Linux is a great operating system and there are more than 250 distributions having amazing features to offer a seamless user experience. In case you choose a distro you would need to select the version and flavor. Suppose you have ordered an Ubuntu VPS (Virtual Private Server). You would want a resembling Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Here you don’t need to worry as Linux will allow you to install a graphical User Interface (GUI) without causing any problems.
What is Ubuntu
You may have heard about the term ‘Ubuntu’ in the context of alternative windows discussion. Here we will explain to you in detail.
Ubuntu is a Linux distribution allowing you ease of use. It is a perfect choice for anyone planning to start with Linux. A great server edition on which no one focuses is also operating in most of the internet servers these days.
You might wonder what is a Linux Distribution. An operating system developed from the Linux Kernel. The Linux Distributions are often free. It was created with the intent to offer a user-friendly experience. In the early days, it was a hassle to install it but the Ubuntu foundation worked hard and found a remedy quickly.
Before getting into the installation let’s see why we need a GUI.
Why do I need a GUI?
There is no Graphical user interface in the server machines as CLI (Command line interface) is a solution for managing daily operations.
What is the Difference Between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server?
Ubuntu is a popular OS, released back in 2004 and grabbed the attention of millions of individuals including windows and Mac users. The main reason for its familiarity was the excellent performance, a huge repository of software packages, and a user-friendly Graphical User interface (GUI).
Therefore, users were expecting Ubuntu when they ordered a Ubuntu VPS. They were likely to receive the instruction on connecting to the server. That is the reason Ubuntu has two versions, Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server.
Both versions have a similar support cycle and kernel but different software packages as they are designed with different users in mind. Ubuntu Server works on the Servers so its functionality is customized for making the lives of system admins easier. Contrary to that Ubuntu desktop is built for common use and users will find multiple things such as a browser and word processor.
Whereas, the visible difference in both is your way of interacting. The Ubuntu Server does not come with a graphical user interface. It is built to work with a command line interface.
Why there is no GUI in My Server?
When it comes to the servers, performance is all which matters. The developers try to get as much speed as possible from the underlying hardware. This means everything should be optimized and stripped of any non-required components.
There is no desktop environment in the Ubuntu servers as people don’t need it. If it is about website hosting for example users prefer a web hosting control panel. Even if there is required for an additional application one can do it through the console. However, VPS use is not limited to hosting a website.
The developers mostly use it to test their websites and check how efficiently it can perform. In addition, companies also use Virtual private servers to form a collaborative environment where individuals can connect with the same machine.
These users might not be experts with Linux commands on the other, the apps they use may only be able to work in a graphical user interface. This means there are multiple reasons for which one needs a GUI.
Let’s see how to install it
How to Install a Desktop Environment (GUI) on My Ubuntu VPS?
Installing a desktop environment is quite simple. Here you need to login into the server through SSH. Remember to use an account with root privileges or else you may not complete the installation.
Now it’s time to move on to the desktop environment
Linux users might confuse while installing desktop environments as there are different choices such as KDE Plasma and GNOME. However, over focus is on the Xfce, a complementary desktop environment for the Linux Based OS. Its lightweight design maximizes the server performance having a minimum impact.
The system will ask you to choose a default display manager while installing. It is a program that provides graphical login credentials. There are some packages to help you unpack and install. Therefore, the installation might take some time to complete.
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Installation of a VNC Server on an Ubuntu VPS
You were only using an SSH to handle your Ubuntu VPS. Which is the secure way to execute commands and access core configuration files. Whereas, it operates through the Command line interface. This means you cannot use It for access to the newly installed desktop environment.
VNC refers to virtual network Computing, a desktop sharing remote frame buffer protocol-based system. It works well on several platforms and users prefer it for purpose of technical remote support. Here the user can use it for accessing Ubuntu VPS’s Desktop environment.
One needs to set up a VNC server on his VPS and then a VNC client to connect it.
There are different VNC Servers available to make things easy for you. Each server comes with its own configuration. Here you will see how to set up a tiger VNC that is fully capable of supporting Windows, Linux, and Mac.
Installation is simple whereas, VNC might require some time.
Enter into the VNC server command and choose a password that you will use later on for the VPS access.
Tiger VNC will allow you to set a ‘view only password’ with which an individual will see the desktop environment without having any control. However, you can also change your password with the password command.
Although your password is set tiger VNC needs to be configured to show the desktop environment where a customer connects it.
First Use the below command to halt Tigre VNC
vncserver -kill :1
This is the file you need to edit ~/.vnc/xstartup., creating a backup seems a great idea here. Below is the command
mv ~/.vnc/xstartup ~/.vnc/xstartup-backup
Open the start-up files and add the lines mentioned below
#!/bin/bash
xrdb$HOME/.Xresources
startxfce4 &
Save the changes and exit the text editor
Now you need to restart your PC and use a client to remotely log into the VPS.
Why People Prefer Ubuntu
Below are the all possible reasons one likes to use Ubuntu
User friendly
A great OS that allows beginners to get on the Linux train with ease. Ubuntu does this quite easily although it looks very different from other operating systems such as Windows and Mac. Because it has a shallow learning curve. It utilizes one of the most popular Desktop environments known as GNOME.
GNOME is where a user and his computer interact in an online appealing manner. However, it is not the only desktop environment one can get with Ubuntu. This helps newbies to try new DEs and settle down with one as per their requirements. That means Ubuntu is a flexible operating system.
Offers Privacy
Linux is a more secure OS than other operating systems available around. You have often heard people saying it’s safe and they are referring to its open-source nature. When something is open-sourced, its source code is open which anyone can access and change with ease. Therefore, thousands of expert developers work hard in order to fix such problems.
Still, there were many occasions when Ubuntu Received Backlash from the community. Ubuntu is also capable of collecting your data which includes CPU, GPU, and system RAM, whereas, the user can opt out when the installation is in the process or they can customize the settings once the installation has been completed.
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