How to: Run Ubuntu Server with a GUI?
How to: Run Ubuntu Server with a GUI?
Windows Azure allows you to run several Linux distributions and one of them is Ubuntu Server. I have been trying to use Ubuntu to deploy a WordPress installation so I was playing with the Ubuntu images. Because I am new with this I realized there is no easy way to remotely connect to a GUI and that the server version does not come with the Desktop package installed out of the box. However, installing the desktop/GUI on Ubuntu Server is rather simple:
First I recommend you get the latest updates first by running:
sudo apt-get updateYou can install the default Ubuntu desktop by executing the following:
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop
alternatively you can install a light weight version:
- To install graphical interface without addons like (Email, Openoffice):
sudo aptitude install --without-recommends ubuntu-desktop - To install a very light weight desktop environment, just the basic GUI (xfce):
sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop
In order to start the desktop/GUI you need to type start-x
There are many desktop alternatives which you may install and use, like:
- Gnome 3 installation:
sudo apt-get install gnome-shell - KDE see Kubuntu installation:
sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop - XFCE installation:
sudo apt-get install xfce4 - LXDE installation:
sudo apt-get install lxde - Openbox installation:
sudo apt-get install openbox - Gnome Classic a Gnome 3 desktop that looks like Gnome 2 installation:
sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback
Local and or remote administration
Except from the above you can administer your server by using a web based solution using less resources:
Super helpful, thanks!