Managing Linux Systems with Webmin: System Administration and Module Development

by Jamie Cameron

Book Overview

This volume helps readers master the Linux system administration tasks with Webmin - then start developing their own Webmin modules. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0131408828
• ISBN13: 9780131408821
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Prentice Hall
• Length: 816 Pages
• Weight: 2.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 7.0" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Book Teaches Linux, Not Just Webmin

Before buying this book, I used Webmin and thought it was pretty easy to use and didn't think I needed a book about it. Was I wrong.Not only does this book teach you all the things that you can do with Webmin, it is an excellent general Linux tutorial. The author goes into details about each subject (including what command line programs are run or which config files are changed by Webmin) and provides the meaning behind each setting. Along the way, you learn things that you didn't know existed or couldn't figure out how to do. For example, I had no idea I could mount a folder from a Windows machine without using samba or NFS. If you need to set up Raid, LVM, Apache Web server, Samba, the list goes on... this is the book.If you need to set up Linux in a home or small office with Windows file sharing, internet gateway, web and mail hosting, DHCP server, etc., you should buy this book.

Great software. Great book. Thanks, Jamie!

The evolution of the Webmin Linux/UNIX administration tool is nothing short of phenomenal. It stands as yet another great example of Open Source development, as many modules and bug fixes were contributed by the User Community. However, the core of Webmin comes from Jamie Cameron, who began developing a simple tool back in 1997 to help Junior Sys Admins maintain DNS servers. It is clear that Jamie was the best possible person to write "Managing Linux Systems with Webmin" not only because of his intimate knowledge of the software, but also because he is able to explain esoteric Admin-speak in clear, concise language.This book is not about installing Linux or server software (such as Apache, BIND, or MySQL). Rather, it guides one through both the installation of Webmin --making sure your Webmin installation is complete and secure-- and the use of Webmin to administer practically *everything* on your Linux machine. And, it does an excellent job of accomplishing these goals!For those new to Linux, this book provides information on making your server easy to administer via the friendly Webmin interface. For the seasoned Linux/UNIX Administrator, this may provide you the turn-key solution for setting up Junior Admins with the appropriate levels of access and configurability. For small shops looking to find more cost efficient and reliable solutions, Webmin may be the final piece needed to turn these prospects into reality. Jamie's task-oriented book makes mastery of Webmin simple and straightforward.There are many impressive aspects of Webmin, including the fact that Webmin is available for almost every major Linux and UNIX distribution. This can provide those in a heterogeneous environment with a higher level of interface uniformity, thus reducing the complexity involved in administering several disparate systems. Also impressive are the modular nature of Webmin development and the highly extensible Webmin API (for creating your own custom modules). I highly recommend this book both for those getting their feet wet in Linux/UNIX administration and those looking for an effective alternative to command line management.

Linux Admin made easy -- at last

Jamie Cameron's book is a fantastic voyage inside what I think is one of the most important administration based tools available. He has created a very unique and easy to use masterpiece that makes the daily (and not so daily) administration tasks easy to perform - both remotely and on-site. The book gives a more in depth look at the application he's built and you get a better understanding of how it works, saves you time and money. His chapter on building and integrating your own webminmodules is a must read for anyone that's used webmin and wanted to add their own pieces - It shows the true versatility and strength of Webmin. This book helps to solidify Jamie's remarkable understanding of and contribution to systems administration. This is a must have for everyone who uses Linux on the server!

Webmin is great

The book finally shows what many have already known - This is one of the best Administration tools available. Jamie Cameron has done an incredible job in streamlining Administration - This book is fantastic - The chapter on creating modules is the icing on the cake. Great job Jamie!

A very good and comprehensive book on webmin and Linux

This is a comprehensive book on managing Linux systems with webmin. It covers everything from installation of webmin to cluster management. It is good for system administrators as well as those who want to develop webmin modules. The book also discusses webmin API functions, how to use them, and their return codes. A good reference to keep.