How to Install a Desktop Environment on Ubuntu Server 18.04 Bionic Beaver
Ubuntu Server does not come with a desktop environment out of the box. However, it is possible to install a graphical user interface (GUI) for easier system administration. This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step process to install various desktop environments on Ubuntu Server 18.04 Bionic Beaver.
1. Objective
The objective of this guide is to provide you with the necessary steps to install a GUI on your Ubuntu Server 18.04 Bionic Beaver. The goal is to ease the administrative tasks and make the server more user-friendly while ensuring minimal resource usage.
2. Operating System and Software Versions
Operating System: Ubuntu Server 18.04 Bionic Beaver
3. Requirements
Privileged access to your Ubuntu system as root or via sudo command is required.4. Difficulty
Degree of difficulty: EASY
5. Conventions
Commands marked with require root privileges should either be used directly as a root user or through sudo command. Commands marked with require user privileges should be executed by a regular non-privileged user.
6. Introduction
6.1. Select GUI for your server
Selecting the right GUI for your server is crucial. Consider your server's resources when making your choice. Lightweight desktop environments such as Mate, Lubuntu, and Xfce4 are suitable for most server setups, while more resource-intensive environments like GNOME and KDE are better for personal computers.
6.2. Select a Display Manager
Display managers are responsible for presenting the graphical login screen. Choose a lightweight display manager such as lightdm or slim. Be cautious of using GDM3 as it is more resource-intensive.
7. Instructions
Follow these steps to install a desktop environment on your Ubuntu Server 18.04 Bionic Beaver.
7.1. Mate Core Server Desktop
To install the Mate desktop environment, follow these steps:
Use tasksel to install the package: Execute the following command: syntax: sudo tasksel install ubuntu-mate-core Once the installation is finished, start your display manager with the following command or restart your server: syntax: sudo service lightdm start7.2. Lubuntu Core Server Desktop
Lubuntu is a lightweight desktop environment that can be an ideal choice for your Ubuntu server.
Use tasksel to install the package: Execute the following command: syntax: sudo tasksel install lubuntu-core Start the display manager after the installation with the following command or restart your server: syntax: sudo service lightdm start7.3. Xubuntu Server Core Desktop
Xubuntu core is a lightweight variant of the Xfce4 desktop environment.
Install the package via tasksel: Execute the following command: syntax: sudo tasksel install xubuntu-core Start the display manager with the following command or restart your server: syntax: sudo service lightdm start7.4. Xfce Desktop
For a direct installation of Xfce desktop, use the following steps:
Use apt to install Xfce4 along with a simple display manager: Execute the following command: syntax: sudo apt install xfce4 slim Start the display manager with the following command or restart your server: syntax: sudo service slim start8. Conclusion
Choosing the right desktop environment for your Ubuntu server is essential. Bear in mind that the bigger the GUI, the more resources it consumes. Lighter desktop environments such as Xfce, Lubuntu, and Mate are recommended for server installations. If you do choose to install a more resource-intensive desktop environment like GNOME or KDE, ensure you have adequate resources available on your server.
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