Recommendation for a minimal server install ?

uncle-c · 01-11-2010, 06:55 AM

I'm running Ubuntu 7.04 server on a low spec spare machine ( 500MHz, 128 RAM) but fancy a change. Basically would like a non-GUI, command line only interface, running SSH, Samba and a flavour of FTP. FTP must be set up so users only have access to their home directory and not to any other system dirs. In addition I may want to incorporate anonymous ftp login at some point. Any recommendations for both FTP and minimal server software ? Thanks again !

Cheers
C

repo · 01-11-2010, 06:58 AM

Try debian netinstall, it will install the base system, then you can add what you need.
http://www.debian.org/CD/netinst/

onebuck · 01-11-2010, 08:39 AM

Hi,

I suggest that you look at 'Slackware'.

Just a few links to aid you;

Slackware® Essentials
Slackware® Basics
Linux Documentation Project
Rute Tutorial & Exposition
Linux Command Guide
Utimate Linux Newbie Guide
LinuxSelfHelp
Getting Started with Linux
Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
Linux Home Networking
Virtualiation- Top 10

The above links and others can be found at 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

bmxcess · 01-11-2010, 08:51 AM

I agree. Slackware or Archlinux minimal installs will get you what you need. Not as friendly as your ubuntu install but it will be sleek

uncle-c · 01-11-2010, 09:35 AM

Thanks gents.
I am very tempted with Slackware, however, how much control do I have over what gets installed from the CD ? Currently my Ubuntu 7.04 takes up less than 850Mb and I would like the Slackware install to be of similar size. Don't really want to be compiling my own software or be running any X at all and would like to have similar features to "yum", "apt-get", "dpkg" or rpm to aid in installation and regular upgrading. I really would like to avoid faffing around trying to locate dependencies and libraries to try to get software to install correctly. Is Slackware "user friendly" in this department ?

cheers
C

onebuck · 01-11-2010, 09:48 AM

Hi,

You can make a 'minimal install' and add packages as you need them. 'SlackBuilds' is one repository that could be used. As for package management you have pkgtool, slackpkg, src2pkg and sbopkg with other tools available. You could always hop over to the 'LQ Slackware Forum' for additional advice or help.

Take a look at 'Slackware Builds, Packages & Scripts' section of 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

cola · 01-11-2010, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncle-c

I'm running Ubuntu 7.04 server on a low spec spare machine ( 500MHz, 128 RAM) but fancy a change. Basically would like a non-GUI, command line only interface, running SSH, Samba and a flavour of FTP. FTP must be set up so users only have access to their home directory and not to any other system dirs. In addition I may want to incorporate anonymous ftp login at some point. Any recommendations for both FTP and minimal server software ? Thanks again !

Cheers
C

Debian.

the trooper · 01-11-2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

I really would like to avoid faffing around trying to locate dependencies and libraries to try to get software to install correctly. Is Slackware "user friendly" in this department ?

Slackware does have various package managers,but here's a quote from one of onebucks' links:

Quote:

Apparently many people in the Linux community think that a packager manager must by definition include dependency checking. Well, that simply isn't the case, as Slackware most certainly does not. This is not to say that Slackware packages don't have dependencies, but rather that its package manager doesn't check for them. Dependency management is left up to the sysadmin, and that's the way we like it.

Also see the following thread:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...tion+slackware

I'd suggest do some reading and make up your own mind.