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How To Reinstall Xorg on Ubuntu Using apt-get

Ubuntu 18

In this article, we will guide you through the process of reinstalling the Xorg server on your Ubuntu system using the apt-get command. Xorg is an open-source implementation of the X Window System. It provides the basic low-level functionality that full-fledged graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are designed upon.

Quick Answer

To reinstall Xorg on Ubuntu using apt-get, you need to update the package list, upgrade installed packages, and then install the Xorg server using the sudo apt-get install xorg command. Optionally, you can also install the Openbox window manager, graphics drivers, or the full Ubuntu desktop environment.

Pre-requisites

Before we begin, make sure you have administrative (sudo) privileges on your Ubuntu system. You will also need access to a terminal window/command line.

Step 1: Open the Terminal

The terminal can be accessed from the Ubuntu Dash or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.

Step 2: Update the Package List

The first step is to update the package list on your Ubuntu system. This ensures that the apt-get command knows where to download the latest version of Xorg from. Run the following command:

sudo apt-get update

The sudo command gives you administrative privileges (required to install software), apt-get is the package handling utility, and update is the operation that updates the package list.

Step 3: Upgrade Installed Packages

Once the package list is updated, upgrade the installed packages to their latest versions with the following command:

sudo apt-get upgrade

The upgrade operation upgrades all the installed packages on your system.

Step 4: Install Xorg

Now that your system is up-to-date, you can install the Xorg server. Run the following command:

sudo apt-get install xorg

The install operation installs new packages, and xorg is the package name for the Xorg server.

Optionally, you can also install the Xorg server along with the Openbox window manager by running:

sudo apt-get install xorg openbox

Openbox is a lightweight and highly configurable window manager.

Step 5: Install Graphics Drivers (Optional)

If you encounter any issues related to graphics drivers, you can try installing the fglrx package, which provides proprietary graphics drivers for AMD graphics cards. Run the following command:

sudo apt-get install fglrx

Step 6: Install the Full Ubuntu Desktop Environment (Optional)

If you want to install the full Ubuntu desktop environment, which includes the GNOME desktop environment along with several desktop applications (like Firefox and LibreOffice), run the following command:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop

Please note that this will install additional packages and may take some time.

Conclusion

Reinstalling Xorg on Ubuntu using apt-get is a straightforward process. It involves updating the package list, upgrading the installed packages, and finally installing the Xorg server. Optional steps include installing the Openbox window manager, proprietary graphics drivers, and the full Ubuntu desktop environment.

If you still face issues after following these steps, it is recommended to refer to the Ubuntu Community Help Wiki or ask for help on the Ubuntu Forums.

What is Xorg?

Xorg is an open-source implementation of the X Window System, which provides the basic low-level functionality for graphical user interfaces (GUIs) on Linux and Unix-like operating systems.

Why would I need to reinstall Xorg on Ubuntu?

You may need to reinstall Xorg on Ubuntu if you are experiencing issues with your graphical user interface, such as a black screen, graphical glitches, or problems with display drivers.

How do I open the terminal in Ubuntu?

You can open the terminal in Ubuntu by either searching for "Terminal" in the Ubuntu Dash or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard.

What does the `sudo` command do?

The sudo command allows you to execute commands with administrative privileges. It stands for "Super User Do" and is commonly used in Ubuntu to perform actions that require root access.

What is the purpose of updating the package list?

Updating the package list ensures that the apt-get command knows where to download the latest version of Xorg from. It fetches information about available packages and their versions from the software repositories.

Can I install Xorg along with a different window manager?

Yes, you can install Xorg along with a different window manager. In the article, we mentioned installing the Openbox window manager along with Xorg, but you can choose any other window manager that you prefer.

How do I install graphics drivers for AMD graphics cards?

You can install graphics drivers for AMD graphics cards by running the command sudo apt-get install fglrx. The fglrx package provides proprietary graphics drivers for AMD cards.

Can I install the full Ubuntu desktop environment after reinstalling Xorg?

Yes, you can install the full Ubuntu desktop environment after reinstalling Xorg. You can do this by running the command sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop. This will install the GNOME desktop environment along with various desktop applications.

What should I do if I still face issues after reinstalling Xorg?

If you still encounter issues after reinstalling Xorg, it is recommended to refer to the Ubuntu Community Help Wiki or ask for help on the Ubuntu Forums. These resources have a wealth of information and a large community of helpful users who can assist you with troubleshooting.

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