X as an option

[lxndr]

I have setup an old machine as a server with Unbuntu 8 server CD. It amazes me. This thing can run windows only slowly but it a great server for our house. it serves up video files over videolan like a dream. I can't crash the thing, even with files being uploaded, downloaded and it serving a 2 gig video file at the same time. It's a rock.

I have been using the command line and webmin with great success. There are a few tools that are for X that I would like to use but am leery

I want to install X for using the tools in question.

1. If I install X, will be consume zero system resources when it is NOT running? The answer seems an obvious "yes" to me but want to make sure. I can handle it slowing down for my X session, but don't want it to affect the server otherwise. X will not be running 99% of the time.
2. Is there a guide to install X but not have it load at boot, I want to be able to start it, use it and shut it down at will.
3. For this purpose what windows manager is least resource intensive?

[L4Linux]

A light desktop environment is lxde. But I don't think it is available in Ubuntu 8...
Try to install it like this:

sudo apt-get install lxde

To run it(or any other DE) type:

startx

NEVER(I can't stress this strong enough!!) run startx as root!!!!!
Every program you run afterwards will have root permission, so it will be as safe as running windoze.

Ubuntu 9.10 will be available in October 29 and it includes lxde in the repositories.
Also note that when you run lxde and try to run Konqueror for example, it will have to load many KDE libraries, so you won't save many resources in the end. You also have to use light apps, that don't require half KDE or Gnome libraries to run.

[coopstah13]

X shouldn't take up resources really while you don't have an x session running. I know when I boot up a ubuntu server and don't start my X session its only using <32m memory then after I start x with fvwm-crystal WM its only using like 40m.