the Actual minimal install

1. Install the minimal CD, using default settings - post #1
2. Install the prescribed packages:

sudo apt-get -y install gnome-core gdm network-manager-gnome fast-user-switch-applet \
human-theme x11-xserver-utils tangerine-icon-theme gnome-themes-ubuntu ubuntu-artwork \
jockey-gtk gnome-screensaver gnome-utils

then restart.

3. Enable the Network manager - post #65
"... remove (or comment) the options below "primary network interface" in /etc/network/interfaces"; you must get the ethernet card's MAC address via ifconfig -a in a terminal window.

then restart again.

4. Packages installed:
- epiphany-browser (via Synaptic)
- hplip (HP printer drivers) : got this from the HP HPLIP link, downloaded and used the installer

The hplip installer also detected and auto-installed missing packages, notably build-essential.