Ubuntu 16.04 Server Install Desktop: Your Ultimate Guide

The Perfect Way to Turn Your Server into a Powerful Desktop

Greetings, esteemed readers! Are you looking for a way to convert your Ubuntu 16.04 server into a desktop? Look no further! In this article, we will be discussing the best methods to install Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop on your server to turn it into a powerhouse of productivity and efficiency.

Introduction

Ubuntu 16.04 is a stable and secure operating system, known for its top-notch performance. It is widely used for servers, but the desktop version has not been left behind. Many IT professionals prefer using Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop for their work, and it’s no surprise due to its user-friendly interface, flexibility, and the fact that it is open-source and free to use.

With Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop, you can run various applications, browse the internet, and access your server files from the comfort of your desktop environment. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the process of installing Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop on your server.

Step 1: Preparing the Server

The first step is to ensure that your server meets the minimum requirements for installing Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop. The recommended specifications are:

Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
CPU: 1 GHz	CPU: 2 GHz
RAM: 1 GB	RAM: 2 GB
Hard Disk Space: 25 GB	Hard Disk Space: 50 GB

Ensure that your server meets these requirements before proceeding with the installation process.

Step 2: Installing the Desktop Environment

The next step is to install the desktop environment on your server. We recommend using the lightweight desktop environment, Xfce. To install Xfce, use the following command:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install xfce4 xfce4-goodies

This command will install Xfce and all the necessary packages required to run it.

Step 3: installing a VNC Server

The third step is to install a VNC server to allow you to connect remotely to your Ubuntu Desktop. We recommend using ‘Tightvncserver,’ which is a lightweight and easy-to-use VNC server.

To install Tightvncserver, use the following command:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install tightvncserver

Once the installation is complete, run the following command to start the Tightvncserver:

vncserver :1 -geometry 1024x768 -depth 24

This command will start the VNC server, and you can now connect to it remotely using any VNC client such as TightVNC or RealVNC.

Step 4: Firewall Configuration

It is essential to configure your firewall to allow incoming VNC connections. Use the following command to open the VNC port:

sudo ufw allow 5901/tcp

This command will allow incoming connections on the VNC port.

Step 5: Connecting to the Ubuntu Desktop

The final step is to connect remotely to your Ubuntu Desktop. You can use any VNC client to connect. Enter the IP address of your server and the port number ‘5901’ to connect to your desktop. Once connected, you can now use your Ubuntu Desktop as you would use any other desktop environment.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Ubuntu 16.04 Server Install Desktop

Advantages

1. Improved Productivity: With Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop, you can access your server files and applications from one place, increasing your productivity.

2. User-Friendly Interface: Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, even for beginners.

3. Open-Source and Free: Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop is free to use and open-source, making it an excellent choice for those who want to save money on licensing fees.

4. Lightweight: The Xfce desktop environment is lightweight, making it perfect for those who want to save system resources.

Disadvantages

1. Security Risks: Using a desktop environment on a server can increase security risks, especially if not configured correctly.

2. Increased Resource Utilization: Running a desktop environment on a server can increase resource utilization, affecting the performance of your server.

3. Limited Support: Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop version has a limited support lifespan, which might not be ideal for businesses looking for long-term support.

FAQs

1. Can I install Ubuntu Desktop on an existing Ubuntu 16.04 server?

Yes, you can install Ubuntu Desktop on an existing Ubuntu 16.04 server using the steps outlined in this article.

2. What desktop environment is recommended for Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop?

We recommend using the Xfce desktop environment, as it is lightweight and easy to use.

3. What VNC server is recommended for Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop?

We recommend using Tightvncserver for Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop.

4. Can I use any VNC client to connect to my Ubuntu Desktop?

Yes, you can use any VNC client such as TightVNC or RealVNC to connect to your Ubuntu Desktop.

5. What are the minimum system requirements for installing Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop on a server?

The minimum system requirements for installing Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop on a server are a 1 GHz CPU, 1 GB RAM, and 25 GB hard disk space.

6. Can I install other desktop environments besides Xfce on Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop?

Yes, you can install other desktop environments on Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop, but Xfce is recommended due to its lightweight nature.

7. Is it safe to use a desktop environment on a server?

It is generally safe to use a desktop environment on a server as long as it is configured correctly and necessary security measures are put in place.

8. What is the lifespan of Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop support?

Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop support ended in April 2021.

9. Can I use Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop for business purposes?

Yes, you can use Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop for business purposes, but it has a limited support lifespan.

10. Will installing Ubuntu Desktop on my server affect my server’s performance?

Running a desktop environment on your server can affect performance, especially if you do not have enough system resources.

11. Is Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop free to use?

Yes, Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop is free to use and open-source.

12. Can I access my server files from the Ubuntu Desktop?

Yes, you can access your server files from the Ubuntu Desktop, making it easy to manage files and applications from one place.

13. What can I do to improve security when using a desktop environment on my server?

You can ensure that your firewall is configured correctly, use secure passwords, and limit user access to the desktop environment to improve security when using a desktop environment on your server.

Conclusion

Ubuntu 16.04 Server Install Desktop is an excellent way to turn your server into a powerful desktop environment. With this setup, you can access your server files and applications from the comfort of your desktop environment, making it easier to manage and increase your productivity.

However, it is essential to configure the desktop environment correctly and ensure that necessary security measures are put in place to avoid security risks and performance issues. If done correctly, Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop can be a game-changer for your productivity and efficiency.

Closing Disclaimer

The information in this article is provided ‘as is’ without any warranties or representations of any kind, and Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop support has ended. It is recommended that you upgrade to a newer version of Ubuntu to ensure long-term support and security.

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