How to Install a Desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu Server

Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution that is widely used for its reliability and security. One of the main advantages of using Ubuntu is that it is available in two versions: desktop and server. The desktop version comes with a graphical user interface (GUI), which makes it easy to use for beginners. On the other hand, the server version does not have a GUI, as it is designed for advanced users who prefer to work from the command line. However, in some cases, you may want to install a GUI on an Ubuntu server to make it easier to manage. In this article, we will show you how to install a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server.

What is a GUI?

A GUI is a graphical user interface that allows users to interact with a computer system through visual elements such as icons, buttons, and menus. It provides a more intuitive and user-friendly way to interact with the computer than using only the command line. A GUI is essential for users who are not familiar with the command line or those who prefer a visual interface.

Why Install a GUI on an Ubuntu Server?

There are several reasons why you may want to install a GUI on an Ubuntu server. Firstly, a GUI makes it easier to manage the server for users who are not familiar with the command line. With a GUI, you can perform many administrative tasks, such as configuring the network, installing software, and managing users and groups, with just a few clicks. Secondly, a GUI provides a more intuitive and user-friendly way to interact with the server, which can be helpful for users who are not comfortable working with the command line.

Installing a GUI on an Ubuntu Server

Before we begin, make sure that you have a server running Ubuntu 20.04 or later. Also, ensure that you have a user account with sudo privileges.

Step 1: Update the System

Before installing the GUI, it is essential to update the system to the latest packages. Open the terminal and run the following command −

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This command will update the system and install any available updates.

Step 2: Install the Desktop Environment

There are several desktop environments available for Ubuntu, such as GNOME, KDE, and Xfce. In this example, we will install GNOME, which is the default desktop environment for Ubuntu. To install GNOME, run the following command −

sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop -y

This command will install the GNOME desktop environment and all its dependencies. The installation may take some time, depending on your internet speed.

Step 3: Install the Display Manager

A display manager is a program that provides a graphical login screen and manages user sessions. There are several display managers available for Ubuntu, such as GDM, LightDM, and SDDM. In this example, we will install GDM, which is the default display manager for GNOME. To install GDM, run the following command −

sudo apt install gdm3 -y

This command will install GDM and all its dependencies.

Step 4: Enable the Display Manager

After installing the display manager, you need to enable it to start automatically at boot time. To enable GDM, run the following command −

sudo systemctl enable gdm

This command will enable GDM to start automatically at boot time.

Step 5: Reboot the System

After completing the above steps, you can now reboot the system to start the GUI. To reboot the system, run the following command −

sudo reboot

This command will reboot the system, and you will see the login screen when the system boots up.

Here are some additional tips and considerations to keep in mind when installing a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server −

• Choosing the right desktop environment − Ubuntu offers several desktop environments, each with its own set of features and system requirements. GNOME, the default desktop environment for Ubuntu, is known for its simplicity and user-friendliness. KDE, on the other hand, is known for its advanced customization options and high system requirements. Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment that is ideal for servers with limited resources.

• Consider security − Installing a GUI on a server can introduce security vulnerabilities, as it adds more software to the system that can be exploited by attackers. To minimize the risk of security breaches, make sure to install only the necessary software and keep it updated with the latest security patches.

• Performance impact − Installing a GUI on a server can have a performance impact, as it consumes system resources such as CPU, RAM, and disk space. If you have limited resources, it is recommended to use a lightweight desktop environment or avoid installing a GUI altogether.

• Remote access − If you are accessing the server remotely, make sure to configure the firewall to allow remote access to the desktop environment. Additionally, consider using a secure connection such as SSH or VPN to access the server.

• Consider alternatives − If you do not want to install a GUI on the server, consider using a remote desktop software such as VNC or RDP to access the server from a remote machine. This allows you to use a GUI on the remote machine while running the server without a GUI.

• Disk space − Installing a desktop environment on an Ubuntu server can consume a significant amount of disk space, which can be an issue if you have limited storage space. Before installing a desktop environment, make sure to check the disk space usage on the server and ensure that you have enough space to install and run the GUI.

• Graphic card support − Not all graphic cards are supported by Ubuntu, which can cause issues when installing a desktop environment. Make sure to check the system requirements for the desktop environment you want to install and ensure that your graphic card is supported.

• User permissions − By default, the root user does not have access to the desktop environment. If you want to run the desktop environment as root, you will need to modify the configuration file for the display manager. However, running the desktop environment as root can introduce security vulnerabilities, so it is generally not recommended.

• Multi-user support − If you are installing a desktop environment on a server that will be used by multiple users, you may need to configure the display manager to allow multiple user sessions. By default, the display manager only allows one user session at a time.

• Accessibility − If you have users with accessibility needs, you may need to install additional software or configure the desktop environment to support accessibility features such as screen readers or high contrast mode.

• Resource management − Installing a desktop environment can consume a significant amount of system resources, which can impact the performance of other services running on the server. To minimize the impact, you can use resource management tools such as System Monitor or Task Manager to monitor and manage system resources.

• Customization − Desktop environments offer a wide range of customization options, such as themes, icons, and desktop widgets. However, excessive customization can impact system performance and introduce security vulnerabilities. To ensure system stability and security, limit customization to essential features only.

Conclusion

In this article, we have shown you how to install a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server. By following these steps, you can easily install a GUI on your Ubuntu server and manage it more easily. Remember that installing a GUI on a server can have a performance impact, so it is recommended to use a lightweight desktop environment if you have limited resources. Additionally, if you are using the server for production purposes, it is generally not recommended to install a GUI, as it can introduce security vulnerabilities and unnecessary overhead.

Overall, whether or not to install a GUI on an Ubuntu server depends on your personal preferences and the use case of the server. With the above steps, you can easily install a GUI on your server and enjoy a more user-friendly experience.