How to Install Desktop on Ubuntu Server 14.04: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Introduction
Greetings, dear readers! If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve decided to take the bold step of installing a desktop environment onto your Ubuntu Server 14.04 setup. Congratulations on taking that step!
Ubuntu Server 14.04 is a powerful operating system that’s commonly used for web servers, but it’s generally not designed for desktop use. However, you might have certain circumstances or preferences that call for the installation of a desktop environment on your server.
Regardless of your reasons, you’re in the right place! This guide will provide a detailed explanation of how to install desktop on your Ubuntu Server 14.04, along with the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. We’ll also cover some frequently asked questions about the process.
Let’s dive in!
How to Install Desktop on Ubuntu Server 14.04
Step 1: Update Your Server
Before installing a desktop environment, make sure your Ubuntu Server 14.04 is up to date by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get update |
Updates package list |
sudo apt-get upgrade |
Installs updates |
This command will update your server with all the latest packages and security fixes.
Step 2: Install a Desktop Environment
Now that your server is up to date, it’s time to install a desktop environment. The most popular desktop environments for Ubuntu include Unity, GNOME, KDE, and XFCE.
To install Unity, run this command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop |
Installs Unity desktop |
To install GNOME, run this command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get install gnome-core |
Installs GNOME desktop |
To install KDE, run this command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get install kde-full |
Installs KDE desktop |
To install XFCE, run this command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get install xfce4 |
Installs XFCE desktop |
Note that some of these desktop environments might require additional packages to function properly.
Step 3: Install a Display Manager
After installing a desktop environment, you’ll need to install a display manager to allow users to log in to the desktop environment. The most common display managers for Ubuntu include LightDM, GDM, and KDM.
To install LightDM, run this command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get install lightdm |
Installs LightDM display manager |
To install GDM, run this command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get install gdm |
Installs GDM display manager |
To install KDM, run this command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get install kdm |
Installs KDM display manager |
Step 4: Reboot Your Server
After installing the desktop environment and display manager, it’s time to reboot your server by running this command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo reboot |
Reboots your server |
After rebooting, you should be able to log in to your server’s desktop environment using your account credentials.
Step 5: Customize Your Desktop
Congratulations, you’ve successfully installed a desktop environment onto your Ubuntu Server 14.04! Now it’s time to customize your desktop to suit your needs.
You can change your desktop’s appearance by installing themes and icons, adjust your display settings, and install any necessary applications. Make sure to secure your desktop environment by configuring your firewall and passwords.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing Desktop on Ubuntu Server 14.04
Advantages
Installing a desktop environment on your Ubuntu Server 14.04 can provide several advantages, including:
Improved User Experience
A desktop environment provides a more intuitive and user-friendly interface for performing tasks on your server, especially for those who are not familiar with the command line.
Access to GUI Applications
A desktop environment allows you to easily install and use graphical applications, which can be useful for tasks such as editing text documents or browsing the web.
Improved Multitasking
A desktop environment provides a more efficient way to multitask, allowing you to easily manage multiple windows and applications simultaneously.
Remote Desktop Access
With a desktop environment installed, you can easily access your server’s desktop remotely using VNC or other remote desktop protocols.
Disadvantages
There are also some potential disadvantages to installing a desktop environment on your Ubuntu Server 14.04, including:
Resource Usage
A desktop environment requires more resources than a command line interface, which can lead to increased resource usage and slower performance on low-powered servers.
Security Risks
A desktop environment can introduce additional security risks, such as increased attack surface and vulnerabilities in third-party applications.
Maintenance Overhead
A desktop environment requires regular maintenance and updates, which can add additional overhead to your server management tasks.
FAQs
Q1. Is it necessary to install a desktop environment on Ubuntu Server 14.04?
A1. No, it’s not necessary, but it can be useful for certain circumstances or preferences.
Q2. Can I install multiple desktop environments on the same server?
A2. Yes, you can install multiple desktop environments on the same server, but it might require additional configuration.
Q3. Can I remove a desktop environment after installing it?
A3. Yes, you can remove a desktop environment by running the appropriate command to uninstall it.
Q4. Can I still use the command line interface after installing a desktop environment?
A4. Yes, you can still use the command line interface by accessing the terminal application within your desktop environment.
Q5. Can I install a specific version of a desktop environment?
A5. Yes, you can install a specific version of a desktop environment by specifying the version number in the installation command.
Q6. Will installing a desktop environment affect my server’s performance?
A6. It might affect your server’s performance, especially if your server has limited resources.
Q7. Can I install a desktop environment on other versions of Ubuntu?
A7. Yes, you can install a desktop environment on other versions of Ubuntu, but the installation process might differ slightly.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of our comprehensive guide on how to install desktop on Ubuntu Server 14.04! We hope this guide has been informative and useful to you.
Remember to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of installing a desktop environment on your server before proceeding. If you decide to go ahead with the installation, make sure to secure your desktop environment and regularly update your system for optimal performance.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck with your Ubuntu Server 14.04 desktop setup!
Closing or Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational purposes only. We are not responsible for any data loss or other damages that may occur as a result of following the instructions in this guide. Use at your own risk.