I want to take on a new progect. Installing debian would be pretty involved for me. I would like to use ext3, I already have my system partitioned with it. I was looking at linux isos.org, I was not quite sure which one I needed for install. Do I need the one called bf2.4 boot.
this seemed like the only one that will work with ext3, is that correct?

Yes, I think that is the case. Either way you want a 2.4 kernel since that's what you have at the moment, and downgrading is noticeably slower.
I reckon you should download your isos from debian.org. Unless you have a fast connection, you might be better off buying a CD set, or a DVD.
Debian is a bit of a challenge after Redhat - the install looks a lot less friendly, and is much more in depth, but it's quite enjoyable in the end. The software also tends to be a fair bit older than on Redhat (although more stable). I moved from Redhat 8 to Debian Woody and I'm now installing Linux From Scratch, which is highly recommended is you want to learn a lot and get a kick-ass system at the end.
Guy

shanenin,

You only need disc 1/7 if you're going to be using the net for apt-get, 1-3 if you choose to use local apt sources. Boot to disc 1 and type 'bf24' at the boot prompt. From there you'll have kernel 2.4.18 and the option to use ext3.

I am not quite sure what you are saying. you said

"Boot to disc 1 and type 'bf24' at the boot prompt. From there you'll have kernel 2.4.18"

Do you mean install from disk one(disk 1 generic boot)?
I don't need disk 5 fb2.4 boot?

I was reading one persons install istructions on the web. He suggested doing a very minimal install, not using Dselect or tasksel. then using apt to finish my install. Will I be able to use apt for something big like KDE? does this seem like an alright way of installing?

Yep, that sounds like the perfect way to install. If you get all of the CDs, Dselect will use apt to installl everything from them. If you just install the first one, then use apt, you'll only get what you want to install, only it'll be more up to date since it comes straight from the net.
Apt is better than alright for things like KDE. If you build from source, you can run into various problems, but with apt it's easy and hassle free.
Guy