Shortening Ubuntu base install time.

Ever not wanted a majority of software that default installs include. Here is a way to make a trimmed down desktop and then surgically install the gui applications you prefer.  During the install, un-check all options including the Desktop environment (excepting additional basic utilities if it is shown such as in a network install). We will manually install the desktop.




Finish the install. The after the reboot, you will want to log in. Do not be surprised at the mouse environment missing. We are almost there.  Then you will want to do the following installs in two separate lines.

$ sudo apt-get install lxde xorg

Instead of adding all the video drivers, you could just do the one for your video card if you know it.

$ sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-video-all

Test the install with:

$ startx

You should get a desktop. The next time you reboot, you should automatically come to a gui login.   Then in the gui environment, you can set up your applications much easier with the synaptic package manager.















So this little project is great for setting up machines for kids or in a student lab and where you only need to run certain software.  You could also include setting up a virtual machine using this method.  Have fun...

Note: this works with Debian also, but you will have to install sudo and edit the sudoer's file.