How to Install Desktop on Ubuntu Server 20.04

Introduction

Greetings, fellow tech enthusiasts! Are you tired of the command-line interface on your Ubuntu Server 20.04? Do you want to have a more intuitive and user-friendly desktop environment? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will guide you on how to install desktop on Ubuntu Server 20.04. We will also provide you with the advantages and disadvantages of having a desktop environment on your server. So, stay tuned and let’s get started!

What is Ubuntu Server 20.04?

Ubuntu Server 20.04 is a free and open-source operating system designed to be used in servers, rather than personal computers. It is known for its stability, security, and easy-to-use command-line interface. However, some users prefer to have a desktop environment to make it easier to manage their server.

Advantages of Installing Desktop on Ubuntu Server 20.04

There are several advantages of having a desktop environment on your Ubuntu Server 20.04, such as:

1. User-Friendly Interface

A desktop environment provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that is more intuitive and user-friendly compared to the command-line interface. This can help make managing your server easier, especially if you don’t have much experience with command-line interfaces.

2. Remote Access

A desktop environment allows you to remotely access your server using remote desktop software, which can be useful if you need to manage your server from a different location.

3. Additional Features

A desktop environment provides additional features, such as file managers, media players, and web browsers, that can be useful for managing your server.

Disadvantages of Installing Desktop on Ubuntu Server 20.04

There are also some disadvantages of having a desktop environment on your Ubuntu Server 20.04:

1. Resource Intensive

A desktop environment can be resource-intensive, which means it can use a lot of your server’s resources, such as RAM and CPU, which can affect your server’s performance.

2. Security Risks

A desktop environment can also introduce additional security risks, such as vulnerabilities in the desktop environment software or the need for additional security configurations.

3. Additional Maintenance

A desktop environment requires additional maintenance, such as updates and configurations, which can be time-consuming.

How to Install Desktop on Ubuntu Server 20.04

Step 1: Update and Upgrade Your Server

Before installing a desktop environment, you need to make sure that your server is up-to-date. Use the following commands to update and upgrade your server:

sudo apt update	Update the package list
sudo apt upgrade	Upgrade the installed packages

Step 2: Install the Desktop Environment

After updating and upgrading your server, you can now install the desktop environment of your choice. There are several desktop environments available for Ubuntu Server 20.04, such as:

1. GNOME Desktop Environment

To install the GNOME desktop environment, use the following command:

sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop

Install the GNOME desktop environment

2. Xfce Desktop Environment

To install the Xfce desktop environment, use the following command:

sudo apt install xfce4

Install the Xfce desktop environment

3. KDE Plasma Desktop Environment

To install the KDE Plasma desktop environment, use the following command:

sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop

Install the KDE Plasma desktop environment

Step 3: Configure Your Desktop Environment

After installing your desktop environment, you need to configure it to your liking. This includes setting up your user account, customizing your desktop, and installing additional software.

Step 4: Start Your Desktop Environment

Once you have configured your desktop environment, you can start it by logging out of your server’s command-line interface and logging back in to your desktop environment. To do this, use the following command:

sudo systemctl isolate graphical.target

Start the desktop environment

FAQs

1. Can I install multiple desktop environments on Ubuntu Server 20.04?

Yes, you can install multiple desktop environments on Ubuntu Server 20.04, but it is not recommended as it can use a lot of your server’s resources and cause conflicts between the desktop environments.

2. Can I use a remote desktop software to access my server’s desktop environment?

Yes, you can use a remote desktop software, such as VNC or Xrdp, to access your server’s desktop environment from a different location.

3. Is a desktop environment required to manage my server?

No, a desktop environment is not required to manage your server. You can still manage your server using the command-line interface.

4. Can I uninstall a desktop environment after installing it?

Yes, you can uninstall a desktop environment by using the following command:

sudo apt remove [desktop-environment]

Uninstall the desktop environment

5. Can I switch between desktop environments?

Yes, you can switch between desktop environments by logging out of your current desktop environment and logging back in to a different desktop environment.

6. Which desktop environment is the most resource-efficient?

The Xfce desktop environment is considered the most resource-efficient compared to GNOME and KDE Plasma.

7. Can I install a different desktop environment than the ones mentioned in this article?

Yes, you can install a different desktop environment by searching for it in the Ubuntu Software Center or using the command-line interface to install it.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you now know how to install desktop on Ubuntu Server 20.04! We hope that this article has been helpful to you. Remember that having a desktop environment on your server can have its advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to weigh your options before installing one. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

Take Action Now

Start by updating and upgrading your server and then choose the desktop environment that suits your needs. Experiment and configure it to your liking. Don’t be afraid to explore and learn more about Ubuntu Server 20.04!

Closing

We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights on how to install desktop on Ubuntu Server 20.04. Keep in mind that every server setup is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Always be cautious when making any changes to your server to avoid any potential issues. Thank you for reading, and we wish you luck in your server setup journey.

Video:How to Install Desktop on Ubuntu Server 20.04