Trouble logging into newly installed Ubuntu 12.04

Question

I've installed Ubuntu 12.04, but when I login it says bryan@ubuntu:~$ and waits for me to type something. Is it supposed to be the password or is there a command I'm supposed to enter?

Thank you!

It sounds like you're at a virtual terminal instead of a GUI. Try pressing Ctrl+Alt+F7. This should take you to your standard GUI login screen. — iBelieve, Feb 01 '13 at 18:40
@iBelieve Typically the only reasons someone isn't on tty7 after boot is if X11 isn't running at all. Running startx from the $ prompt can sometimes help though. — Eliah Kagan, Feb 01 '13 at 18:57
@kelvinafox its ubuntu server. should i have used desktop? im installing it as the only os on the laptop.. — user127859, Feb 01 '13 at 19:09
Because it is Ubuntu Server, it doesn't have a GUI at all. This might help explain the differences between Ubuntu Desktop or Server. — iBelieve, Feb 01 '13 at 19:14
so can will i be able to log in with ubuntu server or should i try ubuntu desktop? — user127859, Feb 01 '13 at 19:44

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Feb 01 '13 at 23:03

Since you see bryan@ubuntu:~$, you are already logged in. bryan is logged on at (@) the machine which you named ubuntu. The ~ shows where you are in the file system (~ means home folder) and the $ means it is waiting for your commands.

Ubuntu Server is meant to be used from the command line (mainly for server administration). If you want to have a graphical environment (windows, icons, buttons, mouse pointer and such), you should install Ubuntu Desktop instead of Ubuntu Server.

Trouble logging into newly installed Ubuntu 12.04

1 Answers1