Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a Linux distribution based on Debian. It's a good system for a home / office user and the install CD installs 'most everything the home / office user will need.

Installation Guides

Using an Ubuntu Desktop distro, you will be able to host a complete ZM installation, and also watch the console/events/streams on the same machine;

Using an Ubuntu Server distro, you will not be able to watch ZM on the same machine at all; but the system becomes much more light, using less resources and using an optimized Kernel for server applications;

Before choosing, consider checking

http://www.ubuntu.com/products/whatisubuntu/serveredition/features

http://www.ubuntu.com/products/whatisubuntu/serveredition/features/kernel

Common Issues with Zoneminder Installation on Ubuntu. Includes upgrade instructions!

Common Issues with Zoneminder Installation on Ubuntu Includes upgrade instructions!

Guides for Ubuntu Server

Ubuntu Server 12.04 64-bit with Zoneminder 1.25.0 the easy way

Ubuntu Server 14.04 64-bit with Zoneminder 1.26.5 the easy way

Ubuntu Server 14.04 64-bit with Zoneminder 1.28.1 the easy way

Ubuntu Server 15.04 64-bit with Zoneminder 1.26.5 the easy way

Ubuntu Server 15.10 64-bit with Zoneminder 1.28.1 the easy way

Ubuntu Any Version 12.04+ 64-bit with Zoneminder 1.28.1 the Docker way (two commands)

Guides for Ubuntu Desktop

Installing Zoneminder on a desktop system can have its benefits. It can also pose problems!

If you use one of the desktops provided with Ubuntu (Gnome, Unity, KDE, et. al.) use the corresponding Ubuntu server install/upgrade instructions. You may need to install tasksel to make it easier to install LAMP as most of the Ubuntu instructions start with a system set up with LAMP. It is recommended to install Zoneminder from a terminal. Using a software/package manager can get you in trouble!

If you are using a distro such as Mint, find out which Ubuntu system your version is based on and use the corresponding Ubuntu server install/upgrade. And do the procedure from a terminal!

Oh, did I fail to mention it is easy to copy the command instructions from the instructions on the WIKI and paste them into the terminal window? It is a great way to avoid typos!!!

Ubuntu 12.04/13.04 Desktop