Home/ Questions/Q 13433
Next
In Process

askthedev.com Latest Questions

Asked: 2024-09-26T22:29:25+05:30 In:

What are the steps to install Ubuntu Desktop while avoiding unnecessary packages and features commonly considered bloat?

I’ve been thinking about trying out Ubuntu Desktop, but I want to keep it as lean and clean as possible. You know how some installations come with a bunch of extra stuff that you really don’t need? I’ve had my fair share of installing operating systems and ending up with a ton of unnecessary bloat that slows things down or just takes up space for no reason. So, I want to avoid that this time.

I’m looking for a way to install Ubuntu without all the extra packages and features that most people might consider “standard.” I’ve heard that there are ways to customize the installation process to avoid installing software that I won’t use. For instance, I only need basic functionality like a web browser, a text editor, and maybe a media player. I definitely want to steer clear of any of those “default” applications that take up a lot of space but aren’t really useful for my needs.

Could anyone share their steps or strategies to install Ubuntu Desktop with minimal bloat? Like, are there specific options I should choose during the installation process? Is there a way to pre-select what gets installed? Should I consider a minimal version of Ubuntu or a different flavor altogether to start with a clean slate?

Also, what post-install tweaks should I do to trim it down further? For example, are there packages I should remove right off the bat? I’ve heard using command-line tools can help with that, but I’m not entirely sure where to start. Any tips on keeping it lightweight while still maintaining a nice user experience would really help. I would love to hear about your experiences and any pitfalls to avoid. Thanks a ton!

Share

    Leave an answer

    You must login to add an answer.

    Need An Account,

    2 Answers



    1. Installing a Lean Ubuntu Desktop

      Installing Ubuntu Desktop Without the Bloat

      So, if you’re looking to keep your Ubuntu install lean and clean, you’re definitely not alone! I totally get the frustration with having a bunch of unnecessary software cluttering up your system. Here’s a simple guide to help you out.

      1. Choose the Right Version

      First off, consider going for Ubuntu Minimal. This is a lighter version that gives you just the basics, and you can add stuff as you need it. There are also other flavors like Xubuntu or LMDE that are lighter than the standard Ubuntu.

      2. Installation Process

      When you’re installing Ubuntu, you can choose the options that suit your needs. Here’s what you’d typically do:

      • Select “Something else” during the installation process if you want to set up partitions manually.
      • Go through the optional features and uncheck anything you don’t need. This is your chance to skip unnecessary software.
      • Once the installation gets to the segment where it asks about installation type, you’ll often see options pre-checked – just uncheck things that look bloaty to you.

      3. Post-Installation Cleanup

      After the install, you should check for and remove any extra packages. You can do this easily through the terminal:

              sudo apt-get autoremove
        sudo apt-get remove --purge package-name
        sudo apt-get clean

      4. Essential Software Only

      Make a list of the basic programs you really need. For a web browser, you might just want to install Firefox or Chromium. For text editing, Gedit or nano should work just fine. A simple media player could be VLC.

      5. Monitor Resource Usage

      You can keep an eye on your system’s performance by running:

              top

      This will help you notice if there are any resource hogs that you might want to deal with.

      6. Don’t Forget to Update!

      Lastly, remember to run:

              sudo apt-get update
        sudo apt-get upgrade

      This ensures that your system runs smoothly and securely with the latest patches.

      In summary, starting with a minimal install, being picky about what you add, and throwing out what you don’t need, will set you on the right path to a lean Ubuntu system. Good luck, you got this!



    2. To install a lean version of Ubuntu Desktop while avoiding unnecessary bloat, consider starting with the Ubuntu Minimal ISO or a lightweight flavor such as Xubuntu or Lubuntu. The Minimal ISO allows you to customize the installation process significantly, only installing the essential components you need. During the installation, select the “minimal installation” option, which includes only the core system and a basic web browser. This will provide a clean slate that minimizes the default applications that often come with a standard desktop installation. Once the installation is complete, you can manually install your preferred software packages like a web browser (e.g., Firefox or Chromium), a text editor (e.g., Visual Studio Code or Gedit), and a lightweight media player (like VLC or MPV).

      After the installation, you can further trim down your setup by removing packages that you do not need. Use command-line tools such as `apt` to list and uninstall unnecessary applications. For instance, run commands like `sudo apt autoremove` to remove unused packages and `sudo apt remove ` to uninstall specific software you don’t plan to use. Additionally, consider disabling or removing services that run in the background and consume resources. Reviewing startup applications can also help streamline performance by eliminating any that aren’t essential. Overall, focusing on a lightweight environment and carefully selecting your applications will enhance your Ubuntu experience while keeping it efficient and responsive.


    Related Questions