What Is the Difference Between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server?

This updated guide examines What Is the Difference Between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server? and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Similarities between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server

Kernel

After Ubuntu 12.04, both Server and Desktop editions used the same kernel. Previously, Desktop and Server used different kernels. Because currently both Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server use the same kernel, you can add any package to either version. This means that even if the default settings are different, you can still customize your Ubuntu version accordingly.

You can start with Ubuntu Server and set up the desktop environment, if you find yourself unable to run it without a graphical interface. Alternatively, you can start with Ubuntu Desktop and add the packages needed to create the server. Because Ubuntu Server and Desktop share the same core Ubuntu kernel, the difference in the default installation cannot prevent future software package installations.

Support

Similarly, support has changed since the release of 12.04. Prior to Ubuntu 12.04 LTS, Desktop editions had a 3-year support cycle. Server version has a support cycle of as many as 5 years. But with the release of 12.04 LTS, both versions transitioned to a 5-year support cycle.

Differences between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server

Graphical user interface

The main difference in Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server is the desktop environment. While Ubuntu Desktop includes a graphical user interface, Ubuntu Server does not. That is because most servers run without GUI (headless).

Instead of using a traditional keyboard, mouse, and monitor setup to interact, servers are often remotely managed using SSH. Although SSH is integrated into Unix-based operating systems, it is quite simple to use SSH on Windows. For more server management information, see this beginner's guide to setting up SSH on Linux.

Although some Linux server operating systems have a desktop environment, many of these options lack the GUI. For example, CoreOS's Linux Container is completely command-line. Ubuntu Server lacks a GUI, while Ubuntu Desktop assumes your computer uses video output. Therefore Ubuntu Desktop installs a desktop environment.

Applications

In addition, Ubuntu Desktop contains applications suitable for common use: There is a productivity suite of Office tools, multimedia software and a web browser. You can also find Ubuntu Desktop in a few versions.

However, Ubuntu Server also includes standard packages. They focus on server requests. Accordingly, Ubuntu Server boasts versions such as email server, file server, web server and samba server. Specific packages include Bind9 and Apache2. While Ubuntu Desktop applications focus on server usage. Ubuntu Server packages focus on enabling client connectivity and security.

Setting

Because Ubuntu Server lacks GUI, the installation process will be different from Ubuntu Desktop. Installing Ubuntu Desktop is basically the same as installing any other software, while Ubuntu Server uses an alternative process menu.