Ubuntu Netbook - remove all unnecessary packages to run a server role

fantasygoat · 11-22-2010, 12:53 PM

I'm trying to turn an old Acer Aspire One with a tiny 8GB solid-state drive into a lean web server, so I'd like to remove as many packages as possible to free up space.

It will be running a standard LAMP install and nothing else.

Right now it has Ubuntu Netbook installed, so I need to know everything I can delete and still have it boot and run mysql, apache, etc.

Any help appreciated.

TobiSGD · 11-22-2010, 01:06 PM

I don't think you do it with the right approach. If you want a lean web server, you should do it right the other way. Do a minimal install first (you can use the Alternate CD from Ubuntu for that) and then install only the packages you need.

fantasygoat · 11-22-2010, 01:12 PM

I was under the impression that the Netbook install set things up to run optimally on the Aspire in terms of kernel and memory settings, and it installs properly from a USB key.

There must be a list of essential packages, so I can at least remove everything else.

snowday · 11-22-2010, 01:13 PM

Quicker and "cleaner" IMHO to do a fresh Server install:

https://help.ubuntu.com/10.04/serverguide/C/index.html

HellesAngel · 11-25-2010, 11:46 AM

What do you mean by 'optimally'? The typical netbook install will try do things a portable computer requires whereas if you are using it as a server I assume it will be always on and with mains power? With this in mind you don't really want a typical netbook installation.

I would try the server install that snowpine suggests. It is absolutely minimal in terms of apps, you have to add what you need, but still runs a hardware detection stage that I would guess will pick up your hardware. If something is missing, PCMCIA perhaps, then you can add those modules back but I would also guess that it will all be detected without any fuss.

ComputerErik · 11-25-2010, 12:55 PM

I agree, it definitely seems as if you are going about this in the wrong way. Pick a distro (Ubuntu) then install a minimal install and add what you need to that. Last time I tried the netbook version all it really had was some optimizations for the smaller screen and including better support for wireless. Neither of these would make much difference on a server which as far as I am concerned really doesn't need X or wireless anyway.