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Which GUI to choose for Ubuntu Server?
I just installed Ubuntu Server 20.04 in VMware and would like to install a GUI. While I can work in command line, I am new to Ubuntu and mostly always work with Windows servers, so I would feel more comfortable if I could do some things in a graphic interface.
I read that Gnome and KDE use too many system resources, and I have a development machine with 1 CPU, 8GB of RAM and 240GB of storage. Would it be OK for me to install Gnome or KDE or a more lightweight one and which one is most popular / works better?
I read that Gnome and KDE use too many system resources, and I have a development machine with 1 CPU, 8GB of RAM and 240GB of storage. Would it be OK for me to install Gnome or KDE or a more lightweight one and which one is most popular / works better?
ASKER
Thank you! If gnome/kde are not too much of a hassle, I would go with one of these. I know it is subjective, but if I were to chose, which of the two would be user friendlier (or more popular, with a bigger user community)?
<opinion>
Linux ain't Windows. linux derives from a command-line environment where anything can be done from the command line - and often must be done from a command line, because the commands are sometimes complex and obscure. Windows is not like that; it's a GUI environment from the get-go and command line access to the system is a poor, neglected, nearly bankrupt second cousin.
Even if you bring up a GUI interface on the system you're going to spend a lot of time in the shell. I/M/O you're better off accepting that from the start by becoming familiar with the command line interface. Learn the CLI commands and you can work on any linux system; don't cripple yourself by relying on a GUI that may not be present on the next system you see.
</opinion>
Linux ain't Windows. linux derives from a command-line environment where anything can be done from the command line - and often must be done from a command line, because the commands are sometimes complex and obscure. Windows is not like that; it's a GUI environment from the get-go and command line access to the system is a poor, neglected, nearly bankrupt second cousin.
Even if you bring up a GUI interface on the system you're going to spend a lot of time in the shell. I/M/O you're better off accepting that from the start by becoming familiar with the command line interface. Learn the CLI commands and you can work on any linux system; don't cripple yourself by relying on a GUI that may not be present on the next system you see.
</opinion>
Gnome and KDE are standard window managers for Ubuntu. If you wanted something else that's default, you have gotten Linux Mint instead.
Since it's linux, you can download and install any other window managers. You could try OpenBox or Enlightenment or FVWM or IceWM. Some require more manual installs.
https://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/5-of-the-best-lightweight-window-managers-for-linux-972570
https://cloudibee.com/lightweight-window-managers/
https://www.fvwm.org/
http://www.icewm.org/
https://www.infofuge.com/how-to-install-openbox-on-ubuntu-18-04/
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Openbox
Since it's linux, you can download and install any other window managers. You could try OpenBox or Enlightenment or FVWM or IceWM. Some require more manual installs.
https://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/5-of-the-best-lightweight-window-managers-for-linux-972570
https://cloudibee.com/lightweight-window-managers/
https://www.fvwm.org/
http://www.icewm.org/
https://www.infofuge.com/how-to-install-openbox-on-ubuntu-18-04/
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Openbox
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ASKER
Thank you all! I will install Gnome Desktop for now, but keep your suggestions in mind when I move into production.
Tip: If you'd like to run a GUI version of Ubuntu, best to install one of the GUI installation spins (versions).
You can... install Gnome after the fact + likely you'll hit subtle... oddities... which will be difficult to fix, if this is your first time using Ubuntu.
Since you're starting fresh, you'll likely have a smoother experience if you destroy what you have now + install one of the GUI spins.
You can... install Gnome after the fact + likely you'll hit subtle... oddities... which will be difficult to fix, if this is your first time using Ubuntu.
Since you're starting fresh, you'll likely have a smoother experience if you destroy what you have now + install one of the GUI spins.
ASKER
One of the main reasons I installed Ubuntu was that ArcServe Backup has a working client for it. If I were to install Kubantu, Ubantu Mate, etc., I am not sure that ArcServe would work with it.
The Window manager does not actually matter. You just need X for all your other GUI programs to start. You only really need Gnome for Gnome specific utilities that require Gnome specific Libraries. If you are utterly dependent on Gnome, then you know how to use Gnome, but not necessarily know how to use Linux/Unix.
https://linuxconfig.org/install-xfce-xubuntu-desktop-on-ubuntu-20-04-focal-fossa-linux