Installing GUI on Ubuntu Server 15.10: A Comprehensive Guide

The Easiest Way to Get a Desktop Environment up and Running on Your Ubuntu Server

Greetings, fellow tech enthusiasts! Today, we’re going to talk about installing the Graphic User Interface (GUI) on Ubuntu Server 15.10, one of the most popular Linux Server distributions out there.

With the GUI installed, you’ll be able to connect remotely to your Ubuntu Server and run your favorite desktop applications, from web browsers to media players. But, before we dive into the details of how to install GUI on Ubuntu Server 15.10, let’s take a look at what it is, its advantages, and disadvantages.

What is GUI in Ubuntu Server?

GUI stands for the Graphic User Interface. While Ubuntu Server is designed to be used via the command line interface (CLI), sometimes a graphical interface can be helpful, especially for those who are new to the Linux command line.

The GUI provides an intuitive interface for non-technical users to interact with the server. It also makes it easier to access some of the commonly used applications that require a graphical interface like web browsers or web-based control panels.

Users can launch a GUI interface and work on the server as if they were sitting in front of it. So, if you’re not comfortable with using the command line interface, installing GUI can be a good idea.

Advantages of Installing GUI on Ubuntu Server 15.10

The advantages of installing GUI on Ubuntu Server are many:

+ Pros	– Cons
It makes it easier to use the server for non-technical users.	Can use plenty of system resources
Easy access to web browsers and other applications that require a GUI.	May slow down the server performance
Allows remote users to use the server as if they were sitting in front of it.	May introduce security issues
Reduces the learning curve for users who are new to the command line interface.	Can consume a lot of disk space.

Overall, installing GUI on Ubuntu Server 15.10 can be a good idea if you want to provide a user-friendly environment for remote users on your network. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you decide to proceed with the installation.

Installing GUI on Ubuntu Server 15.10: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have a clear understanding of what GUI is and its advantages and disadvantages let’s move onto the installation process. We’ll guide you through the process, step-by-step, making sure that even beginners can follow along.

Step 1: Check Your Ubuntu Version

The first thing you need to do is confirm that you’re running Ubuntu Server 15.10. You can check your Ubuntu version by running the following command:

lsb_release -a

If you’re running Ubuntu Server 15.10, you should see the following output:

No LSB modules are available.

Distributor ID: Ubuntu

Description: Ubuntu 15.10

Release: 15.10

Codename: wily

Step 2: Update the System

Before you proceed with the installation, make sure that your system is up-to-date:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get upgrade

Step 3: Install the Desktop Environment

To install the desktop environment, we’ll be using the Unity desktop environment, which is the default desktop environment for Ubuntu. To install Unity, run the following command:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop

This command will install all the packages required to run the Unity desktop environment.

Step 4: Install a VNC server

To access the GUI remotely, we need to install a Virtual Network Computing (VNC) server. We’ll be using the TightVNC server for this purpose. To install TightVNC, run the following command:

sudo apt-get install tightvncserver

Step 5: Start the VNC Server

Once TightVNC is installed, you can start it by running the following command:

tightvncserver

Step 6: Configure the VNC Server

When you start TightVNC server for the first time, you’ll be prompted to set a password for the VNC connection.

To configure the VNC server, open the ~/.vnc/xstartup file:

nano ~/.vnc/xstartup

Uncomment the following lines:

unset SESSION_MANAGER

exec /etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc

Save and close the file.

Step 7: Restart the VNC Server

Restart the VNC server by running the following command:

vncserver -kill :1

tightvncserver

The VNC server should now be configured and running.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the alternatives to the Unity desktop environment?

While Unity is the default desktop environment for Ubuntu, there are several other desktop environments you can use, such as:

1. GNOME

2. KDE Plasma

3. Xfce

4. LXDE

5. MATE

Q2: Can you connect to the VNC server from a Windows machine?

Yes, you can use a VNC client for Windows like TightVNC or RealVNC to connect to the VNC server running on Ubuntu Server.

Q3: How can I uninstall the desktop environment and the VNC server?

To uninstall the desktop environment and the VNC server, run the following command:

sudo apt-get remove --purge ubuntu-desktop tightvncserver

Q4: Can I use a different VNC server instead of TightVNC?

Yes, you can use a different VNC server like RealVNC or UltraVNC.

Q5: How can I change the resolution of the VNC server?

You can change the resolution of the VNC server by adding the following line to the ~/.vnc/xstartup file:

xrandr -s 1920x1080

Replace 1920x1080 with your desired resolution.

Q6: Can I run multiple VNC servers on the same Ubuntu Server?

Yes, you can run multiple VNC servers on the same Ubuntu Server by specifying a different display number when starting the VNC server. For example, to start a VNC server on display number 2, use the following command:

tightvncserver :2

Q7: Can I use SSH tunneling to connect to the VNC server?

Yes, you can use SSH tunneling to secure the VNC connection. To do this, you need to forward the VNC port through an SSH tunnel. For example, to forward the VNC port 5901 to your local machine’s port 5901, run the following command:

ssh -L 5901:localhost:5901 user@ubuntu-server

Conclusion

Installing GUI on Ubuntu Server 15.10 is a straightforward process, allowing remote users to access the server via a graphical interface. However, it’s important to remember that installing a GUI on a server can greatly impact its performance and security.

We hope that this tutorial has been able to guide you through the steps to install the GUI on your Ubuntu Server without much trouble. If you have any questions or feedback, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below.

Now that you’ve learned how to install GUI on Ubuntu Server, take the first step towards implementation, and see how your Ubuntu Server can be transformed into a desktop environment.

Closing or Disclaimer

Installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server can significantly increase its usability, but it also comes with some security and performance risks. Therefore, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. Make sure that you have a backup plan in case anything goes wrong. Follow the instructions in this guide carefully, and if you encounter any issues, seek help from the Ubuntu community.

The author and publisher of this article will not be responsible for any damages caused by following the instructions or testing these tools.

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