Chapter 2: Logging In

Logging In with Netscape or Internet Explorer

Logging in to Webmin is easy. Open a web browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer, on any machine that has network access to the server on which you wish to log in. Browse to port 10000 on the IP or host name of the server, as shown here.

Webmin will then respond with either an authentication window or an authentication web form, in which you can enter the administrator username (usually 'root' or 'admin') and password. After successful authentication, you will be greeted with the Webmin index page. The type of login form you receive (either on a web page or in a popup window) depends on the configuration of the Webmin server. The differences between session authentication (Figure 2-1) and standard HTTP authentication are discussed later in the book.

Figure 2-1: Session authentication

Note 

Many systems are configured with Webmin running in SSL encrypted mode. On these systems, you will log in using a URL beginning with https:// rather than http://. Also, at least one Linux distribution that includes Webmin, specifically Caldera, installs it on port 1000 rather than 10000. This is theoretically a more secure arrangement, however, be aware that some firewalls will prevent you from accessing your Webmin-enabled server from outside of the local network if Webmin runs on a port below 1024.