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.

Zoneminder's even version numbers are stable releases.

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 fewer resources and using an optimized Kernel for server applications;

Using an install from a Net Boot CD or USB (http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/netboot/) you can do a minimal "server" install or add as much as you want

Before choosing, consider checking

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

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

Guides for Ubuntu

Ubuntu Server or Desktop Zoneminder 1.34.x

Note 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 install procedure from a terminal!