Management: Manage your server’s storage, including creating, resizing, and deleting partitions. Cockpit also allows you to set up RAID arrays and configure LVM (Logical Volume Manager) volumes.
  • Networking: Configure your server’s network interfaces, including setting up static IP addresses, DNS, and routing options.
  • Podman Integration: With the Cockpit Podman module, you can manage containers and images seamlessly through the Cockpit interface, making it easier to deploy and maintain containerized applications.
  • Logs and Diagnostics: View and analyze system logs directly through Cockpit, helping you troubleshoot issues without needing to search through log files manually.
  • Software Updates: Monitor and apply software updates to ensure your server remains secure and up-to-date.

Why Choose ShapeHost Cloud VPS for Your Hosting Needs

ShapeHost offers robust and flexible Cloud VPS solutions, ideal for running services like Cockpit. Here’s why ShapeHost stands out:

  • Scalability: Whether you’re starting small or managing a large infrastructure, ShapeHost’s Cloud VPS allows you to scale resources up or down based on your needs.
  • Reliability: With a 99.9% uptime guarantee, ShapeHost ensures that your services remain online and accessible.
  • Performance: Powered by cutting-edge hardware and SSD storage, ShapeHost provides fast and efficient servers capable of handling high traffic and resource-intensive applications.
  • Security: ShapeHost’s VPS solutions come with built-in DDoS protection, ensuring your server remains secure against common online threats.

By choosing ShapeHost for your Cloud VPS needs, you ensure that your Cockpit-managed server runs on a stable, secure, and high-performing platform.