There are two major versions of Ubuntu: the server version and the desktop version. They differ in their design goals and default installation packages.
1. Different goals
Ubuntu Server Edition is designed to provide a stable and reliable operating system environment for the server to support the operation of various services and applications. It usually contains no graphical user interface (GUI) and does not install any desktop applications.
In contrast, Ubuntu Desktop Edition is an operating system designed for desktop computers and laptops. It includes GUI interface and various pre installed desktop applications, such as browser, text editor, media player, etc.
2. The default installation package is different
The package collection of Ubuntu Server Edition and Desktop Edition is also different. The server version installs some server related software packages by default, such as SSH, Apache, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and so on. The desktop version has some desktop applications installed by default, such as LibreOffice, Firefox, Rhythmbox, etc.
In addition, the Ubuntu server version usually does not include a graphical user interface, while the Ubuntu desktop version includes a desktop environment called Unity or GNOME Shell.
It should be noted that although the default installation software package and GUI environment of Ubuntu Server Edition and Desktop Edition are different, their basic operating system cores are the same, so they can convert each other, such as installing the desktop environment on the server edition or upgrading the desktop edition to the server edition.
