Mostly the CentOS servers that I am using is run on CLI (Command-Line Interface) mode. But in some cases, I need to have a desktop to install some applications with GUI (Grapich User Interface) mode. In this case, I will use GNOME, the most popular user-friendly desktop for any UNIX based system.
Variable that I used as below:
OS: CentOS 6.2 64bit
Desktop environment: GNOME
1. Using yum, we will need to install X Windows System as the based for GUI and rich input device capability:
$ yum groupinstall -y 'X Window System' |
2. Only then we can install GNOME desktop environment on top of it:
$ yum groupinstall -y 'Desktop' |
3. Since previously the server is running on CLI mode, we need to change some value to tell CentOS to boot up in the GUI mode. Open /etc/inittab via text editor and change following line:
id:3:initdefault: |
To:
id:5:initdefault: |
4. Start the GUI:
$ init 5 |
Note: You can switch from GUI to CLI mode manually by using following method:
GUI to CLI: Ctrl + Alt + F6
CLI to GUI: Ctrl + Alt + F1
If you want to start the desktop from CLI console (not SSH session), use following command:
$ startx |
In some cases, when you login into the system via GUI, you will see some kind of weird boxes replacing the fonts. You can overcome this problem by installing fonts group via yum:
$ yum groupinstall -y fonts
Customer reviews have become one of the most influential factors in modern buying decisions. Before choosing a product, service, or…
In today’s digital landscape, consumers trust people more than brands. Traditional ads are often ignored, celebrity endorsements feel scripted, and…
Introduction: SEO in 2026 Is No Longer Optional—It’s Strategic Search Engine Optimization in 2026 has evolved far beyond keywords and…
With 2026 just days away, it’s time to reimagine your website’s future. Hostripples encourages businesses, creators, and entrepreneurs to begin…
Cron Jobs – The Unsung Heroes Think of cron jobs as the unsung heroes of your server — capes optional,…