As a Systems Engineer specialising in Windows environments, you might occasionally encounter situations where you need to work with Linux servers, such as Ubuntu. While Windows Server environments typically come with a graphical user interface (GUI) by default, Ubuntu Server is generally configured to run without a GUI to conserve resources. However, there are scenarios where having a GUI can be beneficial, such as for users who are more comfortable with graphical interfaces or for specific applications that require a GUI.

This article will guide you through the steps to install a GUI on an Ubuntu Server. Although this process is specific to Ubuntu, I will also provide Windows Server equivalents where applicable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server

1. Update the Package List
First, ensure that your package list is up to date. Open a terminal and execute the following command:

   sudo apt update

2. Install the Desktop Environment
You can choose from several desktop environments, such as GNOME, KDE, or XFCE. For this example, we will install the GNOME desktop environment:

   sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop

3. Install a Display Manager
A display manager is responsible for starting the display server and managing user sessions. LightDM is a popular choice:

   sudo apt install lightdm

4. Configure the Display Manager
During the installation, you will be prompted to choose a default display manager. Select LightDM from the list.

5. Reboot the Server
Finally, reboot your server to apply the changes:

   sudo reboot

After the reboot, your Ubuntu Server should start with a graphical user interface.

Windows Server Equivalent

In Windows Server environments, the GUI is typically installed by default. However, if you are using a version of Windows Server that was installed without a GUI (Server Core), you can add the GUI features using PowerShell:

1. Open PowerShell
Open a PowerShell session with administrative privileges.

2. Install the GUI Features
Execute the following commands to install the GUI features:

   Install-WindowsFeature Server-Gui-Mgmt-Infra, Server-Gui-Shell -Restart

3. Reboot the Server
The server will automatically reboot after the installation. If it does not, you can manually reboot it using:

   Restart-Computer

After the reboot, your Windows Server Core should have a graphical user interface.

Conclusion

While Ubuntu Server is designed to be lightweight and efficient without a GUI, there are times when a graphical interface is necessary. This guide provides a straightforward method to install a GUI on an Ubuntu Server. For Windows Server environments, the process is even simpler and can be done using PowerShell commands.