Minimal Xubuntu

Background

I've always liked the idea of being able to tweak Linux. Things like the ability to compile your own kernel and applications became a hobby of mine. I've been limited in this by my choice of current disto, Ubuntu. I love the fact that it comes on one CD-ROM unlike Fedora (four) and Debian (twelve). However, this compact size also has its drawbacks in the inability to select just which packages I want installed. So if I wanted to install just a minimal system with GUI and OS, I had to look elsewhere.

Now most folks would say that is what Damn Small Linux, Slackware and the alternate versions of Ubuntu are for. But I counter with the fact that since I have a family and a job that does not involve playing with Linux all day, I don't have time to be fiddling with infinite trial and error installs and compiles. Basically, what I needed was something in between the full-on customizable abilities of Slackware and the simple, compact full features of Ubuntu.

In my search for just such a middle ground, I tried a couple of things. Respinning my own CD via Reconstructor was close, but again, it was hit or miss and still didn't fit my goal of creating an install that was nothing more than the GUI and basic OS. I also looked at Linux From Scratch but that promised to be way too time consuming and complex and in the end still didn't meet my needs.

Enter Mythbuntu. One of many Ubuntu off-shoots, Mythbuntu is a version of Xubuntu that removes non-multimedia packages and inserts the MythTV multimedia suite. It's a brilliant effort that can turn any decently spec'd PC into a living room media center. The part that got my attention was the fact that other than Firefox, none of the standard Ubuntu applications (ie - office, games, e-mail, graphics, etc) are installed. This was just what I was looking for; a Linux install that, with some minor package management, would fit my requirement for a minimal OS and GUI setup.

Mythbuntu Installation

Installing Mythbuntu is nearly identical to a standard Ubuntu/Xubuntu install. There are some added steps that are tightly merged into the standard install wizard, but they are not at all complex.

To install Mythbuntu, simply follow these steps. I assume that you are using the latest version available; for these instructions I am using Mythbuntu 10.10. Steps for previous versions are similar.

• Stage One: Install
  1. Download the Mythbuntu ISO from www.mythbuntu.org.
  2. Burn the ISO to CD.
  3. Boot the computer you are installing to from the CD and choose the option to install Mythbuntu.
  4. The first screen will allow you to select your language. Choose accordingly and click on the Forward button.
  5. Next is the preparing to install screen. Click on the Forward button.
  6. You will now be prompted to allocation drive space. Choose your appropriate option, configure as desired, then click on the Forward button.
  7. This next screen is a second drive allocation screen. Click on Install Now. The installation will begin, but you still have some configuration to do.
  8. Time zone information will be required in the next screen. Select the correct time zone then click on Forward.
  9. You will now be prompted to select your keyboard layout. Select the correct keyboard then click on Forward.
  10. The next dialog asks for your personal information. Complete the fields as instructed and click on the Forward button.
  11. Next you will be asked which type of installation you would like to perform. Just click on Forward.
  12. Additional services will be the next choice. Uncheck any services that are checked then click Forward.
  13. Configuring infrared remotes appears next. Do not select anything, simply click on Forward.
  14. Up next is the Graphics Drivers dialog. If the installer detected a graphics card with an available proprietary driver (NVidia, AMD, etc), you will be able to choose from the open source driver or the proprietary version. Usually, the open source driver is good enough in which case you can just click on Forward. However, if you want to really use the proprietary driver then select it from the drop-down list before clicking on Forward.
  15. The install will now complete. Once this is done, a prompt to restart will appear. Do so. If a bunch of I/O errors scroll by then the computer seems to hang, press the Enter button. This will normally get the reboot to occur.

• Stage Two: Reboot
  1. The computer will reboot to a login screen. Log in.
  2. When you log in, the automated MythTV configuration utility will run.
  3. Press Esc to exit the utility.
  4. Answer Yes to the question about exiting and press Enter. You will now be at the desktop.

• Stage Two-A: Download Firefox.
  • This is an option step. Stage Three will remove the slightly bloated and Ubuntu-ized Firefox. If you want a web browser when you get done, go to the Firefox website (or the web site for the browser of your choice), download and install it.

• Stage Three: Strip and Configure
  1. At the desktop, configure the computer for your network.
  2. Once networking is setup, start Synaptic.
  3. Download this file which contains the packages that will be deleted and added. Note that this is a text file so if you want to inspect the changes to be made, feel free.
  4. In Synaptic, load the file you just downloaded. Do this by selecting File-->Read Markings from the menu at the top of the screen then locating the file in the Open Changes dialog.
  5. When the file is loaded, click Apply. The changes will be made.
  6. Once the changes have been made, exit Synaptic.
  7. Reboot

  Once the computer has re-started, you will have a minimal Xubuntu installation of about 1.4GB in size that is ready for installing applications of your choice through compiling or repositories.

  Don't forget to run Update Manager to get the latest security updates!

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