Introduction
Welcome to our guide on how to install Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to install Ubuntu Desktop on your Ubuntu Server. We know the words “install” and “server” can be intimidating, but don’t worry. With our easy-to-follow instructions, you will be up and running in no time!
Before we dive into the process, let’s start by defining what Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server are, and why you might want to install one on the other.
What is Ubuntu Desktop?
Ubuntu Desktop is a version of the Ubuntu operating system (OS) that is designed for desktop and laptop computers. It has a graphical user interface (GUI) and provides a user-friendly experience for those who prefer a point-and-click interface.
What is Ubuntu Server?
Ubuntu Server is a version of the Ubuntu operating system (OS) that is designed for servers. It is a command-line based interface and provides a more streamlined experience for experienced users who prefer a more hands-on approach.
Why Install Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server?
While Ubuntu Server is great for running web servers, file servers, and other applications, it is not designed for use as a desktop OS. Installing Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server allows you to have the best of both worlds – a powerful server environment and a user-friendly, desktop environment.
Prerequisites
Before we get started, here are a few things you will need:
| Ubuntu Server Installed on your computer |
| An internet connection |
| A non-root user with sudo privileges |
How to Install Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server
Step 1: Update and Upgrade Ubuntu Server
Before we get started, let’s make sure we have the latest updates for Ubuntu Server:
Step 1.1: Open the terminal on your Ubuntu Server
Step 1.2: Type sudo apt update and press Enter
Step 1.3: Type sudo apt upgrade and press Enter
Once the updates have finished installing, we can move onto the next step.
Step 2: Install Ubuntu Desktop
Step 2.1: Type sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop and press Enter
This command will download and install the Ubuntu Desktop environment on your Ubuntu Server. Depending on your internet connection speed, this may take a few minutes to complete.
Step 3: Install a Display Manager
Now that we have Ubuntu Desktop installed, we need to install a display manager. A display manager is responsible for launching the desktop environment and authenticating users.
Step 3.1: Type sudo apt-get install gdm3 and press Enter
Once the display manager has finished installing, we can move onto the next step.
Step 4: Configure the Display Manager
Now that we have Ubuntu Desktop and a display manager installed, we need to configure it to start at boot time.
Step 4.1: Type sudo systemctl enable gdm3.service and press Enter
This command enables the display manager to start automatically when your Ubuntu Server boots up.
Step 5: Reboot Your Server
Step 5.1: Type sudo reboot and press Enter
Once your server has finished rebooting, you should see the login screen for Ubuntu Desktop.
Step 6: Login to Ubuntu Desktop
Use your non-root user credentials to log in to your new Ubuntu Desktop environment. Congratulations! You have successfully installed Ubuntu Desktop on your Ubuntu Server.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server
Advantages
1. User-friendly Interface: Ubuntu Desktop provides a graphical user interface that is easy to use, making it ideal for users who are not comfortable with a command-line interface.
2. A Wide Range of Applications: With Ubuntu Desktop, you have access to a wide range of applications, including office suites, web browsers, multimedia players, and more.
3. Increased Productivity: By installing Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server, you can increase your productivity by having a powerful server environment and a user-friendly, desktop environment in one place.
Disadvantages
1. Increased Resource Usage: By installing Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server, you are using more resources than if you were just running Ubuntu Server. This can lead to slower performance and increased hardware requirements.
2. Potential Security Risks: Ubuntu Desktop is not designed for use as a server OS, so it may not have the same security features as Ubuntu Server. This can potentially leave your system vulnerable to attacks.
3. Complicated Setup: Installing Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server can be a complicated process, especially for beginners. It requires a good understanding of the command-line interface and may take some time to set up properly.
FAQs
1. Do I need to install Ubuntu Server before installing Ubuntu Desktop?
Yes, you need to have Ubuntu Server installed on your computer before you can install Ubuntu Desktop.
2. Can I install Ubuntu Desktop on any version of Ubuntu Server?
Yes, you can install Ubuntu Desktop on any version of Ubuntu Server.
3. Will installing Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server affect my current server configuration?
No, installing Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server should not affect your current server configuration.
4. Can I uninstall Ubuntu Desktop once it is installed?
Yes, you can uninstall Ubuntu Desktop by running the command sudo apt remove ubuntu-desktop in the terminal.
5. What are the hardware requirements for Ubuntu Desktop?
The recommended hardware requirements for Ubuntu Desktop are:
| CPU: Dual-core processor, 2 GHz or faster |
| RAM: 4 GB or more |
| Storage: 25 GB or more |
| Graphics: 1024×768 resolution or higher |
6. Can I use Ubuntu Desktop as a server OS?
While it is possible to use Ubuntu Desktop as a server OS, it is not recommended. Ubuntu Server is designed specifically for server environments and is more secure and lightweight than Ubuntu Desktop.
7. Can I install other desktop environments on Ubuntu Server?
Yes, you can install other desktop environments on Ubuntu Server, such as GNOME, KDE, or Xfce.
8. How do I switch between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server?
To switch between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server, simply log out of one and log in to the other.
9. Can I use Ubuntu Desktop remotely?
Yes, you can use Ubuntu Desktop remotely by enabling remote desktop access and connecting to it using a remote desktop client.
10. Are there any additional steps I need to take to use Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server?
No, once you have completed the installation and configuration steps outlined in this article, you should be able to use Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server as you would any other desktop OS.
11. Will installing Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server void my warranty?
No, installing Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server will not void your warranty.
12. Can I install Ubuntu Desktop on a server that is already hosting websites or other applications?
Yes, you can install Ubuntu Desktop on a server that is already hosting websites or other applications. However, you should be careful not to disrupt any existing services.
13. Are there any risks associated with installing Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server?
There are some risks associated with installing Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server, such as increased resource usage and potential security vulnerabilities. However, if you follow the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to minimize these risks.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Ubuntu Desktop on your Ubuntu Server. We hope this guide has been helpful and that you now have a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of installing Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Remember, if you are using Ubuntu Desktop on Ubuntu Server for anything other than personal use, be sure to consult with your IT department or a qualified professional before making any changes to your server configuration.
Closing Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. The author and the publisher disclaim all warranties, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall the author or the publisher be liable for any damages whatsoever, including special, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or damages for loss of profits, revenue, use, or data whether brought about by negligence or otherwise, arising out of or connected with the use or reliance upon this article.