Server GUI

[3xpl0it]

Hello,

Today I wanted to try something new, and I would like to make a mini server, and I am not quite sure where to start. I was wondering what Linux distro is the best for hosting (besides red hat). I would go ubuntu, but ubuntu doesn't have a GUI for the server edition (or does it). Could someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance,
-3xpl0it

[igknighted]

Servers aren't well served by GUIs. You can install a GUI on Ubuntu server (or really any linux server), but there are no GUI configuration tools. You should look at a web based console such as Webmin, or even Cpanel. These will let you work on the server in a GUI environment, but not have to have the overhead of an xserver.

[rapiscan]

I agree with igknighted, and I think you should look into webmin for your server administration needs (cpanel has licensing fees).

However, if you would still like a gui for generally interfacing with the os (like moving files around, installing new packages through the GUI, etc.), then you can install the GUI using:

sudo aptitude install gnome-desktop

[FakeOutdoorsman]

Take a look at this recent thread:
Why Ubuntu Server? (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=707325)

Talk about servers and why GUI is unnecessary, and a little about Ubuntu and some other distros as servers.

[steveneddy]

I use Ubuntu Server 6.06 LTS and because I'm no expert at Unix administration, I installed gnome-desktop to I had a familiar interface while administering my server.

The server is a web server, music, movie and file server that does work for me online and while at home.

So use Ubuntu Server Edition of your choice and enjoy the work that all of the dev's did for us.

It works great.

I turn the GUI on when I log on by logging in on the text screen and then typing

sudo /etc/init.d/gdm start

and stop it when I want to log off by

sudo /etc/init.d/gdm stop

then I log out totally by typing

exit

Once the GUI is turned off the power consumption and CPU temp both go down.

[3xpl0it]

Thank you very much for your suggestions! I will look into both the web based apps and possibly the gui method.

Thank you very much again, more suggestions are definitely welcome :)
-3xpl0it

[Dr Small]

I run a server and installed xorg and icewm to use occasionally, but found I don't need it very often with ssh on it ;)

Dr Small