Howto Install Gnome/KDE in CentOS

A typical GNU/Linux installation for server doesn't really need a GUI, however if you need a GUI in the future for some reasons, its easy to install. This tutorial assumes a basic knowledge of the Linux Command Line. This tutorial applies to CentOS and other Red Hat-based distro.

Type this command

and look for X Window System, GNOME Desktop Environment and KDE (K Desktop Environment) in the list.

Setting up Group Process
Setting up repositories
yumgroups.xml             100% |=========================| 558 kB    00:21
yumgroups.xml             100% |=========================| 4.6 kB    00:00
Installed Groups:
   Administration Tools
   Compatibility Arch Support
   DNS Name Server
   FTP Server
   Mail Server
   MySQL Database
   Server Configuration Tools
   Text-based Internet
   Web Server
   Windows File Server
Available Groups:
   AptRPM
   Authoring and Publishing
   Compatibility Arch Development Support
   Development Tools
   Editors
   Engineering and Scientific
   GNOME Desktop Environment
   GNOME Software Development
   Games and Entertainment
   Graphical Internet
   Graphics
   Horde-Apps
   KDE (K Desktop Environment)
   KDE Software Development
   Legacy Network Server
   Legacy Software Development
   Network Servers
   News Server
   Office/Productivity
   PostgreSQL Database
   Printing Support
   Sound and Video
   System Tools
   X Software Development
   X Window System
   XFCE-4.2
   drbd-heartbeat
Done

To install Gnome Desktop type this

and for KDE Desktop

Change this line in /etc/inittab

id:3:initdefault:

to

id:5:initdefault:

If you install both Gnome and KDE, the default Desktop will be Gnome. If you want to change your default desktop from Gnome to Kde, open the /etc/sysconfig/desktop file:

and set DESKTOP variable to KDE:

DESKTOP="KDE"
DISPLAYMANAGER="KDE" 

To switch desktop, run this command:

Have Fun!