myBuntu
Outdated - but improved!
I have discovered LXDE.
For those checking in on this page - the notes below are out-dated. After exploring with LXDE on an ubuntu minimal install, I have come to the following: the Hardy Heron is high-maintenance and unreliable for my needs. My needs being a simple debian-style back-end-core with a lightweight desktop environment/window manager capable of running on old laptops and “outdated” hardware (mainly because I like sudo apt-get 
).
This has resulted in a new install: Debian Lenny + LXDE. Eventually I will make a new page with my current install, giving some subjective views on the workings of LXDE in a low-end hardware point of view.
———
Below is old notes
I have puzzled around with Hardy Heron beta a couple of weeks now. A couple of hickups and a desire to make my own-from-scratch-install, is the motivation behind this page. I am going to install linux on some old computers, so a compilation without to much garbage is needed. Fluxbuntu is an option. However, I want to try Xfce. Xubuntu has many applications I will likely never use.
Plan is to make myown installation-cd Ubuntu:InstallCDCustomization.
myBuntu installation notes
For reference, see
Ubuntu alternative installation liveCD. I used the 8.04 beta, but 7.10 is stable and might be preferred. Boot liveCD, press F4 Modes and choose Command line. This will install what is necessary to boot the computer.
Edit /etc/apt/sources.list and run an update/upgrade. Should also add the medibuntu repositories.
Basic Xfce, Synaptic and browser
$ sudo apt-get install xorg xfce4 xfce4-terminal xfce4-taskmanager xfce4-places-plugin gksu synaptic update-manager firefox-2
$ startx
System
- gksu # to launch appz as sudo(root priviliges)
- synaptic # gui package-manager for apt-get
- update-manager # daemon for autocheck for updates
- displayconfig-gtk # simple tool to change xserver settings
- ntfs-3g # ntfs support
Networking
- network-manager-gnome # no-one is present in xfce
- network-manager-pptp # connect to VPN
Web
- firefox-2 # until v3.0 is launced
- prism # stroke of genius - run Gmail as an application
- prism-google-mail # Google Mail (GMail) WebApp for Prism
Office
- mousepad # simple editor
- abiword # full writer
- texmaker # tex-editor - remember to install livetex-packages.
- pptview # if not entire openoffice, I’ll probably need this
- mirage # image viewer
Driver management (nvidia etc)
- jockey-gtk # GNOME user interface and desktop integration for driver management
Multimedia
- sound-juicer # cd ripping tool
- brasero # cd-burning tool
- vlc # you know - simply the best
- listen # my prefered music player
Must-have
- wine
- skype
Codecs
- w32codecs libdvdcss2 ubuntu-restricted-extras
For details see: ubuntu-restricted-extras. Note the msttcorefonts - don’t think I want this…
Other
- xfe # simple filemanager, very familiar winxp look and smallfootprint! Might just prefer this on legacy computers.
- thunar-volman # a bit uncertain if this is necessary
Command to run
$ sudo apt-get install xorg xfce4 xfce4-terminal xfce4-taskmanager xfce4-places-plugin displayconfig-gtk ntfs-3g gksu synaptic update-manager network-manager-gnome network-manager-pptp firefox-2 listen jockey-gtk mousepad abiword vlc wine pptview prism-google-mail w32codecs libdvdcss2 ubuntu-restricted-extras skype brasero sound-juicer mirage
