Ubuntu Minimal Desktop
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Table of Contents
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debian
most guides here also works for debian.
just dont use any ubuntu apt repo here in debian.
minimal install
- first, install using server/alternate cd
- boot your cd, choose your language, press F4 and choose "Install a command-line system"
- if/when asked, choose nothing. nothing at all. not base system. not minimal. nothing. deselect everything.
- after ubuntu installed and restarted to your new installed system. login as usual.
- now we start installing the system. let's the fun begins.
nb. it's most confusing for windows users that linux do not show any asterisk when you enter your password. the password line just blank whatever you type into it. and it's intentional. just key in your password and press enter.
update & upgrade
this step is optional but highly recommended.
#first, make things easier...
#if you want these alias activated everytime you login, put it into bashrc with all other aliases
# nano -w .bashrc
alias nano='nano -w'
alias update='sudo aptitude update'
alias upgrade='sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude safe-upgrade'
alias iapt='sudo aptitude install'
#now, do the update & upgrade
upgrade
sudo aptitude full-upgrade
# then you can always use 'iapt' in place of 'sudo aptitude install'
# this guide will keep the full syntax for clearity purpose.
quick start
this ONE SINGLE line is all you need to get your minimal desktop.
sudo aptitude -y install xserver-xorg-core xinit menu menu-xdg fluxbox synaptic
if you got missing packages or any error, please check the repo section
FINISH !
that's all it!
you got somewhat minimal desktop.
now you can get into your desktop with:
startx
this is what you got:
then, you can use synaptic to install any other apps.
or, you can continue for more fun…
minimal X
if you do not like fluxbox above, you can choose to install any other wm. just replace the fluxbox above with any of these desktop/wm.
only choose ONE for small system. if you have enough resources, you might install more to try out any of them…
# sudo aptitude install jwm
# sudo aptitude install fluxbox
# sudo aptitude install fvwm-crystal
# sudo aptitude install icewm icemc wmctrl
# sudo aptitude install lxde
# sudo aptitude install xfce4
# sudo aptitude install gnome-core
# sudo aptitude install kde-core
# sudo aptitude install kde4-core
#
- generaly, i try to sort them with their memory usage. if you have absolute minimal ram (64meg) use the first (jwm/fluxbox only)
- at most bottom, gnome-core, kde-core and kde4-core is the heaviest. avoid them if you have very small ram (<128meg)
- for n00b, maybe lxde/xfce4 is easier to use
- see also: install fvwm-crystal on debian
- lxde is very cool. you need to add repo to install it. see http://lxde.org/wiki/Ubuntu
- update: if you got problem from old lxde repo, make sure you remove the apps from that old repo first:
#first, remove apps from old repos
sudo aptitude purge lxsession-lite lxappearance pcmanfm lxpanel
# then do the install
sudo aptitude install lxde
more on window manager
- http://packages.ubuntu.com/hardy/x-window-manager
- http://xwinman.org/comparisons.php
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_window_manager
- http://www.internetling.com/2008/07/16/the-big-x-window-manager-guide-with-screenshots/
- http://penguinpetes.com/XWM_Guide/index.php
choosing your x session / window manager
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager
sudo update-alternatives --config x-window-manager
or, you can create .xsession
# to create .xsession file, open a terminal and enter:
# nano -w .xsession
# and put one of these into it:
exec startfluxbox
# exec startlxde
# exec startxfce4
# exec icewm-session
# exec fvwm-crystal
graphical login, display manager
this is OPTIONAL!
skip this if you dont know about it. it uses more ram.
unless you have to. ie, fix problem with X display drivers etc..
http://packages.ubuntu.com/hardy/x-display-manager
# install ONLY ONE of these
# sudo aptitude install wdm
# sudo aptitude install xdm
sudo aptitude install slim
# sudo aptitude install gdm
# sudo aptitude install kdm
browsers
lighter fox
sudo aptitude install libstdc++5
wget -c ftp://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/firefox/releases/1.5.0.12/linux-i686/en-US/firefox-1.5.0.12.tar.gz
sudo tar zxvf ~/firefox-1.5.0.12.tar.gz -C /opt
swiftweasel, the optimized fox
compiled from firefox source and optimized for speed
http://swiftweasel.tuxfamily.org/
# first, setup the repo by adding this one line into /etc/apt/sources.list
# deb http://download.tuxfamily.org/swiftweasel hardy multiverse
# then install the one optimized for your cpu
# examples:
aptitude search swiftweasel
sudo aptitude install swiftweasel-prescott
full blown browsers
sudo aptitude install opera
# full blown huge heavy monster fox
# sudo aptitude install firefox-2
sudo aptitude install firefox flashplugin-nonfree sun-java5-plugin ubufox adblock-plus firebug firefox-greasemonkey firefox-webdeveloper
plugins, extensions, etc
sudo aptitude install flashplugin-nonfree sun-java5-plugin
sudo aptitude install ubufox adblock-plus firebug firefox-greasemonkey firefox-webdeveloper
# to make plugins works for firefox 1.5 or swiftweasel
cd /opt/firefox/plugins
sudo ln -s /usr/lib/flashplugin-nonfree/libflashplayer.so
sudo ln -s /usr/lib/jvm/java-1.5.0-sun-1.5.0.15/jre/plugin/i386/ns7/libjavaplugin_oji.so
internet explorer 5, 5.5, 6
sudo aptitude install wine cabextract
wget http://www.tatanka.com.br/ies4linux/downloads/ies4linux-latest.tar.gz
tar zxvf ies4linux-latest.tar.gz
cd ies4linux-*
./ies4linux
other browsers
connection
# dial-up
# terminal:
# sudo aptitude install pppconfig
# for gnome:
# sudo aptitude install gnome-ppp
# for kde:
# sudo aptitude install kppp
# sudo aptitude install kppp-kde4
minimal apps
you might want additional apps.
http://linuxondesktop.blogspot.com/2007/03/13-applications-to-install-on-ubuntu.html
# other stuffs
sudo aptitude install openjdk-6-jdk pidgin gkrellm wine qemu gxine xarchiver evince
# tools for desktop
# sudo aptitude install conky
# sudo aptitude install gkrellm
#
# stuffs i like, tools i use
# sudo aptitude install zim
alternatives apps:
- pdf: http://packages.ubuntu.com/hardy/pdf-viewer
- terminal: http://packages.ubuntu.com/hardy/x-terminal-emulator
multimedia (dvd,wmv,quicktime,realplayer,etc…) https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats
games emulation
emulator for playstation, super nintendo, gameboy advance, atari, amiga, sega genesis/megadrive
sudo aptitude install pcsx zsnes vbaexpress hatari uae dgen
Junior
sudo aptitude install gnuchess gcompris childsplay junior-art junior-internet
# make gnuchess works from gcompris
sudo ln -s /usr/games/gnuchess /usr/games/gnome-gnuchess
tasksel
easily install a group of apps with tasksel.
tasksel --list-tasks
# sudo tasksel install edubuntu-server
# sudo tasksel install lamp-server
# sudo tasksel install xubuntu-desktop
use OLPC XO without buying one
sudo aptitude install sugar sugar-activities sugar-emulator
ubuntu netbook remix
#these line into /etc/apt/sources.list
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/netbook-remix-team/ubuntu hardy main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/netbook-remix-team/ubuntu hardy main
#then do:
sudo aptitude install go-home-applet human-netbook-theme maximus ume-launcher window-picker-applet
sudo /etc/init.d/gdm restart
more multimedia. medibuntu
# get video from your handycam
# sudo tasksel install ubuntustudio-video
#
sudo aptitude install vlc
wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/hardy.list -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list
sudo aptitude update
sudo aptitude install medibuntu-keyring
# what's in medibuntu? http://www.medibuntu.org/packages.php
sudo aptitude install skype googleearth mplayer
multimedia center
sudo aptitude install elisa
sudo aptitude install mediatomb
cd ripper
easy ripping
# choose one of these
# sudo aptitude install sound-juicer
# sudo aptitude install grip
secure ripping
sudo aptitude install ruby libglade2-ruby ruby-gnome2 libgettext-ruby-util cd-discid cdparanoia lame vorbis-tools flac normalize-audio mp3gain vorbisgain
# get latest rubyripper
wget http://rubyripper.googlecode.com/files/rubyripper-x.x.x.tar.bz2
tar zxvf rubyripper-x.x.x.tar.bz2
cd rubyripper-x.x.x
./rubyripper_gtk2.rb
other options for linux secure ripping
dvd ripper
http://www.linux.com/feature/128105
# one of these
sudo aptitude install thoggen
sudo aptitude install dvdrip
connect your mobile phones
try one of these
sudo aptitude install gnome-phone-manager
sudo aptitude install wammu
sudo aptitude install xgnokii
sudo aptitude install gmobilemedia
sudo aptitude install kmobiletools
sudo aptitude install xgsmlib #not in hardy (yet?)
server
- http://dennyhalim.wikidot.com/search:site/q/server
- the perfect webserver
- postfix mailserver
- install nginx
- install zimbra
remote access
remote access server
depends on how you want to access your pc remotely.
sudo tasksel install openssh-server
sudo aptitude install openvpn
sudo aptitude install xrdp # allow any windows rdp client connect to your linux
sudo aptitude install x11vnc
remote access client
sudo aptitude install kvpnc # kde vpn client
sudo aptitude install network-manager-openvpn #manage openvpn on gnome
sudo aptitude install rdesktop #rdp cli
sudo aptitude install tsclient #framebuffer/x gui for rdesktop
sudo aptitude install gnome-rdp # heavy weight rdp for gnome
sudo aptitude install krdc # heavy weight rdp for kde
webdeveloper
sudo aptitude install filezilla firefox-webdeveloper geany kompozer openjdk-6-jdk
software developer
sudo aptitude install geany build-essential checkinstall
#kernel source
#sudo aptitude install linux-headers-2.6.24-19-server openjdk-6-jdk
mindmap
sudo aptitude install vym freemind
chinese
sudo aptitude install language-pack-zh xfonts-intl-chinese xfonts-intl-chinese-big scim-pinyin
religion
sudo aptitude install biblememorizer bibletime gnomesword sword-text-kjv sword-text-web
sudo aptitude install display-dhammapada
sudo aptitude install minbar itools zekr
ubuntu repositories
ubuntu /etc/apt/sources.list with better local mirror
use this mirror ONLY if you're in Indonesia. for Indonesia ONLY!
the default ubuntu mirror for indonesia (id.archive.ubuntu.com) point to ubuntu.indika.net.id is heavily broken.
you will get LOTS of 404 errors.
wonder why ubuntu use it…
# to easily replace id.archive.ubuntu.com with dl2.foss-id.web.id use this:
# sudo nano -w /etc/apt/sources.list
# then press CTRL-\
# and then enter id.archive.ubuntu.com in what to replace.
# then enter dl2.foss-id.web.id for the replacement
# or, you can just copy from here and replace everything in your sources.list
# then CTRL-X to exit. and choose save when asked.
# for any other countries, you can use archive.ubuntu.com to use main server
# but depends on your isp, this might slow down your connection.
# deb cdrom:[Ubuntu-Server 8.04 _Hardy Heron_ - Release i386 (20080423.2)]/ hardy main restricted
# See http://help.ubuntu.com/community/UpgradeNotes for how to upgrade to
# newer versions of the distribution.
deb http://dl2.foss-id.web.id/ubuntu/ hardy main restricted universe multiverse
deb-src http://dl2.foss-id.web.id/ubuntu/ hardy main restricted universe multiverse
deb http://dl2.foss-id.web.id/ubuntu/ hardy-updates main restricted universe multiverse
deb-src http://dl2.foss-id.web.id/ubuntu/ hardy-updates main restricted universe multiverse
deb http://dl2.foss-id.web.id/ubuntu/ hardy-backports main restricted universe multiverse
deb-src http://dl2.foss-id.web.id/ubuntu/ hardy-backports main restricted universe multiverse
## Uncomment the following two lines to add software from Canonical's
## 'partner' repository. This software is not part of Ubuntu, but is
## offered by Canonical and the respective vendors as a service to Ubuntu
## users.
#deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu hardy partner
#deb-src http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu hardy partner
# deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu hardy-commercial main
deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hardy-security main restricted universe multiverse
deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hardy-security main restricted universe multiverse
ubuntu main server
if you're from any other countries, you can use this repo.
it loads everything from ubuntu main server.
not from local mirrors.
thus, it might slower than your local mirrors.
# deb cdrom:[Ubuntu-Server 8.04 _Hardy Heron_ - Release i386 (20080423.2)]/ hardy main restricted
# See http://help.ubuntu.com/community/UpgradeNotes for how to upgrade to
# newer versions of the distribution.
deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ hardy main restricted universe multiverse
deb-src http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ hardy main restricted universe multiverse
deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ hardy-updates main restricted universe multiverse
deb-src http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ hardy-updates main restricted universe multiverse
deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ hardy-backports main restricted universe multiverse
deb-src http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ hardy-backports main restricted universe multiverse
## Uncomment the following two lines to add software from Canonical's
## 'partner' repository. This software is not part of Ubuntu, but is
## offered by Canonical and the respective vendors as a service to Ubuntu
## users.
#deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu hardy partner
#deb-src http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu hardy partner
# deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu hardy-commercial main
deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hardy-security main restricted universe multiverse
deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hardy-security main restricted universe multiverse
additional / third party repos
# /etc/apt/sources.list.d/others.list
## Medibuntu - Ubuntu 8.04 LTS "hardy heron"
## Please report any bug on https://bugs.launchpad.net/medibuntu/
deb http://packages.medibuntu.org/ hardy free non-free
#deb-src http://packages.medibuntu.org/ hardy free non-free
#ebox
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/juruen/ubuntu hardy main
# Google software repository
deb http://dl.google.com/linux/deb/ stable non-free
#opera
deb http://deb.opera.com/opera-beta/ stable non-free
#swiftweasel
deb http://download.tuxfamily.org/swiftweasel hardy multiverse
#lxde/lxpanel http://lxde.org
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/lxde/ubuntu hardy main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/lxde/ubuntu hardy main
# telepathy, empathy
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/telepathy/ubuntu hardy main restricted universe multiverse
# ekiga snapshots
# gpg --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 3596ED6E
# gpg --export --armor 3596ED6E | sudo apt-key add -
# you have to enable hardy-updates before install
# sudo aptitude install ekiga-snapshot
deb http://snapshots.ekiga.net/snapshots/ubuntu/ hardy main
QA
- why everything use aptitude?
- somewhat n00b friendly. minimal fussing with apt/source.list, no tedious install from source
- it ease my life. any new apps, bugfix or security update i just do aptitude upgrade
- why not apt-get
- aptitude keep a record of what you install and offer you to remove unneeded dependencies.
- google for more info
related
note: some of these projects may need you add more repositories
other similar projects:
Comments
Of course you always has problems. The repo you used is incorrect.
Please refer to their wiki page again to use the latest repo.
Packages for gutsy and hardy are available.
tnx for pointing out the issue.
sudo aptitude -y install xserver-xorg-core xinit menu menu-xdg fluxbox synaptic
menu-xdg, fluxbox, synaptic are not available for Ubuntu 8.0.4. Any idea?
i use the same ubuntu 804.
i did have many 404 error with ubuntu default mirror for indonesia.
what error you have?
make sure you have valid repo. you can also try other mirrors.
changing the mirror fix all my issues.
also…
make sure you enable ALL repo.
main, restricted, universe, multiverse.
enable all of them.