Virtualmin is extension for Webmin, turning it into full-fledged web hosting control panel. Not separate product but module over Webmin adding hosting automation. Create domain in couple clicks, system itself configures web server, database, email, DNS, FTP. Free GPL version exists with main functionality and paid Professional with extended features. For most tasks GPL sufficient.
Virtualmin and Webmin: Two Parts of One System
Webmin manages Linux operating system. Gives access to users, files, network, services. It's administration panel, not hosting. Creating site in Webmin possible, but will have to manually configure Apache, DNS, email—each component separately.
Virtualmin automates hosting. Add domain—system creates Linux user, configures virtual host, generates DNS zone, creates email boxes, gives FTP access. All in 30-60 seconds. Virtualmin uses Webmin as foundation and adds hosting automation layer.
After Virtualmin installation get two panels. Webmin for system administration, Virtualmin for site management. System administrator works in Webmin, domain owners—in Virtualmin. Clear responsibility separation.
Virtualmin appeared in 2005 as free cPanel alternative. Project develops until now, regular updates, modern technology support. Used by thousands of web studios and hosting providers worldwide.
GPL vs Professional
Virtualmin GPL—free open source version. Includes all basic hosting functionality: unlimited domains, automatic site creation, Let's Encrypt, backups, email, databases. Support through community forums. For 90% tasks this sufficient.
Virtualmin Professional—paid version with additional modules. Cloud backups (S3, Google Cloud, Dropbox), priority support, extended auto-install scripts, billing integration. Needed if commercial support or specific functions critical.
Both versions work on same codebase. GPL doesn't limit domain count or hosting functionality. Difference only in additional modules and support. Can start with GPL, switch to Professional later if needed.
Virtual Servers and Domains
Virtual server in Virtualmin terminology—isolated account for domain. Don't confuse with VPS. Each virtual server gets own Linux user, home directory, access rights. One domain—one virtual server.
Domain creation automated. Click Create Virtual Server, specify domain name, choose features (website, database, email). Virtualmin creates entire infrastructure: user with rights, /home/username directory, Apache or Nginx virtual host, MySQL database with user, DNS zone with A-records, email boxes, FTP access.
Process takes 30-60 seconds. No need to manually edit Apache configs, create DNS records, configure permissions. System does everything itself by proven templates. After creation domain immediately accessible through browser.
Subdomains created as sub-servers. Can make them isolated (separate directory) or within main domain. Each subdomain can have own PHP configuration, own databases. Domain aliases (parking) allow directing multiple domains to one site without content duplication.
Databases and phpMyAdmin
Virtualmin supports MySQL, MariaDB and PostgreSQL. When creating domain can automatically create database with user. System generates secure passwords, configures access rights, isolates databases between users.
phpMyAdmin integrated and accessible to each domain owner. Enter panel, click phpMyAdmin button—interface opens with already configured access to your databases. No need to separately install phpMyAdmin or remember passwords.
For PostgreSQL phpPgAdmin available. Works similarly—integrated into panel, automatic login. All database operations—importing dumps, executing queries, managing tables—through web interface.
Database size quotas configured individually. Can limit how much space all domain databases occupy. Usage monitoring shows each database size and percentage of limit. Useful for reseller hosting resource control.
Remote database access configured through panel. Specify from which IPs access allowed, Virtualmin configures MySQL accordingly. For developers convenient—local tools connect directly to server.
Mail Server
Virtualmin installs full email stack: Postfix for SMTP, Dovecot for IMAP/POP3, SpamAssassin for spam filtering, ClamAV for virus checking. All configured automatically during installation.
Creating email boxes tied to domain. For example.com create boxes admin@example.com, info@example.com, support@example.com. Each box has size quota, filtering settings, forwarding parameters.
Webmail works through RoundCube or Usermin. RoundCube—modern web interface with address book and calendar. Usermin—simpler but functional client. Users choose what's convenient.
SpamAssassin filters spam automatically. Configure aggression level, train filter on your emails, maintain white and black lists. ClamAV checks attachments for viruses. Both work transparently, users don't notice their operation.
Email forwarding and autoresponders configured through panel. Catch-all accounts accept emails to any domain addresses, even non-existent. Vacation messages activate in couple clicks.
For reliable email delivery, clean IP, correct PTR, configured SPF/DKIM/DMARC critical. Virtualmin helps configure DNS records, but you control IP reputation yourself. Check blacklists before starting mailings.
PHP Management
Virtualmin supports multiple PHP versions from 5.6 to 8.3. Install needed versions through package manager, then switch version for each domain separately. One site on PHP 7.4, another on 8.2—no problem.
PHP-FPM used for isolation and performance. Each domain gets own FPM pool with memory settings, process count, timeouts. One site can't exhaust PHP resources and crash neighboring sites.
PHP configuration adjusted individually. For each domain can change memory_limit, upload_max_filesize, post_max_size, enable/disable functions. Changes applied through panel, no need to manually edit php.ini.
PHP extensions installed through module manager. Need GD, mbstring, curl? Check boxes, system installs packages. Composer integrated for managing PHP application dependencies.
SSL Certificates and Let's Encrypt
Let's Encrypt built into Virtualmin. Choose domain, click Request Certificate—panel automatically requests certificate, installs it, configures web server. Renewal happens automatically every 90 days via cron.
Wildcard certificates (*.example.com) supported through DNS validation. One certificate covers main domain and all subdomains. Virtualmin configures DNS for validation, obtains wildcard certificate, applies it to all needed hosts.
Multi-domain certificates allow including several domains in one certificate. Useful if you have several related domains that should work on one IP and certificate.
Own SSL certificates from paid CAs also supported. Upload private key, certificate, intermediate certificates (CA Bundle) through interface. Virtualmin applies them to domain.
Forced HTTPS configured with checkbox. Enable HTTP → HTTPS redirect, and all requests automatically redirected to secure version. HSTS headers can be added for additional security.
Backup
Automatic backups configured through scheduler. Daily, weekly, monthly—choose frequency. Can backup only files, only databases, only email or everything at once. Selective copying saves space and time.
Backup storage possible locally on server or on remote storage. Local backups fast, but if server fails, they're useless. Remote storage safer—even with complete server failure data preserved.
Professional version supports cloud storage: Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, Dropbox, plus FTP/SFTP servers. GPL version works with FTP/SFTP, sufficient for most.
Restoration from backup flexible. Can restore domain completely or partially—only files or only database. Choose backup date, what exactly to restore, where. Can restore to different domain, convenient for testing or cloning sites.
Backups compressed to save space. Incremental backups save only changes, reducing size and copying time. For large sites this critical.
Statistics and Monitoring
Web statistics work through AWStats or Webalizer. See site traffic, visitor geography, popular pages, referrers, browsers. Statistics updated daily automatically.
Resource usage displayed for each domain. How much disk space occupied, how much traffic used, database size, email account count. If quotas configured, see percentage used from limit.
Logs available for viewing and downloading. Apache access_log and error_log, FTP logs, email logs—all in panel. Can analyze them for troubleshooting or download for detailed study.
Usage graphs show dynamics. Disk usage growth, traffic, CPU load—all visualized. Helps predict when additional resources needed.
Auto-Install Scripts
Install Scripts allow installing popular CMS in couple clicks. WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, PrestaShop, Magento, phpBB—over 50 applications available. Choose domain, script, specify parameters (admin login, password), system installs everything itself.
Installation process takes 1-2 minutes. System downloads distribution, unpacks files, creates database, runs application installer, configures permissions. You just need to log into admin panel and start working.
Updates for installed scripts can be done through panel. Virtualmin tracks versions and warns about available updates. Update WordPress to latest version—one click.
Three Access Levels
Master Administrator (root) manages entire system. Creates virtual servers, configures global parameters, manages resellers, has Webmin access for system administration. This is server owner.
Reseller creates virtual servers for their clients. Sets limits (disk, traffic, databases), manages packages, can configure own branding. No access to system settings, only hosting management. This is web studio or small hosting provider.
Virtual Server Owner manages their domain. Access to files, databases, email, subdomains, statistics. Doesn't see other domains, can't affect system. This is end client.
Such hierarchy allows organizing reseller hosting. Rent VPS to web studio as reseller, they create domains for their clients. Each sees only their system part.
Limits and Quotas
For each virtual server restrictions configured. Disk space, monthly traffic, database count, email account count, subdomain count. Limits set individually.
Soft quotas warn user when approaching limit. Hard quotas block operations when exceeded. For example, soft quota 90% of disk shows warning, hard quota 100% doesn't allow uploading files.
Plans template settings. Create "Basic" plan (10 GB, 5 databases, 10 email boxes), "Advanced" plan (50 GB, 20 databases, 50 boxes). When creating domain choose plan, all limits applied automatically.
Quota monitoring happens in real time. Virtualmin shows how much used from each limit. If client approaching resource exhaustion, can offer upgrade in advance.
Installation and Initial Setup
Virtualmin installs only on clean system. If server already has Apache, MySQL or other components installed, script refuses to work. Need fresh Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux installation.
Minimum requirements: 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended), 20 GB free disk space, one IP address. For comfortable work with several domains better 2-4 GB RAM and SSD. Virtualmin not particularly greedy, but PHP sites and databases require resources.
Supported systems: Ubuntu 20.04/22.04/24.04 LTS, Debian 10/11/12, CentOS 7/8 Stream, AlmaLinux 8/9, Rocky Linux 8/9. LTS versions preferable for stability.
Installation automated by install.sh script. Download from official Virtualmin site, run with root privileges. Script installs Webmin, Virtualmin, Apache or Nginx, all PHP versions, MySQL/MariaDB, Postfix+Dovecot for email, BIND for DNS, ProFTPD, Fail2ban, SpamAssassin, ClamAV. Full hosting stack in one run.
Process takes 20-40 minutes depending on server and internet speed. Script downloads packages, configures services, generates configurations, starts everything. Upon completion get ready system.
After installation Post-Installation Wizard launches. Configure hostname (should be full domain name like server.example.com), choose web server (Apache or Nginx), configure DNS (use BIND or external DNS), specify domain for system email. Wizard checks configuration and suggests if something wrong.
Panel access at https://your-IP:10000. Login root, password of root system user. After first login must change password, configure security.
Migration from cPanel
Virtualmin supports importing cPanel backups. Create full account backup in cPanel (standard function), download archive, upload to Virtualmin through restore interface. System automatically imports files, databases, email accounts, DNS zones.
Process not perfect. Some specific cPanel settings don't transfer. DNS zones usually require verification. SSL certificates need reissuing through Let's Encrypt. But main data migrates without problems.
After import check sites, databases, email. Make sure everything works correctly. Only after this switch DNS to new server. Migrating one account takes 10-60 minutes depending on size.
Virtualmin interface differs from cPanel. Getting used takes several days of active work. Functions similar, just located differently. Documentation helps figure out.
Security
Fail2ban installs automatically and protects from brute-force attacks. After several failed login attempts IP blocked. Works for Virtualmin, SSH, FTP, email. Settings can be adjusted if need more/less aggression.
Firewall configured through Webmin. By default only necessary ports open: 80, 443, 10000, 20/21 (FTP), 22 (SSH), 25/587 (SMTP), 110/143/993/995 (POP3/IMAP). Additional ports open as needed.
Regular updates critical. Virtualmin updates through apt or dnf together with system packages. Configure automatic security updates. Panel notifies about available updates.
SSL for control panel enabled by default. Access only via HTTPS. Self-signed certificate works, but can install Let's Encrypt for panel too.
Two-factor authentication available through Webmin module. Configured via Google Authenticator. Adds additional panel protection layer.
IP access restriction configured in Webmin Configuration. Allow access only from your office IP or VPN. This drastically reduces hacking risk.
Performance and Optimization
Apache with mod_php works out of box, but for better performance switch to Nginx with PHP-FPM. Virtualmin supports both options. Nginx faster processes static content and gives less overhead.
PHP-FPM pools configured individually for each domain. Parameters pm.max_children, pm.start_servers, pm.min_spare_servers selected for load. For high-load sites increase process count, for small sites decrease to not waste memory.
OPcache for PHP enabled globally. Caches compiled PHP code, speeds up work by times. Settings opcache.memory_consumption and opcache.max_accelerated_files selected for site sizes.
MySQL configured through my.cnf file or Webmin interface. Increase innodb_buffer_pool_size for large databases, configure query_cache_size, optimize for SSD or HDD. For heavy databases this critical.
Monitor resource usage. If RAM exhausted, reduce PHP-FPM process count or add memory. If CPU loaded, optimize database queries or cache content.
Who Virtualmin Suits
Web studios use Virtualmin for managing client sites. One VPS, dozens domains, creation automation, client isolation. Reseller functionality allows delegating domain management to clients without system access.
Small hosting providers choose Virtualmin for free cost and flexibility. Instead of expensive cPanel licenses use GPL version and provide quality hosting. Scalability allows growing without panel cost growth.
System administrators with Linux experience value Virtualmin for transparency. Full config access, fine-tuning ability, no black boxes. Can combine panel automation with manual settings.
Owners of many own projects host everything on one VPS through Virtualmin. Management more convenient than manually configuring each site. Backups, SSL, monitoring—all in one interface.
Virtualmin doesn't suit beginners without Linux experience. Installation and configuration require basic knowledge. If something breaks, need to diagnose through logs and SSH. For beginners better managed hosting or simpler panels.
Large hosting providers use enterprise solutions with guaranteed support and billing integration. Virtualmin suits small and medium business, not hundreds of thousands accounts.
If focus on WordPress and need advanced functions like staging, cloning, mass updates—better Plesk with WordPress Toolkit. Virtualmin installs WordPress but doesn't give specialized tools.
Practical Recommendations
Install Virtualmin only on clean system. Attempting to install on server with already configured software leads to conflicts. Better deploy new VPS specifically for Virtualmin.
Configure hostname correctly. Should be full domain name (FQDN) like server.example.com with correct DNS record. Many functions rely on correct hostname.
Immediately configure backups to remote storage. Local backups help rollback changes, but useless on server failure. FTP/SFTP to another server or cloud storage mandatory.
Enable Fail2ban and restrict panel access by IP. Virtualmin gives full hosting control, protection critical. Two-factor authentication also doesn't hurt.
Monitor resource usage. If RAM or CPU overloaded, optimize PHP-FPM and MySQL settings or add resources. Virtualmin shows which domains consume most.
Update system regularly. apt update && apt upgrade for Debian/Ubuntu, dnf update for CentOS/AlmaLinux. Security depends on current packages.
Check DNS zones after creating domains. Make sure A-records correct, MX-records configured, SPF/DKIM written. Automation doesn't always account for your configuration specifics.
For mail servers must configure PTR record. Without correct PTR emails go to spam. PTR configured through hosting provider, not through Virtualmin.
Need Free Hosting Panel with Full Automation?
Virtualmin GPL provides all hosting management functionality without domain count limits. Installs on any Linux VPS.
FAQ
What's difference between Webmin and Virtualmin?
Webmin—Linux system administration. Virtualmin—web hosting management. Virtualmin works over Webmin and adds automation for domains, databases, email.
Is Professional version needed or GPL sufficient?
For most tasks GPL sufficient. Professional needed if cloud backups critical (S3, Google Cloud), priority commercial support or specific modules.
Is it difficult to switch from cPanel to Virtualmin?
There's cPanel backup import tool. Main data transfers automatically, but DNS and SSL require verification. Interface different, getting used takes week of active work.
Can Virtualmin be used for selling hosting?
Yes, there's full reseller functionality. Create reseller, they create domains for their clients with limited rights. Suits web studios and small providers.
Is Virtualmin stable for production?
Yes, project exists since 2005 and used by thousands providers. GPL version stable, for critical projects Professional with guaranteed support recommended.