How to make Ubuntu a CLI after installing from live usb?

Question

I am trying to install Ubuntu as a command line only but only found that you cant really do it off a USB as the alt. CD requires it be on a CD to install and I looked around but couldn't find how to make Ubuntu CLI after installing so there any help guys?

Answer 1

The alternative or server install is really the better way to accomplish this. But since I've got some spare time to bash up some problems. Here is a solution to your question. (Did this on ubuntu 11.10)

1) Start off by disabling gdm/lightdm by running

echo "manual" | sudo tee -a /etc/init/{gdm,lightdm}.override

2) Edit out the vt.handoff=7 part in /etc/grub.d/10_linux This is can be done using

sudo sed -i~ s/vt\.handoff=7// /etc/grub.d/10_linux (This also leaves a backup called 10_linux~ just in case).

3) Remove quiet and splash options from GRUB_CMD_LINUX_DEFAULT in /etc/default/grub by running

sudo sed -i~ s/quiet\ splash// /etc/default/grub (backed up as grub~)

4) Update /boot/grub/grub.cfgby running

sudo update-grub

5) Reboot and rejoice.

Now it's just a matter of removing unwanted/unused packages.

Answer 2

you may want to install ubuntu server instead , i know ubuntu server from what i've seen still has all the trimmings but is cli only

but there is a way if you dont mind messing around for a bit and i found it here

or try init 3 as root when logging in