cockpit-desktop

Open a page

$ cockpit-desktop [url] [SSH_host]

$ cockpit-desktop [/cockpit/@localhost/storage/index.html]

cockpit-desktop [OPTIONS]

--help
    Displays a brief help message and exits.

--version
    Displays the version information and exits.

cockpit-desktop provides a user-friendly, web-based interface for managing a local Linux system. It's part of the broader Cockpit project, which aims to make Linux server administration accessible through a web browser. Unlike the general cockpit command which can manage remote systems via SSH, cockpit-desktop is specifically tailored for administering the machine it's running on. It allows users to perform common administrative tasks such as managing system services, reviewing logs, monitoring system resources, configuring networking, managing storage, and even running terminal commands directly from a web browser. The interface is designed to be intuitive and discoverable, making it suitable for both new Linux users and experienced administrators who prefer a graphical overview. It integrates seamlessly with the underlying Linux system, leveraging existing system tools and APIs like systemd, firewalld, and Polkit for secure operations.

When invoked, cockpit-desktop typically launches your default web browser and navigates to the local Cockpit instance (usually https://localhost:9090), providing immediate access to the system's administrative dashboard.

For cockpit-desktop to function, the Cockpit web service (typically provided by cockpit.socket or cockpit.service) must be running and accessible on the local system. It relies on a web browser being installed and configured as the default application for HTTPS URLs. All actions performed through Cockpit are executed with appropriate system privileges, often mediated by Polkit, requiring authentication for sensitive operations. While convenient, it's essential to secure access to the Cockpit web interface, even on a local system, especially if the port 9090 is exposed to the network.

cockpit-desktop typically connects to the Cockpit web service running on port 9090 (https://localhost:9090).

Cockpit integrates with Polkit (PolicyKit) to manage permissions. This means that users authenticated through Cockpit can only perform actions that their system privileges allow, and sensitive operations often prompt for a password.

Cockpit features a modular design, allowing for the installation of additional 'applications' or 'pages' (e.g., for managing Kubernetes, Podman, or specific vendor hardware) that extend its core functionality without cluttering the main interface.

The Cockpit project was initiated by Red Hat engineers with the goal of creating a modern, user-friendly interface for Linux administration. It first appeared in Fedora distributions and quickly gained traction, becoming a standard component in enterprise Linux distributions like Red Hat Enterprise Linux and CentOS, as well as being available for Ubuntu, Debian, and others. The focus has always been on integration with standard Linux tools and technologies, rather than reimplementing them. cockpit-desktop emerged as a specific application of Cockpit's capabilities, allowing users to manage their local desktop or workstation directly from a web browser, providing a consistent administrative experience whether managing a server or a personal machine.

cockpit(1), systemctl(1), journalctl(1), firewalld(8), sshd(8), polkit(8)