Install mini.iso in a VirtualBox VM. When prompted, don't install any additional tasks when prompted. You'll end up with a very trim console only install.
gnome-online-accounts is required by Cinnamon, but goa
Recommends: gnome-control-center which pulls in GNOME Shell. So we install
it without recommended packages.
sudo apt-get --no-install-recommends install gnome-online-accounts
The gnome-online-accounts package will need updating to Recommends: gnome-control-center || cinnamon-control-center
Install Cinnamon and a display manager. Using Slick Greeter which uses
lightdm to prevent gdm3 from being installed that pulls in most of
GNOME Shell.
sudo apt install cinnamon slick-greeter
Install Ubuntu Software, firmware update and crash logging.
sudo apt install ubuntu-software apport whoopsire-preferences
sudo apt install firefox
Install the Yaru theme
sudo apt install yaru-theme-gtk yaru-theme-icon yaru-theme-sound
An example of how to override the default configuration
sudo cat << EOF > /usr/share/glib-2.0/schemas/90_cinnabun.gschema.override
[org.cinnamon.theme]
name="Yaru"
[org.cinnamon.desktop.background]
picture-uri="/usr/share/backgrounds/gnome/adwaita-night.jpg"
[org.cinnamon.desktop.interface]
cursor-theme="Yaru"
gtk-theme="Yaru"
icon-theme="Yaru"
[org.cinnamon.desktop.sound]
sound-theme="Yaru"
[org.cinnamon.desktop.wm.preferences]
theme="Yaru"
[org.gnome.desktop.interface]
cursor-theme="Yaru"
gtk-theme="Yaru"
icon-theme="Yaru"
EOF
Update the configuration schemas.
sudo glib-compile-schemas /usr/share/glib-2.0/schemas/
Install the essential office suite including desktop integration.
sudo apt install libreoffice-writer libreoffice-impress libreoffice-calc libreoffice-gnome
Install a collection of essential desktop apps.
sudo apt install cheese eog evolution gedit gnome-calculator gnome-contacts gnome-calendar gnome-dictionary gnome-disk-utility gnome-power-manager gnome-screenshot gthumb rhythmbox simple-scan totem
Install a screen reader for visually impaired users.
sudo apt install orca