Difference between Ubuntu Desktop & Server Edition

[Linux-Us]

Hi
Currently I am using the desktop version of Ubuntu. But I am curious to know what is the difference between the ubuntu desktop and server edition. I am thinking to download the Ubuntu server edition, so that I can gain experience dealing with servers. The problem is that I have never tried the Ubuntu server edition and even do not know how it looks like. More over I do not want to sacrifice any thing that the desktop edition contains and is lacking in the server edition. So, I need help from you guys. Is the server edition just like the desktop edition with server capabilities. Or is it something different? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Devasis]

Hello
My friend, unfortunately the ubuntu server edition lacks a desktop and other goodies. Surely the Ubuntu server edition is designed to be lightweight but it is not very user friendly. If you like the ubuntu desktop edition then I think you can continue with the desktop edition with the feel of server. That is would be best if you download the ubuntu desktop edition and install the server packages that you want ex. mysql, apache etc. can easily be downloaded. I thing if you do not want to loose the desktop features then you should go for this choice.

[Solomon]

Hi
I had installed the ubuntu server edition, but truly speaking I did not like it much. It is not necessary to have a server to run the ubuntu server edition. During the installation it uses the debian text based installer. Also it does not install the graphical user interface either. So I think that you should go for a ubuntu desktop edition and as said in the above post, install the server software's which you need on it. If any problem do post back or if you need any information about the linux operating system or any other operating system post here.

[Dr. V]

Hi
I think all the application can be installed to the ubuntu desktop version as well. I do not think there is any difference in running an application. Both, the desktop edition and the server edition can run the application. The only differences that I observed are-
1) For more stability of servers, the kernel version uses different kernel packages. This is done, so that the kernel suits the servers. Still you can change your kernel to the desktop one by removing the server kernel.
2) By default the kernel version does not install the graphical interface. But if you can handle the command lines well you can easily configure it to install the graphical interface.
Hope this information helps you. If any queries do post back. Best of luck.