[ale] Ubuntu Desktop versus Ubuntu Server?

[DJ-Pfulio]

On 1/21/21 5:15 PM, Neal Rhodes via Ale wrote:
> Finally a true linux question: we are intending to put Ubuntu 20.4 on
> a Dell Optiplex 740 to run a JackTrip audio mixing server.> Basically it's going to sit almost headless.

I would suggest 20.04.1 instead. Go with a real release. But if you put Ubuntu Server on it, you don't get all the Desktop integration stuff.  There are many flavors of Ubuntu Desktops - KDE, Gnome3, Mate, and a few others "officially" supported. Only 1 gets 5 yrs of support. The others get 3 yrs.  

> This Optiplex 740 was my wife's before we tried to update from
> windows 7 to 10, and the video just when bonkers.  Impossible to
> describe.  Some stuff is ok, and then, crazytown.
> 
> I just did the install of Ubuntu desktop, and ....... the video is
> still bonkers.  Like the worst migraine headache you ever had.
> 
> All I need is for this box to come up, get a DHCP address, and accept
> SSH from elsewhere.
> 
> IF I install the Ubuntu server version, is that going to get me that?
> I should be able to do all I need from a command line session.

Ubuntu Server really needs a static IP, but you can allow it to use a DHCP if you like. Perhaps a DHCP reservation would be a good compromise?

I have no clue about "JackTrip audio mixing server", but JackAudio isn't standard on most ubuntu versions. They still use PulseAudio and it can be flaky. My Pulse Audio dies at least once a week.