CentOS 5 or 6 and the Open Source Control panel question.

What are your requirements for an open source control panel?

You may take a look at ISPConfig (http://www.ispconfig.com).

Thanks @TheSpectre.

This could be a solution..

I have downloaded it, but the instructions that come with it are for CentOS 5. Been trying to search the net for installation instructions for Cent)S 6. I have found one or two for CentOS 6 but for 64 bit and its with ngix server. I am using Apache 2..

Even I was looking for a good control panel.

The installation looks pretty complex. Why do I need to install DNS, Email and My SQL service? Is this a pre-requisite for ISPConfig to work?

I am running two servers one for Apache Web Server and the other for Databases.

Can I not install ISPConfig on the server which has only the databases and manage both the servers?

Thanks.

@TheSpectre:

What are your requirements for an open source control panel?

You may take a look at ISPConfig (http://www.ispconfig.com).

i use centos 6.2 using webmin as the control panel (i do not run a typical hosting company, but host websites on my own platform)

previously i had only used cpanel/whm, so there was a bit of a learning curve to getting it all set up, but it seems to be working ok now. (i have a LAMP set up)

webmin provides enough of a framework to make managing the server simple, but is very different from cpanel/whm

if you run hosting, you also install virtualmin.

webmin is maintained and keeps all the available packages updated on an ongoing basis and the price is right

hope this helps

rs

ps. i personally think you would be mad using centos 5 . it is getting pretty long in the tooth now. if a control panel is not up to date, chances are it is not actively maintained - not a good idea in my opinion if there are other options available

I have not gone to that extent yet, but I believe that in the expert installation mode you can configure the services that will be managed by the control panel.

The guide is intended for those people who are looking to deploy a new server and require precise instructions for the entire process.

I will be setting up a new system with ISPConfig in the near future so I may be able to provide more insights then. In the meantime, you might want to dabble around with it.

If you are looking for a lightweight control panel that performs minimal functions, however, I would not recommend ISPConfig.

Webmin would be a good alternative as suggested.

@Avinash.Rao:

Even I was looking for a good control panel.

The installation looks pretty complex. Why do I need to install DNS, Email and My SQL service? Is this a pre-requisite for ISPConfig to work?

I am running two servers one for Apache Web Server and the other for Databases.

Can I not install ISPConfig on the server which has only the databases and manage both the servers?

Thanks.

@TheSpectre:

What are your requirements for an open source control panel?

You may take a look at ISPConfig (http://www.ispconfig.com).

Control panels are mainly for end-user management in a hosting environment.

If that's not your gig, then a control panel is a waste of resources.

Webmin is lightweight, and as long as you force HTTPS it's not a security risk so if you need a GUI to help you admin your server, that's probably your best bet.

But really, general LAMP setup, config, optimization, and security maintenance isn't rocket science. Spend a bit of extra time and wean yourself from the GUI training wheels. It will be time well spent.