The minimal CD is the same as the netinstall, and only installs the base (command line) system.
There's also an alternate CD for text-based install - with the option to do a minimal system - but by default, it installs the full system (Gnome and default programs).
Comments
For those who prefer the ubuntu package release cycle (or overall system) there is a minimal ubuntu installation:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/MinimalCD
Needs an internet connection to install (I think wired).
That minimal CD wouldn't be as same as minimal install, would it?
The minimal CD is the same as the netinstall, and only installs the base (command line) system.
There's also an alternate CD for text-based install - with the option to do a minimal system - but by default, it installs the full system (Gnome and default programs).