Uploaded June 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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1:29 - Download minimal Ubuntu ISO
2:59 - Virtualbox VM Creation
4:16 - Minimal Ubuntu Install
11:00 - Install the Virtualbox Guest Additions
13:15 - GUI install (x11, lightdm, i3)
15:03 - First Graphical Login


This is a quick how-to video for setting up a minimal Ubuntu install with a very basic graphical environment:

-Ubuntu base install
-lightdm display manager
-i3 window manager

Many of you (rightly) feel that the standard Ubuntu desktop makes too many software choices for you, and ships a bunch of extra stuff you don't want.

If you're getting the urge to run a bit more high-speed/low-drag, but you're not ready to jump into something like Arch Linux quite yet, this video will get you set up with a minimal environment that you can use as a base for the perfect setup.

Ubuntu download
help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/MinimalCD

# build essential for guest additions
sudo apt-get install build-essential

# guest additions
insert guest additions image
sudo mount /mnt/cdrom /mnt/
cd /mnt
sudo ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

sudo apt-get install i3 lightdm

sudo lightdm
(log into i3)
(generate i3 conf)

# essential applications
firefox
vim (or emacs)
glances

# Go forth and add whatever you want!
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