How to Install a Desktop on an Ubuntu Server

By Kristen Waters

The Ubuntu Linux operating system is available either with or without a desktop environment. The version with the desktop environment is meant for personal use and includes word processing, email and graphic editing software. The version without the desktop environment is called "Ubuntu Server." The server version does not come with any graphical software or productivity software. There are three different desktop environments available for the Ubuntu operating system. The default is the Gnome desktop. The other two are the KDE and the XFCE desktop environments.

Step 1

Log into the server.

Step 2

Type the command "sudo apt-get update" to update the list of software packages available.

Step 3

Type the command "sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop" to install the Gnome desktop.

Step 4

Type the command "sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop" to install the XFCE desktop.

Step 5

Type the command "sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop" to install the KDE desktop.

Step 6

Type the command "sudo reboot" to reboot the server.

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