Ubuntu from the ground up.

[Zestypanda]

Is there a way I can install the bare minimal install of Ubuntu? Just gnome and basic standard Ubuntu tools. No third-party apps or anything.,

[darkod]

There is something called minimal CD that installs only the core. From there on you add what you want including the desktop environment (it comes without one).

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/MinimalCD

[mörgæs]

This script (http://andyduffell.com/techblog/?p=689) comes in handy when you add the packages you want, after you have installed the minimal system.

Unfortunately it stops at Buntu 12.04.

[ibjsb4]

Another way would be to do a terminal only install with the mini iso and then install ubuntu without the recommend packages. This turns a 600+MB install into about 160MB.

The command for this type of install:


sudo apt-get install --no-install-recommends ubuntu-desktop

[matt_symes]

Hi

You could install the system using
debootstrap

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/DebootstrapChroot

Kind regards

[Zestypanda]

Thanks guys, thanks for the help I will check this all out

[Zestypanda]

O.0 catch 22, does the minimal base install (terminal) have wifi drivers?

[matt_symes]

Hi


O.0 catch 22, does the minimal base install (terminal) have wifi drivers?

I'm unsure about this as last time i did a minimal install using the iso, i connected via ethernet.

If you go down the debootstrap route and install the minimal system from a desktop LiveCD/USB, you should be able to install all the drivers and everything else you need (such as grub).

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

It's a more complicated way to do it than a minimal install from one of the isos though. So this will depend on how well you know how to install an Ubuntu system.

As for whether the minimal iso contains wireless drivers, you could just download a minimal iso and try it.

Kind regards

[mörgæs]

O.0 catch 22, does the minimal base install (terminal) have wifi drivers?

It's unlikely. As the name indicates it's minimal, some 20-30 MB. Also, many cards need closed-source drivers which for sure are not part of the package.

Even if they were available I would recommend installing with a wired connection. Only when that works well and all updates have been applied it's time to focus on the wirefree.

[darkod]

Yeah, you are making it complicated for yourself. Unless you are stealing that wi-fi from the neighbour, you have a router someplace at home and can connect the machine to it to install at least. :) Use a good old cable and don't create more headaches for yourself than you need to. :)