One of our favourite things about working with Linux is its support for a variety of desktop environments. This allows desktop users to work with a desktop environment that suits their computing needs the best.

A desktop environment is a collection of different user and system programs running on top of an operating system. Together they share a common GUI (Graphical User Interface), which is also known as a graphical shell.

In this article, we will show you how to install 5 of the most popular graphical environments for Linux servers.

Note: These commands assume that you have Ubuntu 16.04 LTS minimal server installed. 
 

1. Cinnamon 

Cinnamon is a graphical environment available to Ubuntu. The Cinnamon spices repository has hundreds of add-ons you can install to spice up your desktop environment, including themes, applets, and desklets. Cinnamon is regarded as an easy-to-use desktop environment, especially for people coming over from Windows. We can easily install it with the following commands.

First, make sure that ubuntu-session is installed by running:  

dpkg -s ubuntu-session 

If it’s not installed, run:  

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-session 

Then add the Cinnamon repository: 

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:embrosyn/cinnamon 

Then update and install Cinnamon desktop with these commands: 

sudo apt-get update 

sudo apt-get install cinnamon 

 

2. KDE Plasma 5 

KDE Plasma 5 is a popular, highly-customizable desktop environment. It offers Linux desktop users total control over their desktop. To install KDE we follow the same format. 

First, make sure that ubuntu-session is installed by running:  

dpkg -s ubuntu-session 

If it’s not installed, run:  

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-session 

Then add the KDE repository:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kubuntu-ppa/backports 

Then update and install KDE desktop with these commands: 

sudo apt-get update 

sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop 

 

3. MATE Desktop 

MATE Desktop is an intuitive desktop environment known for its desirable OSX type look. To install MATE, we follow the same format.

First, make sure that ubuntu-session is installed by running:  

dpkg -s ubuntu-session 

If it’s not installed, run:  

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-session 

Then add the MATE repository: 

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-mate-dev/xenial-mate 

Then update and install MATE desktop with these commands: 

sudo apt-get update 

sudo apt-get install mate 

 

4. Unity Desktop 

Unity Desktop is a default Ubuntu desktop and a graphical desktop shell for GNOME desktop environment. It aims to create a consistent and classic interface for users to enjoy.

First, make sure that ubuntu-session is installed by running:  

dpkg -s ubuntu-session 

If it’s not installed, run:  

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-session 

Then update and install Unity Desktop with these commands: 

sudo apt-get update 

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop 

 

5. XFCE Desktop 

XFCE Desktop is a modern, open-source, lightweight desktop environment for Linux and Unix-like systems. It is known for its speed and user-friendliness.

First, make sure that ubuntu-session is installed by running:  

dpkg -s ubuntu-session 

If it’s not installed, run:  

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-session 

Then update and install XFCE desktop with the commands: 

sudo apt-get update 

sudo apt-get install xfce4 xfce4-goodies 

Which Linux desktop environment is your favourite? Let us know if we are missing any exciting desktop environments in the comments below!

Photo by Ales Nesetril on Unsplash