Can someone please tell me what the difference is between Ubuntu Desktop iso and Ubuntu Server iso?

I know that Ubuntu server does not install a graphical user interface, but was wondering if "server features" can be added to the Ubuntu Desktop installation? For example, can you install Ubuntu desktop and then add web and dns services to it?

Just a bit confused on that point...I want to use Ubuntu as my "desktop operating system", but would also like to be able to explore its server-related features.

Thanks.

There should be nothing preventing you from either adding the server tools to a desktop installation or desktop applications to the server installation (this is not Windows ).

The thing is, if you install Desktop and afterwards the server applications (Apache, php, MySQL, whatever you like..), you might have a bit more work to get the server apps configured nicely (or not, it depends). On the other hand, if you install Server first, you'll need to do some job installing X and the rest of the stuff...I wouldn't mix a server and a desktop but if you think it's good for you, I wish you luck (though you shouldn't need it that much you'll do with apt)

Just go ahead; the "server tools" are just applications and configurations after all. So is Desktop..

Regards,

Juho

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Hi,

thanks - that's precisely what I hoped the case would be. I want to rebuild my computer (initially installed the server version and then added kde), but with all the playing around it's a bit of a mess at the moment. I was hoping to just get it up and running again as desktop for internet, email etc. and then fiddle with the server services later on.

Thanks!

You can install the "kde-desktop" meta package - this will make sure any packages are installed that belong to Ubuntu's KDE standard desktop.

IMO, there is nothing to say against mixing server and desktop apps (besides the fact of course that any application - that may not be needed - is a possible security risk). I usually configure my servers so they only listen to 127.0.0.1.

Edit: The package is named "kubuntu-desktop", of course.

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Given the fact that Ubuntu Server loads very little by default, it won't be that different. Server is pretty bare on Ubuntu.

<<JAV>>

I'd recommend that you think about your priorities. Is this a server that you want GUI on or a desktop that has some servers running? Having decided which it is you can choose the best starting point. If your main goal is server, install server and add only the GUI applications you wish to use. When installing those applications dependencies from Gnome and etc will be met and installed. If your primary goal is desktop, install a desktop system adding only what servers you need. Both systems are built from the same bag of tricks but there will be differences between them.

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This matter really interests me fragos. But it seems I just can't get enough help for setting a server with a friendly gui to setup squid, samba etc. Anyway if anyone could help with specific examples, it would be most appreciated.

greek_lin, Here's how to setup Ubuntu Dapper as server, plus many typical server applications.

Ubuntu - as well as other Linux distros - is all modular, so you can install the server without installing those additional apps - and add/remove apps at any time.

A "friendly GUI" (basically containing desktop, terminal, control center, file manager) is in the package gnome-core:
You might want to install a graphical software manager, too: synaptic.

Software installation is a breeze on Ubuntu. Even the server applications come with decent default configurations and are normally usable out-of-the-box. It's a software paradise.

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Thanks for the link robbbert. My goal is:
A already own a laptop which (at the moment) runs WinXP_pro_sp2, + 512adsl connection which I use to download big files. Unfortunatelly, my laptop gets really hot after a while and I can't leave it on for hours. Also there are two accounts, mine and my sister's. What I want to do is to use the linux-box as a proxy (with squid maybe???). When a click on a file to download (from a server that is) squid will filter the file and download it in a private folder that only the logged in account will have access (I don't want to be able to browse my sister's linux-folder and vise versa. I think samba will do the job). Also use MLdonkey server to download torrents and connect to p2p networks. Controling MLdonkey will be able through web-interface.
So anyone tell me... Do you think it can be done, or it's just a waste of time? I currently use xubuntu on my linux-box.
Thanks

So when you're at you're XP box and click a link to a file, Squid would a) let you download the file and at the same time b) cache (as that's what it does) the file into a folder at the Linux box (based on Windows authentication if possible)?
I haven't worked yet with Squid but that sounds possible.

On the other hand you're downloading to your XP box anyway. I can't see any gain in saving the same file to two locations? You'ld need to secure the download location at your XP box anyway. Maybe you could make Squid cache the file and deliver another file, I don't know.

- And yes, you can just install Samba, Squid, and MLDonkey on your Xubuntu box.

There's some good information in this thread but I'm not sure it's as GUI as you want. Take a look at:

http://freshmeat.net/projects/xampp/

This is the easiest GUI way I've seen to install a basic Apache, MySQL and FTP server. This doesn't match your requirements but perhaps it would be helpful. You will also find that there are many ways to solve your problem. For example you could connect to your server as a remote user, there are many ways like VNC, and initiate downloads on the server for later retrieval. Each user would have their own distinct account. I've greatly simplified connecting my boxes to the Internet with a basic wireless router. You could skip the wireless part. It has an uplink ethernet connection that plugs into a cable or DSL modem and an ethernet hub for four PCs. I get a hardware firewall and the benefits of NAT without any configuration -- plug & play. In addition to all PC's having Internet access they have the firewalled LAN to talk to each other on. Some configuration is required for LAN functions. One of the PCs on your LAN could be your shared download server. It this case it need not be a server per se, just another LAN PC with remote users. There is almost always a simpler way if you take the time up front to look for it.

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First of all I would like to thank both of you for your replies. robbbert that's exactly what I want to do with the exception of squid won't have to deliver the file to XP, only download it and save it in the linux-box, in a folderthat belongs to the user that asked for it! Also, about your idea of delivering another file, I guess you mean squid to deliver a really small file to xp to save the time while it downloades the real one... You're right. As far as I know squid can redirect a lot of things, for example you can have change every picture in a web-page with another one from your hard disk.
fragos you're right it could be done with VNC, I already use an adsl modem/router. But it would be more fun (I think!) to have it work in a different way...
Anyway, I 'll give it a try and let you guys know

That would be interesting at any rate!

- Sorry, this is not a specialized forum, i.e., I have to go elsewhere each time there is a special Java issue.
I could provide you, though, with a very valuable link to the Squid mailing list!
- You appear to be a young genius.
- After all, would you please refrain from doing illegal stuff! Will you!

Thanks robbbert, I would really appreciate the link. I 'll try and make it work my way. Linux is a multi-flavor OS.. You can sit down and make it sing the song you want!!! And that's what I plan to do. I have a week off my job, so... I'll keep in touch.

I have noticed that it seems that just trying to install a printer, requires having a desktop installed. This is the experience that I am currently having anyway. I'm trying to install a Canon Pixma iP1800 on a ubuntu 7.10 machine. This is proving to be a pain, as I just wanted a server to put in the closet, I didn't even want a desktop installed on this machine.