Install X Graphical Window System and a Desktop Environment

The X Window System provides the foundation for a graphical user interface. Prior to installing a desktop environment, a functional X server installation is required.

Install The X Window System

# apt-get install xorg

You will want to install GDM, KDM, or XDM to login with a GUI environment. GDM is the most popular but you can try the others

# apt-get install gdm

Install a Desktop Environment

The two biggest players in the game are Gnome and KDE, but there are also many smaller GUIs, like Xfce and LXDE that have just as much to offer. Install GUI on debian 7 wheezy

Start Desktop Environment

After installing a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or Desktop Environment, you can start to use by log in as root or non-root user.

$ startx

If you messed up with the X Window System’s configuration, you can reconfigure the package as root

For Sarge

# dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xfree86

For Etch or Sid

# dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg