Determining whether you are running Ubuntu Server Edition or Desktop Edition can sometimes be tricky, especially since both share the same underlying system and packages can be added or removed from either. While it’s possible to customize either version extensively, there are still several reliable methods to identify which edition you are using. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of techniques to differentiate between Ubuntu Server and Desktop, ensuring you can confidently identify your system’s base configuration.
Methods to Check if You Are Running Ubuntu Server Edition
While the lines can blur after customization, several default configurations and package installations can point you towards identifying your Ubuntu edition. Here are some key methods:
1. Checking for ubuntu-desktop Package
One of the most straightforward methods is to check for the presence of the ubuntu-desktop package. This meta-package is installed by default on Ubuntu Desktop Edition and is absent on Ubuntu Server Edition.
To check, use the following command in your terminal:
dpkg -l ubuntu-desktopIf you are on a Server Edition, the output will typically indicate that the package is not found:
dpkg-query: no packages found matching ubuntu-desktopOn a Desktop Edition, you will see output indicating the package version and installation status, similar to:
Desired=Unknown/Install/Remove/Purge/Hold
| Status=Not/Inst/Conf-files/Unpacked/halF-conf/Half-inst/trig-aWait/Trig-pend
|/ Err?=(none)/Reinst-required (Status,Err: uppercase=bad)
||/ Name Version Architecture Description
+++-==============-============-============-=================================
ii ubuntu-desktop 1.481 amd64 The Ubuntu desktop systemThis method provides a quick and reliable initial check.
2. Examining Display-Related Packages
Desktop environments rely on display servers to render graphical interfaces. Ubuntu Desktop Edition comes with X Window System components. Checking for packages like xserver-common or xwayland can indicate a Desktop environment.
Here’s a bash function you can use to automate this check:
#!/usr/bin/env bash
check_if_desktop (){
IS_DESKTOP="false"
displayManager=(
'xserver-common' # X Window System (X.Org) infrastructure
'xwayland' # Xwayland X server
)
for i in "${displayManager[@]}"; do
dpkg-query --show --showformat='${Status}n' $i 2> /dev/null | grep "install ok installed" &> /dev/null
if [[ $? -eq 0 ]]; then
IS_DESKTOP="true"
fi
done
}This script checks if either xserver-common or xwayland is installed. If so, it flags the system as a Desktop.
3. Network Management Tools: Network Manager
Ubuntu Desktop Edition typically uses Network Manager for network configuration, while Server Edition traditionally uses /etc/network/interfaces. Checking for Network Manager can be another indicator.
Use the following command to check for Network Manager:
dpkg -l network-managerAlternatively, try running the nmcli command, the command-line tool for Network Manager:
nmcliIf Network Manager is not installed (common on Server Edition), you might see a message like:
The program 'nmcli' is currently not installed. You can install it by typing: sudo apt install network-managerWhile a server can be configured to use Network Manager, its absence by default suggests a Server Edition.
4. Checking for Desktop Environment Packages
Beyond the base desktop system, specific desktop environments and window managers are strong indicators of a Desktop Edition. You can check for packages associated with common desktop environments like GNOME (default for Ubuntu Desktop), Unity (older Ubuntu Desktop default), MATE, XFCE, and window managers like Compiz, Fluxbox, etc.
Examples of commands to check for these packages:
dpkg -l gnome-shell
dpkg -l unity
dpkg -l mate-desktop-environment
dpkg -l xfce4
dpkg -l compiz
dpkg -l fluxbox
dpkg -l xorg # X window serverThe absence of these packages strengthens the likelihood of a Server Edition.
5. Verifying Running X Server Processes
If desktop components are installed, you can check if the X server is actually running. This can be done by looking for processes related to Xorg.
Use these commands to check for running X server processes:
ps -e | grep X
sudo netstat -lp | grep -i XorgIf X server processes are running, it’s highly likely you are on a system configured as a Desktop, or a Server Edition with a desktop environment installed.
6. Service Checks for Desktop-Specific Services
Desktop environments run specific services that are not typically present on Server Editions. Services like lightdm (a display manager), x11-common (X Window System common files), and gnome-shell (GNOME desktop environment) are good indicators.
The command to check service status varies depending on your Ubuntu version’s init system:
For systems using systemd:
systemctl status servicename.serviceFor older systems using Upstart:
sudo status servicenameFor even older systems using SysVinit:
sudo service servicename statusReplace servicename with services like lightdm, x11-common, or gnome-shell. Active or enabled status for these services suggests a Desktop environment.
Why Does Edition Matter for Server Applications?
While technically you can often run server applications on Ubuntu Desktop Edition, and vice versa, Ubuntu Server Edition is optimized for server workloads. It typically has a smaller default footprint (no GUI), potentially better resource utilization for server tasks, and different default configurations (like network settings).
If your application documentation or requirements specify Ubuntu Server Edition, it’s usually for these reasons of optimization and predictable environment. However, in many cases, the core functionalities are available on both editions, and dependencies can be resolved on either. Understanding the underlying differences helps in making informed deployment decisions.
By using these methods, you can confidently determine whether your Ubuntu system is based on the Server or Desktop Edition, even after customizations. This knowledge is crucial for system administration, software deployment, and troubleshooting.
