Step-By-Step instructions on how to install gnome GUI on CentOS

This is a step by step guide on how to install the Gnome GUI on CentOS

1. Using yum, we will need to install X Windows System as the based for GUI and rich input device capability:

$ yum groupinstall -y ‘X Window System’

2. Only then we can install GNOME desktop environment on top of it

$ yum groupinstall -y ‘Desktop’

3. Since previously the server is running on CLI mode, we need to change some value to tell CentOS to boot up in the GUI mode.

4. Vi  /etc/inittab

5. Change following line: id:3:initdefault: to id:5:initdefault:

6. Reboot

Note: You can switch from GUI to CLI mode manually by using following method:

GUI to CLI: Ctrl + Alt + F6

CLI to GUI: Ctrl + Alt + F1

If you want to start the desktop from CLI console (not SSH session), use following command:

$ startx