I'm having those moments of doubt after starting to configure my new server that I'm doing the right things.

I'm trying to be concise and streamline the installation. As such, I'm lamenting the fact that I went with the "desktop" install of Ubuntu 'cause it makes my initial administration easier. I really shouldn't 'cause I can always turn off the GUI bits (yes, that's a pun...it's pronounced "gooey"), leaving just the "server" services in tact.

More importantly, with the streamline installation in mind, I'm lamenting that I didn't start with the minimal "server" installation and add the parts I want, instead of the opposite where I have it all and take away what I don't want.

I'm probably toiling over nothing, but here's why I toil: I haven't yet added any server services. I've downloaded the source or binaries for the database (which I've extracted, but not configured or turned on), web, and mail servers, and the related PHP and other helpful tools. Having these makes it a little easy as I can move 'em around my LAN and not have to take the time to download them, although that's not much time on the broadband.

I did have to monkey with getting the complier set up, so I would have to re-do that, but that's the biggest hunk. I also got the Savage server running, too, but that can be copied around in one chunk, too.

It's a pair of hours re-installing the OS, and repeating the configuration I've made to this point, or man-up and just move forward with the system as it's running.