[nzlug] How to switch from desktop mode to server mode?

[Andrew Errington]

On Tue, 01 Aug 2006 12:39, you wrote:
> > On 8/1/06, Nevyn <nevynh at gmail.com> wrote:
> > Edit /etc/inittab and look for the line that says "default runlevel".
> > 5 Will give you desktop and 3 will give you "server".
> >
> > Alternatively, edit grub/lilo (not sure which one Ubuntu uses) and add
> > another entry using all the same options (except the name) - on one
> > put init=3 and on the other put init=5.
> >
> > That way you can always just chose what you want at boot up.
>
> And is there a way, without rebooting or modifying a file, to activate
> the desktop again, and to turn it off again back to server mode?

Well, if you're only looking for a text-based login, CTRL-ALT-F1 from the 
GUI desktop will take you to a text console.  CTRL-ALT-F5 (or F7) will take 
you back.

If you are only wanting to run the desktop for yourself then start the 
machine in 'server mode' then login and type 'startx'.  This will run an X 
session for you, (but the console you logged in to first will keep 
running).  When you log out of the X session then X won't restart (as it 
would in 'desktop mode'.

I really think the 'server mode' and 'desktop mode' nomenclature is 
irrelevant and confusing.  There is no such thing.  'server mode' really 
means that Linux is running and X is not.  'desktop mode' means that X is 
running, but it relies on the underlying OS.  In 'desktop mode' all the 
'server mode' stuff is still all there and running too.

Andrew