Introduction
Welcome to our guide on how to install GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04. As you may already know, Ubuntu Server 20.04 is a powerful, open-source operating system, widely used in the IT industry. However, it’s not as user-friendly as some other operating systems, and many users find it difficult to use, especially if they’re not familiar with the command line interface. That’s where the GUI comes in. In this guide, we’ll show you how to install a GUI on your Ubuntu Server 20.04, making it easier to use and navigate.
GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. It’s a graphical representation of your operating system, which makes it easier to navigate and use. Ubuntu Server 20.04 comes without a GUI, which means you have to do everything through the command line. While this may be fine for some users, others may prefer a graphical representation of their operating system. Installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 is a simple process that can be completed in a few easy steps. Let’s get started!
1. Installing the Desktop Environment
The first step in installing GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 is to install a desktop environment. A desktop environment provides you with a graphical representation of your operating system, making it easier to use and navigate. There are several desktop environments available for Ubuntu Server 20.04, such as Xfce, KDE, GNOME, and others. In this guide, we’ll show you how to install GNOME, one of the most popular desktop environments available for Ubuntu Server 20.04.
To install GNOME, simply run the following command in your terminal:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-gnome-desktop |
Installs the GNOME desktop environment on Ubuntu Server 20.04 |
2. Configuring the Display Manager
Once you’ve installed the desktop environment, the next step is to configure the display manager. The display manager is responsible for starting your desktop environment and presenting you with a login screen. By default, Ubuntu Server 20.04 uses a display manager called LightDM. However, GNOME uses its own display manager called GDM. So, we need to switch to GDM to use the GNOME desktop environment.
To switch to GDM, run the following command in your terminal:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo dpkg-reconfigure gdm3 |
Switches the display manager to GDM |
After running this command, select GDM as your display manager, and reboot your system for the changes to take effect.
3. Installing Additional Packages
After installing the desktop environment and configuring the display manager, you may want to install additional packages to customize your system. For example, you may want to install a web browser, media player, or office suite. To install additional packages, you can use the apt-get command.
Here are some examples of additional packages you may want to install:
Package |
Description |
Command |
|---|---|---|
Google Chrome |
A popular web browser |
sudo apt-get install google-chrome-stable |
VLC Media Player |
A popular media player |
sudo apt-get install vlc |
LibreOffice |
An open-source office suite |
sudo apt-get install libreoffice |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04
Advantages
There are several advantages to installing GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04:
1. User-Friendly Interface
Installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 provides you with a user-friendly interface, making it easier to navigate and use. This is especially useful if you’re not familiar with the command line interface.
2. Access to Additional Applications
Installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 gives you access to a wide range of additional applications, such as web browsers, media players, and office suites. This can be useful if you’re using Ubuntu Server 20.04 for personal use.
3. Improved Productivity
A GUI can help to improve productivity, as it allows you to perform tasks more quickly and efficiently. This is particularly true if you’re using Ubuntu Server 20.04 for work purposes.
Disadvantages
There are also some disadvantages to installing GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04:
1. Resource Intensive
A GUI is more resource-intensive than a command line interface, which means that it can slow down your system if you don’t have enough resources.
2. Security Risks
A GUI can introduce security risks, as it provides a graphical interface that can be exploited by hackers. If you’re using Ubuntu Server 20.04 for work purposes, you may want to consider using a command line interface for increased security.
3. Additional Maintenance
Installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 requires additional maintenance, as you’ll need to keep the software up to date and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
FAQs
Q1: What is a GUI?
A1: GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. It’s a graphical representation of your operating system, which makes it easier to navigate and use.
Q2: Why doesn’t Ubuntu Server 20.04 come with a GUI?
A2: Ubuntu Server 20.04 is designed for use in the IT industry, where users are expected to use the command line interface. However, some users may prefer a GUI, which is why it’s possible to install one.
Q3: Which desktop environment is best for Ubuntu Server 20.04?
A3: The best desktop environment for Ubuntu Server 20.04 depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Some popular desktop environments include Xfce, KDE, GNOME, and others.
Q4: Will installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 affect my system’s performance?
A4: Installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 can be resource-intensive, which means it may affect your system’s performance if you don’t have enough resources.
Q5: Can I switch between different desktop environments on Ubuntu Server 20.04?
A5: Yes, you can switch between different desktop environments on Ubuntu Server 20.04 by installing the desktop environment you want and then selecting it from the login screen.
Q6: Are there any security risks associated with installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04?
A6: Installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 can introduce security risks, as it provides a graphical interface that can be exploited by hackers.
Q7: Can I install a lightweight desktop environment on Ubuntu Server 20.04?
A7: Yes, there are several lightweight desktop environments available for Ubuntu Server 20.04, such as Xfce and LXDE.
Q8: What is the command to start the GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04?
A8: The command to start the GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 depends on the desktop environment you’ve installed. For GNOME, the command is startx.
Q9: Can I install a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 remotely?
A9: Yes, you can install a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 remotely using SSH.
Q10: Will installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 void my warranty?
A10: No, installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 will not void your warranty.
Q11: Can I uninstall a GUI from Ubuntu Server 20.04?
A11: Yes, you can uninstall a GUI from Ubuntu Server 20.04 using the apt-get command.
Q12: What are some popular applications I can install on Ubuntu Server 20.04?
A12: Some popular applications you can install on Ubuntu Server 20.04 include Google Chrome, VLC Media Player, and LibreOffice.
Q13: Do I need a GUI to run a web server on Ubuntu Server 20.04?
A13: No, you don’t need a GUI to run a web server on Ubuntu Server 20.04. In fact, it’s recommended that you don’t use a GUI for security reasons.
Conclusion
Installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server 20.04 can make it easier to use and navigate, especially if you’re not familiar with the command line interface. However, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before installing a GUI, as it can be resource-intensive and introduce security risks. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily install a GUI on your Ubuntu Server 20.04 and start using it today.
Remember, installing a GUI is just the beginning. To get the most out of your Ubuntu Server 20.04, you’ll need to keep the software up to date and learn how to use it effectively. With the right tools and knowledge, Ubuntu Server 20.04 can be a powerful and versatile operating system that can meet all your needs.
Closing/Disclaimer
We hope you found this guide helpful! Please note that the information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only. We are not responsible for any damages or losses that may result from following this guide. Please ensure that you have a backup of your system before making any changes.