Ubuntu 20.04, like other versions of Ubuntu, comes in different flavors. The default installation of Ubuntu 20.04 is known as Ubuntu Desktop, which includes a graphical user interface (GUI) by default. This GUI provides a familiar and user-friendly environment for users to interact with the operating system.
However, there is also another variant of Ubuntu called Ubuntu Server, which is specifically designed for server environments. Unlike Ubuntu Desktop, Ubuntu Server does not include a GUI by default. This is because servers are typically managed remotely through the command line rather than through a graphical interface.
The absence of a GUI in Ubuntu Server allows for a more lightweight and streamlined operating system, optimized for server tasks. It eliminates unnecessary graphical components, reducing resource usage and improving performance. Additionally, without a GUI, Ubuntu Server can be controlled and administered entirely through the command line or via remote management tools.
While Ubuntu Server does not include a GUI out of the box, it is still possible to install one if needed. Ubuntu Server allows you to install various desktop environments such as GNOME, KDE, or Xfce, depending on your preferences and requirements. However, it’s important to consider whether installing a GUI is necessary for your server environment, as it may add unnecessary overhead and consume system resources.
I have personally worked with Ubuntu Server extensively in various server environments, ranging from web servers to database servers. In these scenarios, I found that Ubuntu Server’s lack of a GUI was beneficial, as it allowed for a more efficient and lightweight server setup. Managing servers through the command line provides greater flexibility and control over various server tasks.
That being said, there are cases where a GUI may be required, such as when using certain server management tools or when the server needs to serve dual purposes as a desktop workstation. In such cases, it is possible to install a GUI on Ubuntu Server, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making that decision.
To summarize, Ubuntu 20.04 has a GUI by default in the form of Ubuntu Desktop. However, Ubuntu Server, which is specifically designed for server environments, does not include a GUI by default. The absence of a GUI in Ubuntu Server allows for a more lightweight and streamlined server setup, but it is possible to install a GUI if necessary.