A Minimal Ubuntu Install

Hand-held device, netbooks, and mini-computers are the rage these days. There is great interest in running toned down operating systems on platforms that have limited processing power and memory. These platforms work well running any variation of Linux, as users can customize the OS for there needs.

If you want to run a toned down version of Ubuntu on one of these appliances, or if you are interested in bringing an old PC back to life, then there several methods to use to create a slimmed down operating system

One method mentioned on the Ubuntu Forums by TheShiv starts with a minimal install of Ubuntu or a server install. He then runs a script to install only the essential application he needs. Here is an example script extracted from his thread on the Ubuntu Tips and Tricks forum:

#!/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

Note there there a basically two commands tucked in the script. You can whatever packages you wish, such as:

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

Now, you can start with a full install of Ubuntu, and back track you way to minimally built system. To me it would seem easier to start with the basics and build from the ground up.