Um, what? Maybe you can explain to me exactly what those differences are because Ubuntu Desktop 17.10 and Ubuntu Server 17.10 use the same software packages, the same kernels, the same drivers, etc. Some of the kernels used to be distinguished but, even that isn't the case anymore. Example:
My tower (running Ubuntu "Desktop" 17.10):
Code:
$ uname -a
Linux kratos 4.13.0-31-generic #34-Ubuntu SMP Fri Jan 19 16:34:46 UTC 2018 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux
...and the tower in the attic crunching with Ubuntu "Server" 17.10:
Code:
$ uname -a
Linux smite 4.13.0-16-generic #19-Ubuntu SMP Wed Oct 11 18:35:14 UTC 2017 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux
So, other than the fact that I haven't updated Smite in a while, they're using the same kernel and the same packages, yet one is "desktop" and the other is "server". The only difference is what packages are installed when the OS was installed for the first time but, I can install Ubuntu Server, run "sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop" and there is literally no difference from Ubuntu Desktop. In fact, every package is addative, it doesn't remove packages when going to desktop, so what gets installed on server is just a subset of what gets installed on desktop. Likewise, if I did a desktop installation and removed just about every package for anything GUI-related and that Ubuntu Desktop will be in [roughly] a state that is the same as a Ubuntu Server installation (uninstalling packages is never as clean as never installing them.)
Either way, Ubuntu Server
is not distinct from Ubuntu Desktop, the only difference is what you start with. Even the one thing that used to be different, isn't anymore (the kernel.) Even the /etc/apt/sources.list are practically identical for all Ubuntu apt repos. So, I'm calling foul. There is a reason why the alternative installer doesn't exist anymore, because that's the GUI-less server installer. It's really not any different. In fact, if you want a minimal or mimimal VM installation, desktop or not, you use the server installer but, there is legit no difference between the end result other than what packages are there after installation but, I can assure you that every package in a base server installation is the same as desktop when you talk about Ubuntu's apt repos.