How to Make an Ubuntu Server Like a Desktop

Ubuntu Server is a freely available, Linux-based operating system that may be used as a web server, application server or file server. However, when Ubuntu Server is installed, the X Window desktop is not automatically installed, as it is with Ubuntu's desktop edition. When Ubuntu Server boots up, the operating system boots up to the Linux command prompt, with no GUI. You can, however, make an Ubuntu Server like the Ubuntu desktop, complete with the desktop GUI, by installing and running the X Window desktop application. Make sure you are connected to the Internet when running "apt-get" to download the X Window package.

Instructions

1. Boot the computer up to the Ubuntu Server command prompt.

2. Type or copy the command below at the command prompt, and press the "Enter" key. A command line password prompt will appear to allow the command to run.

   sudo apt-get ubuntu-desktop

3. Type the administrative password at the prompt, and press the "Enter" key. The X Window desktop application is downloaded and installed to Ubuntu Server. Notifications indicating the progress of the operation will appear, and will indicate when the task is complete.

4. Type "startx," and press "Enter" to start the X Window desktop application.

Tips & Warnings

• X Window installs with several productivity applications, a web browser and various games.