There are a few differences between the Ubuntu Server Edition and the Ubuntu Desktop Edition. It should be noted that both editions use the same apt repositories. Making it just as easy to install a server application on the Desktop Edition as it is on the Server Edition.

The differences between the two editions are the lack of an X window environment in the Server Edition, the installation process, and different Kernel options.

Kernel Differences:

* The Server Edition uses the Deadline I/O scheduler instead of the CFQ scheduler used by the Desktop Edition.
* Preemption is turned off in the Server Edition.
* The timer interrupt is 100 Hz in the Server Edition and 250 Hz in the Desktop Edition.
La versione server è "tunata" per tale scopo.
Se il servizio che devi offrire non è critico (come mi sembra di capire dal tipo di server), IMHO, usa pure la desktop.