Tools needed to configure and administer Ubuntu Server

Now we've got Ubuntu Server installed we have our basic framework in place so we now need a way to be able to administer it remotely. This will allow us to configure it so it works exactly the way we want it to.

Firstly we're going to Install Putty. This is perhaps the most commonly used tool for administering Ubuntu Server. It is however a "command line" tool so we'll be needing to learn a few Linux commands. Well, you don't actually have to learn anything, you just need to be able to read. I've done all the learning for you!

For the Windows veterans amongst us we're going to Install VNC. This provides a "virtual" desktop interface. It works almost the same way as if you'd installed the Ubuntu Desktop version instead of Ubuntu Server and were sitting infront of your server. The virtual desktop sessions are persistent meaning they are saved even after shutting down the computer you're running VNC from.

Perhaps the most friendly and flexible way of administering Ubuntu Server is to Install Webmin. Typical tasks are adding and partitioning drives and creating users and shares

Lastly, since our server will live in a cupboard we need to ensure it does not overheat. So, I've provided some scripts to Monitor internal temperatures and to save on running costs you can spin down idle drives.