Ubuntu Server is renowned for its efficiency and command-line interface, perfectly suited for server environments. However, there are scenarios where a graphical user interface (GUI) can greatly simplify tasks, improve usability, and enhance server management, especially for those less comfortable with command-line operations. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to install a GUI on your Ubuntu Server, catering to various needs and resource considerations.
Whether you require a minimal GUI for essential graphical applications or a full-fledged desktop environment for comprehensive server administration, Ubuntu Server offers flexible options. This article will explore different methods to add a GUI to your Ubuntu Server, ranging from lightweight window managers to complete desktop environments, ensuring you can choose the setup that best aligns with your requirements.
Options for Adding a GUI to Ubuntu Server
Here are several approaches to install a graphical interface on your Ubuntu Server, starting from the most minimal to the most comprehensive:
1. Minimal GUI: Openbox
For users who need a very basic graphical environment to run specific applications without the overhead of a full desktop, Openbox is an excellent choice. It provides a standalone window manager that is lightweight and highly customizable.
sudo apt install xorg
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends openboxTo start the GUI, simply run the command startx. This will launch Openbox, providing a basic graphical environment where you can open a terminal and execute graphical applications as needed.
2. Minimal GUI with Display Manager: LightDM and Openbox
Adding a display manager like LightDM provides a graphical login screen, making the GUI experience more user-friendly, especially after server reboots.
sudo apt install xorg
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends lightdm-gtk-greeter
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends lightdm
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends openboxAfter installation and a reboot, you will be greeted with the LightDM login screen, allowing for a more conventional GUI startup process.
3. A Functional Minimal Desktop Environment: LXDE
For a more feature-rich yet still lightweight desktop experience, LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) is a great option. It provides a balance between functionality and resource usage, making it suitable for servers where some graphical utilities are frequently used.
sudo apt install xorg
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends lightdm-gtk-greeter
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends lightdm
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends lxde-icon-theme
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends lxde-core
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends lxde-common
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends policykit-1 lxpolkit
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends lxsession-logout
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends gvfs-backendsThis set of commands installs the core components of LXDE, including icon themes, core desktop elements, policy kit for privilege management, logout functionality, and GVFS backends for features like trash, network browsing, and device management in file managers like PCManFM.
4. Full Lightweight Desktop Environments: Lubuntu, Xubuntu, or Ubuntu MATE Core
If you need a more complete desktop environment but still prioritize lightweight performance, you can opt for the core versions of Lubuntu, Xubuntu, or Ubuntu MATE. These are based on LXDE, XFCE, and MATE desktops respectively, and include essential utilities and configurations.
sudo apt install xorgThen choose one of the following:
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends lubuntu-coreOR
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends xubuntu-coreOR
sudo apt install --no-install-recommends ubuntu-mate-coreThese metapackages install the core desktop environment along with necessary dependencies such as ALSA for audio, LightDM as the display manager, and a selection of default applications, themes, and configurations.
5. Full Lightweight Desktop Environments (with Recommendations): Lubuntu, Xubuntu, or Ubuntu MATE Core
For an even more complete experience, you can install the core desktop environments without the --no-install-recommends flag. This will include recommended packages, potentially adding more features and utilities.
Choose one of these:
sudo apt install lubuntu-coreOR
sudo apt install xubuntu-coreOR
sudo apt install ubuntu-mate-coreThis approach is similar to option 4 but includes recommended packages, which might add functionalities like Bluetooth support, printer and scanner compatibility, additional themes and fonts, and basic GNOME tools.
6. Full Desktop Environments with Extras: Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu GNOME, Ubuntu, or Kubuntu Desktop
For users who desire a complete desktop experience on their server, mirroring a typical desktop installation, you can install the full desktop metapackages. However, this is generally not recommended for servers due to the increased resource consumption and potential security implications.
Choose one of these:
sudo apt install lubuntu-desktopOR
sudo apt install xubuntu-desktopOR
sudo apt install ubuntu-mate-desktopOR
sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktopOR
sudo apt install ubuntu-desktopOR
sudo apt install kubuntu-desktopThese options install the full desktop environment, including a wide array of applications and utilities that come standard with the respective Ubuntu flavors’ live CDs. This is the least resource-efficient option and is typically not advised for server environments unless specifically required.
Tips for Managing Ubuntu Server GUI
Tip 1: Understanding --no-install-recommends
The --no-install-recommends option is used throughout these examples to minimize the installation footprint. It prevents the installation of packages marked as “recommended” dependencies. Starting with xorg ensures that essential graphics drivers and libraries are installed, maintaining system portability across different hardware configurations.
Tip 2: Network Configuration with Network Manager
If your chosen GUI option installs network-manager and network-manager-gnome, it’s advisable to use Network Manager for network configuration. To avoid conflicts, remove any manual network configurations from /etc/network/interfaces (except for the loopback interface lo).
Tip 3: Remote Desktop Access via x11vnc
For remote graphical access, consider using x11vnc. Options 2 to 6, which include a display manager, are suitable for this. You might need to add options like -auth guess and -loop to your x11vnc configuration to ensure it works correctly before login and after logout.
Tip 4: Controlling LightDM Autostart
To prevent LightDM from starting automatically at boot (options 2 to 6), use sudo systemctl disable lightdm. You can then manually start it with sudo systemctl start lightdm when needed. To re-enable autostart, use sudo systemctl enable lightdm. If re-enabling fails, reinstalling LightDM with sudo apt install --reinstall lightdm can resolve the issue.
Tip 5: Desktop Environment Metapackages vs. Specific Packages
Installing specific desktop environment metapackages like lxde, xfce4, or mate-desktop-environment might pull in more packages than necessary, potentially including outdated or less preferred software. For instance, directly installing lxde might recommend wicd for network management, while most Ubuntu flavors now utilize Network Manager. Use http://packages.ubuntu.com/ to compare package inclusions.
Tip 6: Troubleshooting Login Loops
If you encounter a login loop where the graphical greeter returns you to the tty terminal after login, restarting LightDM with sudo service lightdm restart often resolves the issue.
Conclusion
Adding a graphical user interface to Ubuntu Server can significantly enhance manageability and user experience in specific scenarios. By choosing the right level of GUI, from a minimal window manager to a full desktop environment, you can tailor your server to meet your exact needs without compromising performance. Remember to consider your server’s resources and the intended use case when selecting a GUI option to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
