How to Install Cockpit on Oracle Enterprise Linux 9: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Taking charge of Linux servers can actually be a breeze! Cockpit offers a sleek, web-based interface that makes it super easy to monitor and manage your server like a pro. In this post, we’re going to guide you through the steps to install Cockpit on Oracle Enterprise Linux 9, helping you take your server management to the next level.

What is Cockpit?

Cockpit is a fantastic open-source server management tool that offers a super user-friendly web interface for all your system administration needs. Whether you’re looking to monitor system performance, manage services, or handle storage, Cockpit has got you covered!

Prerequisites

  • A running Oracle Enterprise Linux 9 server
  • A user account with sudo privileges
  • Internet connection

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing any new software, it’s best practice to update your system packages:

sudo dnf update -y


Step 2: Install Cockpit

The Cockpit package is included in the default OEL9 repositories. Install it using:

sudo dnf install cockpit -y


Step 3: Enable and Start the Cockpit Service

To start Cockpit immediately and ensure it launches at boot:

sudo systemctl enable --now cockpit.socket
Created symlink /etc/systemd/system/sockets.target.wants/cockpit.socket → /usr/lib/systemd/system/cockpit.socket.
sudo systemctl start cockpit.socket
sudo systemctl status cockpit.socket
● cockpit.socket - Cockpit Web Service Socket
     Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/cockpit.socket; enabled; preset: disabled)
     Active: active (listening)


Step 4: Configure the Firewall

Cockpit operates on port 9090. Allow it through your firewall:

sudo systemctl status firewalld.service
● firewalld.service - firewalld - dynamic firewall daemon
     Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/firewalld.service; enabled; preset: enabled)
     Active: active (running) 
sudo firewall-cmd --add-service=cockpit --permanent
success
sudo firewall-cmd --reload
success


Step 5: Access the Cockpit Web Interface

Now, open your favorite web browser and navigate to:

https://<your-server-ip>:9090

How to Install Cockpit on Oracle Enterprise Linux 9: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Install Cockpit on Oracle Enterprise Linux 9: A Step-by-Step Guide

Log in using your server credentials.


Conclusion

With Cockpit installed, administering your Oracle Enterprise Linux 9 server is effortless. Its user-friendly interface enables efficient management of regular administrative tasks, thereby allocating more time for priority activities.


Final Tips

  • Keep your server and Cockpit updated for the latest features and security patches.
  • Explore Cockpit add-ons for enhanced functionality tailored to your needs.

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Asif Khan

Responsible and proactive professional with more than 13 years of experience in IT systems, open source software applications, DevOps, Linux systems, and cloud operations. My main goals are to automate things, keep them safe, and make sure they are strong. I am very good at planning and building the infrastructure for services that people really want. I was drawn to the fast-paced world of cloud computing because it has resources that can be scaled up or down as needed. One of my best skills is being able to use a lot of different DevOps tools to set up, release management, and microservices ecosystems, as well as for provisioning, orchestration, and configuration management.