[Bug 1915505] Re: Minimal install appears to install full system, then purge much of it

[Chris Guiver]

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A standard install writes the whole OS to the file-system, being much faster than a package-by-package install, the minimal-install is an extra step that does as the user requested; reduces this to a minimal install by removing the packages on a list. It's designed this way as its faster for most users (and still faster than a package-by-package install for everyone).  Those that want what you appear to have the option of a netboot ISO that will install only what they select.

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https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1915505

Title:
  Minimal install appears to install full system, then purge much of it

Status in base-installer package in Ubuntu:
  New

Bug description:
  I wanted to install Ubuntu 18.04.5 in a VirtualBox instance to run
  something that may not like Ubuntu MATE 20.10, but is officially
  supported in Ubuntu 18.04.

  As part of the installation process, I am asked - as ever - if I want
  a minimal install (just a 'web browser' plus essentials) or a full
  install.

  For possibly the first time in using Ubuntu since Warty Warthog, I
  pick the minimal install.

  Hmm, it's taking a while..

  .. why is it saying it is purging things like LibreOffice and
  Thunderbird and DejaDup etc etc etc?

  When asked for a minimal install, does the installer actually install
  everything and then purge a large chunk of it?

  As well as taking extra time, this also has implications for virtual
  machines, as most of them only allocate 'real' disc space when the
  space is used on the virtual disc, so the resulting disc file will
  take up more space on the host machine.

  If it does not install LibreOffice etc, why does it need to spend so
  long saying it is purging it and much else?

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