Consider using a lightweight window manager for your Ubuntu 22.04 server to enhance performance and stability.
Consider using a lightweight window manager for your Ubuntu 22.04 server to enhance performance and stability.
I'm using Ubuntu Server with lqtest. Attempted to install Unity for Ubuntu Desktop but kept getting login issues. Managed to boot into a tty2 terminal, though I’m unsure what’s wrong. Decided to reinstall the whole OS instead. Now considering Windows-only setups since they’re lighter and might let me play games more smoothly, even with early GPU drivers. Some people on YouTube show how they do this on Arch or older Ubuntu versions, but I’m not familiar with window managers. I’ve already added a basic mouse package and like Compiz, but tutorials for those are mostly for 17/18.04 or earlier. I’m not sure about workspaces or Alt-Tab variations. Would someone suggest a beginner-friendly option that supports workspaces and customizable keyboard shortcuts? I’m thinking of using a service manager like LightDM, maybe something simple to start with. My goal is to play Steam games, virtual machines, use Wine, and browse via browser—no Arch experience.
On Ubuntu Server you can usually achieve the same tasks as on a regular Ubuntu system. For a personal setup rather than production use, begin with Ubuntu and add only the necessary packages for your needs. Moving from Server to desktop involves significantly more effort.
If you're new to using computers, it's best to start with a simple desktop version. This is especially useful if you plan to play games. Xubuntu and Lubuntu are quite light, and Ubuntu offers an installer that lets you choose a minimal setup with just essential tools and a web browser by default.
TBPH, try CentOS. Those RedHat versions with a user-friendly interface helped me get started with a server environment a couple of decades ago. Even though it was text-based ATT, they were reliable. The Ubuntu Server approach seems aimed at beginners who want simple server management, while more advanced options exist for experienced users. You can run server tools on a Buntu desktop, but expanding your setup increases potential risks. I recommend choosing a distro with a stable Webmin package—Webmin is a Perl-based web interface that lets you manage common server software easily across various systems without needing a graphical frontend. EDIT: Compiz is outdated or new again, and it’s not ideal for server use. *It faded years ago but was recently revived, though development is still limited...*