How to Install and Use GNOME Desktop Environment on AlmaLinux

The GNOME Desktop Environment is one of the most popular graphical interfaces for Linux users, offering a modern and user-friendly experience. Known for its sleek design and intuitive navigation, GNOME provides a powerful environment for both beginners and advanced users. If you’re using AlmaLinux, a robust enterprise-grade Linux distribution, installing GNOME can enhance your productivity and make your system more accessible.

This detailed guide walks you through installing and using the GNOME Desktop Environment on AlmaLinux.

Why Choose GNOME for AlmaLinux?

GNOME is a versatile desktop environment with several benefits:

1. User-Friendly Interface: Designed with simplicity in mind, GNOME is easy to navigate.
2. Highly Customizable: Offers extensions and themes to tailor the environment to your needs.
3. Wide Support: GNOME is supported by most Linux distributions and has a large community for troubleshooting and support.
4. Seamless Integration: Works well with enterprise Linux systems like AlmaLinux.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you meet the following requirements:

1. AlmaLinux Installed: A fresh installation of AlmaLinux with administrative privileges.
2. Access to Terminal: Familiarity with basic command-line operations.
3. Stable Internet Connection: Required to download GNOME packages.

Step 1: Update Your AlmaLinux System

Before installing GNOME, update your system to ensure all packages and dependencies are up to date. Run the following command:

sudo dnf update -y

This command updates the package repository and installs the latest versions of installed packages.

Step 2: Install GNOME Packages

AlmaLinux provides the GNOME desktop environment in its default repositories. You can choose between two main GNOME versions:

1. GNOME Standard: The full GNOME environment with all its features.
2. GNOME Minimal: A lightweight version with fewer applications.

Install GNOME Standard

To install the complete GNOME Desktop Environment, run:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Server with GUI"

Install GNOME Minimal

For a lightweight installation, use the following command:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Workstation"

Both commands will download and install the necessary GNOME packages, including dependencies.

Step 3: Enable the Graphical Target

AlmaLinux operates in a non-graphical (multi-user) mode by default. To use GNOME, you need to enable the graphical target.

Set the Graphical Target

Run the following command to change the default system target to graphical:

sudo systemctl set-default graphical.target

Reboot into Graphical Mode

Restart your system to boot into the GNOME desktop environment:

sudo reboot

After rebooting, your system should load into the GNOME login screen.

Step 4: Start GNOME Desktop Environment

When the system reboots, you’ll see the GNOME Display Manager (GDM). Follow these steps to log in:

1. Select Your User: Click on your username from the list.
2. Enter Your Password: Type your password and press Enter.
3. Choose GNOME Session (Optional): If you have multiple desktop environments installed, click the gear icon at the bottom right of the login screen and select GNOME.

Once logged in, you’ll be greeted by the GNOME desktop environment.

Step 5: Customizing GNOME

GNOME is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences. Below are some tips for customizing and using GNOME on AlmaLinux.

Install GNOME Tweaks

GNOME Tweaks is a powerful tool for customizing the desktop environment. Install it using:

sudo dnf install -y gnome-tweaks

Launch GNOME Tweaks from the application menu to adjust settings like:

• Fonts and themes.
• Window behavior.
• Top bar and system tray options.

Install GNOME Extensions

GNOME Extensions add functionality and features to the desktop environment. To manage extensions:

1. Install the Browser Extension: Open a browser and visit the GNOME Extensions website. Follow the instructions to install the browser integration.

2. Install GNOME Shell Integration Tool: Run the following command:

   sudo dnf install -y gnome-shell-extension-prefs
   

3. Activate Extensions: Browse and activate extensions directly from the GNOME Extensions website or the GNOME Shell Extension tool.

Step 6: Basic GNOME Navigation

GNOME has a unique workflow that may differ from other desktop environments. Here’s a quick overview:

Activities Overview

• Press the Super key (Windows key) or click Activities in the top-left corner to access the Activities Overview.
• The Activities Overview displays open windows, a search bar, and a dock with frequently used applications.

Application Menu

• Access the full list of applications by clicking the Show Applications icon at the bottom of the dock.
• Use the search bar to quickly locate applications.

Workspaces

• GNOME uses dynamic workspaces to organize open windows.
• Switch between workspaces using the Activities Overview or the keyboard shortcuts:
  • Ctrl + Alt + Up/Down: Move between workspaces.

Step 7: Manage GNOME with AlmaLinux Tools

AlmaLinux provides system administration tools to help manage GNOME.

Configure Firewall for GNOME

GNOME comes with a set of network tools. Ensure the firewall allows required traffic:

sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=dhcpv6-client
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Enable Automatic Updates

To keep GNOME and AlmaLinux updated, configure automatic updates:

sudo dnf install -y dnf-automatic
sudo systemctl enable --now dnf-automatic.timer

Step 8: Troubleshooting GNOME Installation

Here are common issues and their solutions:

1. Black Screen After Reboot:

   • Ensure the graphical target is enabled:

     sudo systemctl set-default graphical.target
     

   • Verify that GDM is running:

     sudo systemctl start gdm
     

2. GNOME Extensions Not Working:

   • Ensure the gnome-shell-extension-prefs package is installed.

   • Restart GNOME Shell after enabling extensions:

     Alt + F2, then type `r` and press Enter.
     

3. Performance Issues:

   • Disable unnecessary startup applications using GNOME Tweaks.
   • Install and configure drivers for your GPU (e.g., NVIDIA or AMD).

Step 9: Optional GNOME Applications

GNOME includes a suite of applications designed for productivity. Some popular GNOME applications you might want to install:

• LibreOffice: A powerful office suite.

  sudo dnf install -y libreoffice
  

• Evolution: GNOME’s default email client.

  sudo dnf install -y evolution
  

• GIMP: An image editing tool.

  sudo dnf install -y gimp
  

• VLC Media Player: For media playback.

  sudo dnf install -y vlc
  

Conclusion

Installing and using the GNOME Desktop Environment on AlmaLinux transforms your server-focused operating system into a versatile workstation. With its intuitive interface, customization options, and extensive support, GNOME is an excellent choice for users seeking a graphical interface on a stable Linux distribution.

By following this guide, you’ve successfully installed GNOME, customized it to your liking, and learned how to navigate and use its features effectively. AlmaLinux, paired with GNOME, provides a seamless experience for both personal and professional use. Enjoy the enhanced productivity and functionality of your new desktop environment!