HowTo Achieve "Ubuntu-Desktop-Minimal"

[TheShiv]

I've noticed on brainstorm.ubuntu.com that there are a few people who would like to have an ubuntu-desktop-minimal edition instead of the default ubuntu-desktop which bundles software that not all of us use.

I'm one of those users who likes to build his system from the ground up, so I wrote this simple post-install script which will give you a complete minimal desktop.

After running this script your system will look the same as a fresh install of ubuntu just without all the added software.

The first step to accomplish this is install a base system either using the Ubuntu Minimal CD (I use this along with my personal repository to create quick installs) or you can use the Ubuntu Server edition.

Once the base installation completes, login and run the following script, then reboot.

Note: This script is for users who use the gnome environment.

#!/bin/bash
#######################################################################
# Ubuntu-Desktop-Minimal: Post-install script to install only the bare
#			  essentials of an Ubuntu Desktop.
#######################################################################
echo "[*] Installing Gnome Essentials"
sudo apt-get -y install gnome-core gdm network-manager-gnome fast-user-switch-applet \
human-theme x11-xserver-utils tangerine-icon-theme gnome-themes-ubuntu ubuntu-artwork \
jockey-gtk gnome-screensaver gnome-utils
echo "[*] Installing Application Essentials"
sudo apt-get install -y gcalctool tsclient

The actual script I use also includes:
epiphany-browser : Lighter equivalent to firefox.
vlc;vlc-plugin-* : For media etc.
openoffice.org-writer : Office Writer
openoffice.org-calc : Office Spreadsheet
openoffice.org-impress : Office Presentation

After using this script I've lowered the memory usage from around 250-350mb to about 80-90mb. All of the themes are there, the network-manager, gedit, restricted hardware tool, etc.

I use this setup for Old & New Desktops/Laptops. I purchased a Netbook recently (ASUS eeePC 1000HD) and found this script makes it run very well.

Of course this is just a starting template, you will want to modify it to add the packages you use.

-TheShiv

[jpeddicord]

Approved and thank you for your tutorials & tips contribution!

[abhiroopb]

No offence, but how is this useful at all? I mean all you are providing is a list of apps to install. Its an interesting concept, but perhaps it may be useful to come up with a list of programs that can be removed, startup applications that can be stopped, applications that load during boot that you don't need (e.g. bluetooth).

Something simple like:

sudo apt-get remove ekiga etc etc. Might be useful.

Again just trying to understand how this could be effectively used.

[ericreboisson]

Originally Posted by abhiroopb No offence, but how is this useful at all? I mean all you are providing is a list of apps to install. Its an interesting concept, but perhaps it may be useful to come up with a list of programs that can be removed, startup applications that can be stopped, applications that load during boot that you don't need (e.g. bluetooth). Something simple like: sudo apt-get remove ekiga etc etc. Might be useful. Again just trying to understand how this could be effectively used.

I fully agree with abhiroopb

[lepa71]

So I followed your guide, but I can't start X. It gives me black screen.

Any help

[upbeat.linux]

I've included the link to the Ubuntu minimal CD to help users out:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/In...tion/MinimalCD

As a suggested improvement you could cut down on resources by installing fluxbox:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Fluxbox

[omichaels]

Originally Posted by lepa71 So I followed your guide, but I can't start X. It gives me black screen. Any help

Likewise, X won't start. I executed the following on a fresh 8.04 LTS Server build

sudo apt-get -y install gnome-core gdm network-manager-gnome fast-user-switch-applet human-theme x11-xserver-utils tangerine-icon-theme ubuntu-artwork jockey-gtk gnome-screensaver gnome-utils xinit
sudo apt-get install -y gcalctool tsclient

I had to replace "gnome-themes-ubuntu" with "gnome-themes" as the former was reported as not found in the archive.

Attempting to execute startx manually (from console) returns:
X: cannot stat /X11/X (No such file or directory), aborting. \ giving up
xinit: No such file or directory (errno 2): unable to connect to X server
xinit: No such process (errno 3): Server error.

I am very keen to get a minimal desktop up and running but am a total noob so would appreciate any suggestions.

[omichaels]

Originally Posted by lepa71 So I followed your guide, but I can't start X. It gives me black screen. Any help

Seems that Xorg was not installed as a part of dependency resolution. The following command solved my problem:

sudo apt-get install xorg

Hope it works as well for others


Thanks, TheShiv, for contributing this - it is just what I was seeking

[tomstrummer]

Originally Posted by abhiroopb No offence, but how is this useful at all? I mean all you are providing is a list of apps to install. Its an interesting concept, but perhaps it may be useful to come up with a list of programs that can be removed, startup applications that can be stopped, applications that load during boot that you don't need (e.g. bluetooth). Something simple like: sudo apt-get remove ekiga etc etc. Might be useful. Again just trying to understand how this could be effectively used.

Well, if you read his entire post, he said you should start with a "minimal" or "server" install, in which case there isn't anything to remove. This is a lot more efficient than doing the default install and then removing a bunch of stuff, not to mention there are usually user conig files and other cruft left behind after you remove everything.

[abhiroopb]

Originally Posted by tomstrummer Well, if you read his entire post, he said you should start with a "minimal" or "server" install, in which case there isn't anything to remove. This is a lot more efficient than doing the default install and then removing a bunch of stuff, not to mention there are usually user conig files and other cruft left behind after you remove everything.

That is true, but still this seems just like an install command that installs a few packages. Perhaps a more complete list with all possible packages which people can choose to install, etc.