My Ubuntu minimal installation!

[RJARRRPCGP]

sudo apt-get install hal


sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-core xinit menu menu-xdg jwm fluxbox alsa-utils mrxvt gdebi-core synaptic logrotate localepurge

Now reboot:


sudo reboot

Then after logging in, type
startx

I'm running with this configuration as I'm typing!

(I was worried that X was gonna ignore my mouse and keyboard, that occurred before, when trying to use another desktop.)

Looks like you must do
sudo apt-get install hal to make sure you have a working mouse and keyboard!

Psychocats don't have this mentioned! IIRC, when I once followed a Psychocats tutorial, I ended up with no working mouse and keyboard!

All I could do was watch helplessly and go for the power button!

[mkvnmtr]

I have just finished a couple of minimal ijnstalls. One in Ubuntu and one in Debian. Rather than local purge why not choose no language in the installer. That way they never get downloaded. Another thing I like to do is choose a targeted kernel install. Saves downloading a lot of drivers you do not need.