Best web server control panel for Ubuntu?

[DigitalE]

I'm going to be setting up my own little server (running Ubuntu Server Edition most likely) pretty soon once my hosting plan runs out. I'm pretty familiar with Cpanel, so I'm looking for a free alternative that's similar to it.

Any suggestions?

[PNWDweller]

Some helpful links:

Compiled List of Free and Pay Alternatives to cPanel

A bit outdated but still relevant.

[+BudMan MVC]

I have to wonder why? If your running the server you will have direct access to anything, ie all the .conf files for apache, bind, sshd, ftp server, etc.

Why would you need something like cpanel - that is designed to allow lots and lots of people to make basic changes on the same system when they don't have a clue to how any of it works anyway.

if you running the server -- why would you need cpanel?

If you don't want to manual manipulate the config files for the different services - just use something like webmin to admin your server. Cpanel is designed for shared hosting, not really something you would need or even want on a server that you are root on.

edit: Are you planning on allowing other users to host their sites on the server?

[DigitalE]

No, I won't be hosting any other sites on the server, only my own stuff. I wanted to have a control panel just because it would be easier than doing everything manually.

[+BudMan MVC]

But to be honest how often are you going to be making changes? I would suggest just take a look at webmin, FREE - no brainer to setup and provides for easy web gui for most anything you would want to do on the server without having to get your hands dirty with VI and .conf files ;)

[Colin-uk Veteran]

I thought the same thing for a long time, i looked at literally probly 50 different control panels for ubuntu, in the meantime i administered it via ssh & console.

when i finally realised that i didnt like any of the control panels i tried, i realised i didnt really need one and i could just administer it via the console :p

I still think of making my own small admin area type thing, just for adding sites in apache instead of having to manually create the conf files, what can i say, im lazy :p

[Cupcakes]

If you really don't want to go with cPanel, definitely give Webmin a try. It's easy to get installed and setup and the UI isn't too harsh either ;).

Otherwise you can also try out:

http://isp-control.net/

http://gnupanel.org/

http://vhcs.net/

http://syscp.de/

http://web-cp.net/

Edit: Are you going to be hosting this on your own ISP? Make sure that their ToS allows for this AND you have the down/upstream to actually handle the server as well. Majority of the time it's not worth it to host a live website on a home server :\

[+BudMan MVC]

"Majority of the time it's not worth it to host a live website on a home server"

QFT