How to start GUI from command line?

I've installed Ubuntu 12.04 32-bit on my machine. But when I switch on the computer, I get command line:

Ubuntu 12.04 LTS COMP-1245 tty1

And it prompts for username and password. Once I provide my username and password, it authenticates login and then displays a link to documentation.

Now, how can I start GUI? I'm stuck at command line.

3 Answers

If you tried the command startx, but the error command not found was returned, then to install a graphical desktop, in case it is not installed, you would type this:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop

Try to use startx in your tty , if it does not work on one terminal try Ctrl+Alt+F1 to F6 in order to switch a new tty

I have had the same problem. The solution is to install X.org and the Ubuntu Desktop. Also, don't forget the build-essential packages:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop

You might have to install X.org separately, but also take advantage of this command line because (for my situation) Ubuntu kept trying to use my display port.