Ubuntu Linux - Minimal Installation, Single Boot

NOTE: These procedures are for a minimal single-boot hard drive installation of Ubuntu version 8.04 (Hardy Heron).
  1. Burn a copy of the Ubuntu or Xubuntu ALTERNATE CD. (Do NOT use the regular version of Ubuntu or Xubuntu. Only the alternate CD offers the option of starting with a minimal command-line-only installation.)
  2. Be sure to back up ALL files on the hard drive that you need to save BEFORE you do anything else, as this procedure involves wiping out the old contents of the hard drive.
  3. Use the Boot and Nuke CD to erase the contents of the hard drive. Type "nofloppy" at the boot prompt. For the fastest erasure, change the method setting to quick erase, the verify setting to off, and rounds to 1.
  4. After you have used Boot and Nuke to erase the hard drive, reboot the computer with the Ubuntu or Xubuntu alternate CD. Also, connect the computer to the Ethernet for Internet access, as this is required for parts of the installation process.
  5. Connect the computer to the broadband Internet. The Internet connection is needed for proper installation.
  6. Select "install (X)ubuntu, but do NOT press Enter just yet.
  7. Press F4, select "Install a command-line system", and press Enter.
  8. Press Enter again to start the installation.
  9. When prompted, select the language and country.
  10. When prompted, select no for detecting the keyboard layout. Select the appropriate keyboard layouts manually.
  11. Throughout the installation process, you should probably select the default choice when in doubt.
  12. When you are asked for the hostname, just use the default.
  13. Select your time zone.
  14. When you are asked for the paritioning method, use "Guided - use entire disk" (default option).
  15. When prompted to write changes to disk, select "Yes".
  16. At the end of the installation process, you will be prompted to choose the user's full name, username, and password.
  17. When prompted, enter your HTTP proxy information. If you don't know what this is, enter a blank.
  18. Continue to follow the instructions.
  19. After the installation process is complete, you will be asked to remove the CD and reboot the computer. (SPECIAL NOTE: If you are part of Project Phoenix and using the Dell Latitude CSx laptop, leave the CD drive plugged in, because removing it prematurely causes the computer to freeze. During reboot, press F2 to enter the BIOS setup menu. While you are in the BIOS menu, remove the CD from the CD drive, and remove the CD drive from the laptop. When you have finished disconnecting the CD drive, exit the BIOS menu to boot up from the hard drive.)
  20. When prompted, enter your login and password. You are now in a command line version of Ubuntu.