ServerFaq

Revision 22 as of 2006-05-06 12:17:52

Clear message

This is a FAQ document for the Ubuntu Server, version 6.06 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 Smile :-)

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.
  • An other difference is what you will find on the CD-ROM: Due to space-restrictions, the Desktop-CD contains only the 386-kernel. Optimized kernel like i686 for Pentium must be downloaded from the net. On the Server-CD-ROM there is enough space, so these kernels are on the CD-ROM.


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).


Where can I find the Ubuntu server CD images?

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


Where can I get help?

For ubuntu server related questions you can use:


How do I tell if my question is ubuntu server related?

  • A common pitfall is considering a problem server related because the server version, and not the desktop one, is installed. But if you have read the previous paragrahps you know that they share a lot, so where the problem belongs is not given. Here a list of things you want to take into account when deciding: - If your problem is hardware related, is your machine a real server or a common pc acting as such? - If it's a software problem, is it about one of the officially supported applications (see the paragraph about supported packages later on this page)? - If it's a kernel related problem, is it about something specific to the server's one? - As a rule of thumb any generic question like "how do I install application xyz?" does not belong to ubuntu server

Anyway do not be scared of asking, if the place is not appropriate for your question you will be simply redirected to the right one.


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/update (server or desktop packages)?

It doesn't. The sysadmin should know what he/she is installing. While upgrading/updating packages (apt-get update && apt-get upgrade) apt will update only the packages already installed on the system.


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 These packages are supported 5 years. All other packages in main are supported 3 years, all other packages (universe, multiverse) are not supported. 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?

If you install packages that are not supported, you are on your own. No security is provided for unsupported packages or bug fixes.


Is my RAID Controler supported?


Is a dedicated SMP kernel available from Dapper server install CD?

No, there is no dedicated SMP kernel. The kernel has been patched to support both uni-processors and smp at the same time without performance hit.


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 required for the installation. - 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, needs i686 or higher architecture - other kernels (amd64/powerpc) are also available, these kernels have also some improvements for server systems


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

  • The main difference is tuning done at low level in the kernel. Some "desktop" features like PREEMPT are clearly disabled on the server kernel. Few drivers, like cluster filesystems, have been disabled on the desktop. The list is long..


Are there also server kernel images for other hardware architectures?

Yes, amd64 and powerpc.


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


CategoryDocumentation