Using laptop as server

[hakelm]

Ubuntu Version

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Desktop Environment (if applicable)

GNOME

Problem Description

I recently bought myself an Asus Vivobook 14 and installed Ubuntu 26.04.
This turned out to be a bad decision, the tiny keyboard is to complicated for me, so I decided to use the laptop as a server.

To this end I meet at least two obstacles:

1. gsettings set org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.power lid-close-ac-action ‘nothing’
   doesn’t keep the machine running with closed lid if there is no live display attached.

2. I can’t realise how to enable WAKE on LAN.

I would also appreciate advice on a fast USB to Ethernet adapter since there is no Etherenet port.

Thanks in advance for any help with these problems

Håkan

Relevant System Information

Asus Vivbook S 14, Ubuntu 26.04

What I’ve Tried

gsettings set org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.power lid-close-ac-action ‘nothing’
BIOS

[paddylandau]

Have you considered installing the server instead of the desktop? The problem with a desktop is that it might generate too much heat while the lid is closed. The server will generate less heat.

Regarding the Ethernet, does your router not have a USB port? Otherwise you’ll have to get a USB-to-Ethernet converter for the laptop.

[steelf]

To keep it running with the lid closed without an external monitor, configure systemd-logind-

In /etc/systemd/logind.conf -

HandleLidSwitch=ignore
HandleLidSwitchExternalPower=ignore

Apply with sudo systemctl restart systemd-logind.

And to reduce heat and memory usage without reinstalling Ubuntu Server, disable the desktop GUI on boot:

sudo systemctl set-default multi-user.target

Revert with sudo systemctl set-default graphical.target

For ethernet, any USB adapter based on Realtek RTL8153 or RTL8156 works out of the box.

[hakelm]

Thanks steelf, that works nicely. You seem to know what you are talking about.

Would it by the way be possible to set up WOL (Wake On Lan) that is absent in BIOS aswell ?

[steelf]

From a full power-off state - No

Since the laptop has no onboard Ethernet, an external USB adapter will be physically powered off when shut down if the BIOS doesn’t maintain standby 5V power to the USB bus.

An unpowered dongle cannot listen for network packets

[ogra]

There are actually WOL USB Ethernet adapters but yeah, that will only work if your BIOS actually offers a setting for this to keep the bus powered …