Ubuntu Desktop missing GUI

[TechSupp]

I've just started looking at Ubuntu and installed it on a spare PC (installed the Desktop version) but when it boots after the install it goes to the command prompt that I can log in on (with the user I set up on install) but how do I get the desktop gui? Must be missing something stupid. Thought it would have come up automatic. Any ideas?

[webman]

Sounds like X has problems with your video card/monitor. If you log in and then type startx at the prompt, you should either see the GUI or get an error message.

[TechSupp]

Sorry, just had one of those Simpson moments Doh!! No wonder there was no desktop just installed the server version even though I had labeled the CD Desktop!! Doh! Must make future note: When burning CD's make sure you select the correct iso you dowloaded!!!Doh!! I'm blaming it on the impending OFSTED visit!
Thanks for the suggestions though, I'm sure I will be back.

... Once I have it installed how do I find out its IP address or set an IP address on it as I want to try Zimbra email for school internal email. I know the server version would be less of an overhead but I want something to play with as well

[Ric_]

You can simply install the GUI by typing:

sudo aptitude install gnome-desktop-environment

[webman]

To find out current IP address: Run ifconfig. To set a static IP address, do:

admin@mercury:~$ sudo nano /etc/network/interfaces

(enter user's password) and change "iface eth0 inet dhcp" to something like:

iface eth0 inet static
    address 172.16.8.3
    netmask 255.255.255.240
    gateway 172.16.8.1

Then do

admin@mercury:~$ sudo /etc/init.d/networking restart

.

We're currently doing Zimbra+Ubuntu duo setup and have some notes on our wiki.

[TechSupp]

Thats brilliant, Thanks. Knew I could rely on this forum. As someone once said,...I'll be back!

[MK-2]

you can also use 'sudo aptitude install ubuntu-desktop' to install a GUI. I think that installs KDE instead of GNOME too.

[localzuk]

you can also use 'sudo aptitude install ubuntu-desktop' to install a GUI. I think that installs KDE instead of GNOME too.

ubuntu-desktop installs the Gnome desktop environment
kubuntu-desktop installs the KDE desktop environment
xubuntu-desktop installs the XFCE desktop environment
edubuntu-desktop installs the Gnome environment which has been optimised for education

[CyberNerd]

There is also
Christian edition (CE)
Muslim Edition (ME)
and Satanic Edition (SE)

[tech_guy]

There is also
Christian edition (CE)
Muslim Edition (ME)
and Satanic Edition (SE)

Why isn't there a Sikh, Hindu or Jewish version???!!

[CyberNerd]

Why isn't there a Sikh, Hindu or Jewish version???!!

I think they use fedora

[TechSupp]

Right, got the desktop installed now (just used your expert suggestions) and it ran fine, got it on a static ip, can browse my windopws server and vnc to the box, but since I ran the updates that it downloaded and rebooted I only have it in 640x480 which make life a little difficult to say the least. It was at a higher resoultion when it firts installed. How can I change it? I've tried the set resolution tool on the desktop but it only offers me 640x480. Yet again your help appreciated.

[Jona]

Is this: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=298596

Any help?

[webman]

sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Scroll down to near the bottom to Section "Screen", and in each of the Subsction "Display" area the "Modes" lines you should have your desired resolution as the first option beneath your desired colour depth, like this:

Section "Screen"
    Identifier "screen1"
    Device "device1"
    Monitor "monitor1"
    DefaultColorDepth 24

    Subsection "Display"
        Depth 24
        Modes "1280x1024" "1152x864" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
    EndSubsection

If that is not the case, you will need to find the horizontal and vertical refresh rates of your monitor and specify them in the Monitor section above, example:

Section "Monitor"
    Identifier "monitor1"
    VendorName "Generic"
    ModelName "1280x1024 @ 60 Hz"
    HorizSync 31.5-64.3
    VertRefresh 50-70
EndSection

[TechSupp]

Thanks, reconf of X did eventually do the trick although I had to force it to fail first by disabling 640x480, then doing the reconf again. Now it shows the correct options.