The Ultimate Guide to Converting Ubuntu Server to Desktop
Greetings to all the Ubuntu enthusiasts out there! Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you installed Ubuntu server on your machine, and now you wish you had installed the desktop version instead? Well, worry no more because we have got you covered!
Follow these 7 simple steps, and you’ll be able to convert your Ubuntu server to desktop without breaking a sweat. But before we dive into the steps, let’s first understand what Ubuntu server and desktop are and their differences.
What is Ubuntu Server?
Ubuntu server is a free, open-source operating system designed for use on servers, which means it doesn’t have a graphical user interface (GUI) by default. Instead, it’s designed to be administered remotely via a command-line interface (CLI).
The purpose of Ubuntu server is to provide a reliable and scalable platform for running enterprise-level applications and services, such as web servers, file servers, database servers, and more. It’s lightweight, secure, and optimized for server use.
What is Ubuntu Desktop?
Ubuntu desktop, on the other hand, is a free, open-source operating system designed for use on personal computers and laptops. It comes with a GUI by default, making it easy to navigate and use for daily tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, editing documents, and more.
Ubuntu desktop is known for its simplicity, speed, and ease of use, making it a popular choice among home users, students, and professionals.
Why Convert Ubuntu Server to Desktop?
So, why would you want to convert Ubuntu server to desktop? Well, there could be several reasons:
1. GUI Accessibility:
If you’re not familiar with the command-line interface (CLI), you may find it challenging to navigate Ubuntu server. Converting it to the desktop version will provide you with a GUI and make it easier to use.
2. Personal Use:
You may have installed Ubuntu server for personal use, and now you realize that you need a GUI for daily tasks.
3. Compatibility:
Some applications and tools may require a GUI to function correctly, which means that you’ll need to install the desktop version of Ubuntu to use them.
4. User Preferences:
Some users may prefer a GUI over a CLI, making the desktop version of Ubuntu a better choice for them.
The 7 Simple Steps to Convert Ubuntu Server to Desktop
Converting Ubuntu server to desktop is a straightforward process that can be done in 7 simple steps:
Step 1: Update and Upgrade
Before we proceed, we need to make sure that all the packages on our server are up to date. You can do this by running the following commands:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get update |
Updates the package index |
sudo apt-get upgrade |
Upgrades all the installed packages |
Step 2: Install Ubuntu Desktop
The next step is to install Ubuntu desktop. We can do this by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop |
Installs the Ubuntu desktop package |
Step 3: Install LightDM Display Manager
Once Ubuntu desktop is installed, we need to install a display manager to manage the graphical login. We recommend using LightDM as it’s lightweight and easy to use. You can install it by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get install lightdm |
Installs the LightDM display manager |
Step 4: Configure LightDM
Now that we’ve installed LightDM, we need to configure it to start automatically at boot. You can do this by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo dpkg-reconfigure lightdm |
Configures LightDM to start at boot |
When prompted, select LightDM as the default display manager.
Step 5: Install the Ubuntu Software Center
The next step is to install the Ubuntu Software Center, which will allow you to install and manage applications easily. You can install it by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get install software-center |
Installs the Ubuntu Software Center |
Step 6: Restart the System
Now that we’ve installed the necessary packages, it’s time to restart the system. You can do this by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo reboot |
Restarts the system |
After the system has restarted, you should see the LightDM login screen, allowing you to log in to the desktop version of Ubuntu.
Step 7: Optional Step
If you want to remove the server packages that are no longer required, you can do this by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get autoremove |
Removes the server packages that are no longer required |
Advantages of Converting Ubuntu Server to Desktop
Now that we’ve covered the steps involved in converting Ubuntu server to desktop, let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.
1. User-Friendly
The desktop version of Ubuntu is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and use. This is particularly useful for users who are not familiar with the command-line interface.
2. Easy to Install and Use Applications
The Ubuntu Software Center makes it easy to install and manage applications, allowing users to quickly and easily install the tools they need.
3. Compatibility with GUI-Based Applications
Some applications and tools require a GUI to function correctly, which means that converting Ubuntu server to desktop may be necessary.
4. Support for Multimedia
The desktop version of Ubuntu comes with support for multimedia, making it easy to watch videos and listen to music.
Disadvantages of Converting Ubuntu Server to Desktop
1. Higher Resource Requirements
The desktop version of Ubuntu has higher resource requirements than the server version, making it less suitable for use on older or less powerful machines.
2. Reduced Security
The desktop version of Ubuntu is less secure than the server version, as it comes with additional software and services that can potentially be exploited by attackers.
3. Reduced Performance
The desktop version of Ubuntu may be slower than the server version due to the additional software and services that are running.
The Table of Complete Information on Converting Ubuntu Server to Desktop
Step |
Description |
|---|---|
Step 1 |
Update and Upgrade |
Step 2 |
Install Ubuntu Desktop |
Step 3 |
Install LightDM Display Manager |
Step 4 |
Configure LightDM |
Step 5 |
Install the Ubuntu Software Center |
Step 6 |
Restart the System |
Step 7 |
Optional Step: Remove Server Packages |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I convert Ubuntu server to desktop without reinstalling the OS?
Yes, you can convert Ubuntu server to desktop without reinstalling the OS by following the steps outlined in this article.
2. Will converting Ubuntu server to desktop affect my data?
No, converting Ubuntu server to desktop should not affect your data. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your data before making any changes to your system.
3. Can I convert back to Ubuntu server after converting to desktop?
Yes, you can convert back to Ubuntu server after converting to desktop by removing the desktop packages and installing the server packages.
4. Will converting Ubuntu server to desktop affect my server applications?
No, converting Ubuntu server to desktop should not affect your server applications, as long as you don’t remove any necessary server packages.
5. Can I use the same commands on other Ubuntu-based distributions?
Yes, you can use the same commands on other Ubuntu-based distributions, such as Linux Mint or elementary OS.
6. How do I know if I’m running Ubuntu server or desktop?
You can check if you’re running Ubuntu server or desktop by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
lsb_release -a |
Displays the current Ubuntu version and type |
7. Is it possible to convert Ubuntu server to another desktop environment besides Unity?
Yes, it’s possible to convert Ubuntu server to another desktop environment, such as GNOME or KDE, by installing the appropriate packages.
8. Can I customize the desktop environment after converting?
Yes, you can customize the desktop environment after converting by installing themes, changing the wallpaper, and more.
9. How long does it take to convert Ubuntu server to desktop?
The conversion process typically takes less than an hour, depending on the speed of your machine and internet connection.
10. Can I convert Ubuntu server to a different operating system?
No, you cannot convert Ubuntu server to a different operating system. You’ll need to install a new OS from scratch.
11. Will I lose any data during the conversion process?
No, you should not lose any data during the conversion process. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your data before making any changes to your system.
12. Can I undo the conversion process?
Yes, you can undo the conversion process by removing the desktop packages and reinstalling the server packages.
13. Is it recommended to convert Ubuntu server to desktop?
It depends on your needs and preferences. If you require a GUI, then converting Ubuntu server to desktop may be necessary. However, if you’re comfortable with the command-line interface, then you may prefer to stick with the server version.
Conclusion
Converting Ubuntu server to desktop is a simple process that can be done in just a few easy steps. By installing the desktop version of Ubuntu, you’ll gain access to a user-friendly GUI, making it easier to navigate and use. However, it’s important to consider the potential disadvantages, such as higher resource requirements and reduced security.
If you’re considering converting Ubuntu server to desktop, be sure to follow the steps outlined in this article carefully, and always remember to back up your data before making any changes to your system.
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. We do not take responsibility for any damage or loss of data that may occur during or after the conversion process. Always remember to back up your data before making any changes to your system.