Ubuntu versions

[Tom Metro]

David Kramer wrote:
> I was going to load FC6 on it last night, but then I got to thinking
> about [K]Ubuntu again.  When I look at their website, it seems like
> there's the server release and the desktop release, and there's no "all
> of the above" option.
> 
> Yes, I looked at the documentation.  It doesn't explicitly say whether
> these installs feed from different repositories...

I haven't installed Ubuntu Server, but Debian variations are typically 
implemented simply by tweaking the installer to load a different set of 
core packages. The biggest practical difference is that there are 
different packages supplied on the CD/DVD.


> If you install the desktop version, can you then install all server
> stuff from the repository?

Yes. In the same way you can swap packages to turn Ubuntu into Kubuntu, 
you should be able to load any desktop packages onto the server and vice 
versa.

However, the server distribution may be based off of an older Ubuntu 
release (I haven't checked - it should be clear from the version number 
or release name). That means if you install the server version, you 
won't have access to the cutting-edge versions of desktop applications 
(unless you find backports).

I'd say if you want long term stability and minimal security risk, use 
the server version. But if the machine is really going to be used as a 
desktop, while doing occasional server work, go for the desktop version. 
If you want to get fancy, maybe install desktop, and run the server 
version in a virtual machine, so it can be highly locked down.

  -Tom

-- 
Tom Metro
Venture Logic, Newton, MA, USA
"Enterprise solutions through open source."
Professional Profile: http://tmetro.venturelogic.com/

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