This is a FAQ document for the Ubuntu Server, version 6.04 Dapper

I created this FAQ document because I was interested in the Ubuntu Server version and had some questions about it. See the section sources on bottom of the page where I have found the answers. Please update the document if you have new informations or even new questions

What's the difference between desktop and server?

The first difference is in the CD contents. I hope that the desktop version doesn't need an explanation, while the "Server" CD instead of having packages like X, Gnome or KDE has all those packages that can be useful on a server: Apache2, Bind9 and so on. This is only for the users' comfort, nothing more. In theory, using a Desktop CD with a minimal installation and installing, for example, apache2 from the network, one can obtain the exact same result that can be obtained by inserting the Server CD and installing apache2 from the cd-rom. This is going to change slightly in the future, for dapper.

What exactly will change for Dapper (from Breezy)?

The technical goals for dapper are:

• - an optimized kernel that will be installed automatically from the CD and will also be available for a network installation. - better selection of packages available from the CD. - 5 years support (against 3 years for the desktop version).

Should I switch from RedHat/SuSE/Debian/... to Ubuntu server?

No sysadmin should change distro if he is happy with what he has, find the distro that best satisfies your needs. Only, don't forget to inclede Ubuntu in your tests

Where can I find the Ubuntu server CD images?

http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-server/

When will new versions of Ubuntu server be released?

Ubuntu server follows the same release plan as Ubuntu desktop: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Releases

Are there different repositories for desktop and server?

No, there are no desktop and server-specific repositories

How does the package system (apt) know what to install (server or desktop packages)?

Both repositories are available for the package system, it chooses which package to install depending on the packages which are already installed on the system. For example, if the server-kernel got installed from the Dapper server CD apt will not upgrade to the Dapper desktop kernel, it will download and install the server-version. That's how all the Ubuntu derivatives differ.

Where can I find a list of packages included with Dapper server?

http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-server/daily/current/dapper-install-i386.list

And for Dapper desktop: http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/daily/current/dapper-install-i386.list

What (packages/repositories) will be supported?

Not all packages in the main repository are supported, there is a list of supported Dapper packages here: http://people.ubuntu.com/~cjwatson/seeds/ubuntu-server-dapper/server Be aware that apt does not check if a package is supported or not, you have to do that on your own.

What happens if I install packages that are not supported? Are there security patches for five years for those packages also?

• ???

Is a SMP kernel available from Dapper server install CD?

Yes there are kernel versions with SMP and uni-processor support.

Which kernels versions/types are available on the Dapper server CD?

Dapper server:

• - linux-image-386_2.6.15.14_i386.deb -> this is the same for Dapper desktop - linux-image-686_2.6.15.14_i386.deb - linux-image-k7_2.6.15.14_i386.deb - linux-image-server-bigiron_2.6.15.14_i386.deb

  - linux-image-server_2.6.15.14_i386.deb -> this will be installed as default on Dapper server

Dapper desktop:

• - linux-image-386_2.6.15.14_i386.deb -> this will be installed as default on Dapper desktop - linux-image-2.6.15-15-386_2.6.15-15.21_i386.deb

What's the difference between kernel linux-image-server and linux-image-686? What architecture is linux-image-server? Which one should I use?

• ???

Is there also a linux-image-server version for AMD cpu?

• ???

Do I have to choose the kernel for my system on my own?

The installer is capable of recognizing your cpu and install the "best" kernel for it.

Sources

• http://www.ossblog.it/post/338/interview-with-the-team-leader-of-the-ubuntu-server-project

  https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-server #ubuntu-server @ freenode