Member Avatar for Don Gino

Hey
Im new with linux and all, I recently installed Ubuntu 6.10. The thing I wana know is, how do I load up the GUI for Unbuntu? It always boots in text based. I dont know any commands yet for Linux, I will be learnin them next yr in my studies. So currently I just wana muck around with the GUI part. Thanks

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Short summary and practical next steps based on the thread: as discovered, the server image boots to a text console because it ships without a graphical desktop. For someone new to Linux the least-friction path is a fresh install from the Ubuntu Desktop (Live) CD/USB — it brings a display manager, a working X stack, default drivers and a full desktop environment out of the box.

Two realistic options exist: reinstall from the Desktop media (clean, predictable) or convert the existing server install by adding the desktop meta‑packages and X components (possible but pulls in many packages and can leave configuration cruft). Always back up any important data in the home directory before major changes.

Troubleshooting tips if a GUI still fails after attempting a desktop install: boot a Desktop Live session first to verify the hardware can run a GUI without changing the installed system; collect the kernel and X logs for diagnosis (look at dmesg, lspci to identify the GPU, and the X log at /var/log/Xorg.0.log); common signs in those logs indicate missing kernel modules or an X driver problem. If the open-source driver doesn’t work, a packaged vendor driver may be needed for some NVIDIA/ATI cards.

Resource notes and pointers: on older or low‑spec machines consider a lighter desktop (Xfce/LXDE family) rather than the full GNOME/KDE experience. ’s point that the situation is fixable is correct — for a beginner, though, a Desktop reinstall usually saves time and avoids driver/configuration headaches. ’s suggestion to consult community resources is sensible; prefer official Ubuntu documentation or well‑known community guides when following instructions.

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Member Avatar for jbennet

did you installl the wrong one?

theres a server one (no gui) and a desktop one. dont worry if you did- its all easialy fixable

if you did get the right one and the GUI isnt showing then it probably doesnt have the right
driver for your graphics card - if thats the issue i can help you

Firstly, try logging in and at the prompt with the user you made during setup. Then type "startx" - tell me what happens

Member Avatar for Don Gino

thanks, I just realised, I am using the server version on that pc. That explains the problem.
Thanks

Member Avatar for jbennet

you can do (from command line)

apt-get update
apt-get install ubuntu-desktop


This will download the required files to upgrade your system to the desktop version (although a clean install is probably better)

Member Avatar for jay.smith

u can come to linuxera website this website will help u in all things this website helps me a lot..

http://linuxera.com

loura

Member Avatar for Don Gino

thanks

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