CentOS / RHEL Linux: Remove GDM

How do I uninstall a GUI Gnome login system ( GDM ) from my CentOS Linux v5.5 based server?

GDM is the GNOME Display Manager, a graphical login program for Redhat, RHEL, Fedora and CentOS Linux based systems. The X Window System by default uses the XDM display manager which needs editing files. GDM allows to customize login using GUI based tools. It also supports customization with themes.

Fig.01: CentOS GNOME Display Manager

Method # 1: Delete GDM and X Window

Type the following command:
# yum groupremove "X Window System"
Reboot the systems:
# reboot

Method # 2: Disable GDM and X Windows Login For All Sessions

Edit /etc/inittab, enter:
# vi /etc/inittab
Find:

id:5:initdefault:

Replace with:

id:3:initdefault:

Save and close the file. Stop currently running GUI session:
# init 3

Method # 3: Temporarily Disable GDM and X Windows Login For Current Sessions

Just type the following command:
# init 3
To get back to GUI login session again, enter:
# init 5

See also:

• Linux Disable and Remove X Windows (X.org)