Hi,

I am new to Debian, thinking of switching from Red Hat / Fedora (surprise, surprise... ).

The thing is, I really need a way to install Debian ONCE only, and then permanently keep my system updated using apt (I simply can't afford the time to do a fresh install every 3 months).

What would you recommend?.

Only absolute requirement is GNOME (personal taste).

In any case, I am determined not to repeat installs every 3-6 months.

Many thanks,

Arthur1968

You can install it once. Read the installation instructions at http://debian.org/releases/stable/installmanual (choose your flavor). APT will handle the package dependencies and DPKG will install the packages.

I'm not sure what sort of recommendation you are fishing for. Is it possible to install one time, and do point upgrades when Sarge becomes the next stable release?

YES

Is it possible to move up to the "testing" or "unstable" branch?

YES

If you have a broadband net connection, burn the netinst iso and get started.

http://www.debian.org/CD/netinst/

(note that people.debian.org is not back up yet, you may need to find a mirror)

installing gnome: apt-get install gnome

Voila!

how much CD is there at debian....is debian 3 or 4 version is latest....Is it like redhat....I am used to use redhat..please suggest me to install debian from my CD and to install Mail server with EXIM MTA

Please help me...I am in greate need...

I am online now and already visiting debian web site...but want expert guys coments...pls help....

actually if you want to read a more user friendly install howto go to the link in my sig and read up. this will install the very basics of debian and allow you to tweak you install to how you want.
as far as the WM to use where the instructions say to install the WM put gnome instead of windowmaker. that should do for you.

1. Download an iso image. IF you have broadband internet access, you can do most of the install over the net and get the freshest packages. That's why I recommended the netinst images (they are significantly smaller).

You may have to download the entire disk one ISO. AS I mentioned, just get this one. Don't bother with the others if you have a connection to the net.

Debian is currently at version 3.0r2. We don't release as often as Redhat. They have a business model to supply/feed. We just have stable, quality software across 11 different architectures.

So Debian is at 3.0r2. This release is called "Woody". There is a Testing tree, nicknamed "Sarge". The next release of Debian will occur when Sarge is ready. At this time Woody will be put out to pasture like it's predecessors Potato and Hamm. (I started with Potato, and there was a Slink, wasn't there?). ANYway, Go get the woody .iso. Burn it. Reboot. Install it.

The best game plan with Debian is to install the Stable (Woody) version and then make your decisions on whether or not to use Testing or Unstable packages.

Installing exim is this easy: after the first reboot you will be put into a program called base-config. Near the end of this routine, you will get the eximconfig program that configures exim. It is so easy that you will slap yourself for EVER using Sendmail.

If you are running your own mailserver, choose option 1, put in your username to receive root's mail. and accept the few defaults. That's it.

Here's a link to the ISO and I put installation instructions up in earlier post. Debian can be installed within 30 minutes.

http://www.debian.org/CD/http-ftp/

Choose your mirror, and get the following file:

debian-30r1-i386-binary-1.iso

(though it may be 30r2 now).

Good luck!

Thanks for your information. I have broadband access. My OS is windows 2000 professional. I have more enogh free space at my HD..more than 10 GB....Can I download the 3 CD into 3 directory from internet now...Please reply me...I am online now...I want to download first at my HD...and then I will burn the 3 CD....Please suggest me the link from where I will get the installation file's.....I am online now...Please reply...

Thanks,
Romel.

I gave you the link. Download the first disk image iso and burn it. You don't need all the cd's like you do in Redhat.

Do you plan on dual-booting? There is only one file to get, the debian-30r1-i386-binary-1.iso which you will find at the appropriate mirror from here:

http://www.debian.org/CD/http-ftp/

And use joesbox's instructions.

I am on that page but cannot find the appropriate link..please help me..I am searching....please help...

http://www.debian.org/CD/http-ftp/

Go to the Official CD Images of the "stable" releases SECTION.

Click on the letters HTTP that correspond to your country where you live.

Click on the 3.0_r1 link. You should see the iso image right there. get the one named binary-1.iso

http://linux.csua.berkeley.edu/debia...6-binary-1.iso

Thanks ....I got it...I am downloading it using united states .....I am from asia...I think there will be no problem...

Now tell me another thing....How I will make this CD Bootable...Will I only copy the files at my CD...any other work..please help....

Wow!

I thought there could be an interesting answer, but this is just THE ANSWER!.

I have just downloaded 468 MB of "unstable" stuff for my # apt-get dist-upgrade

The result:

A gorgeous-looking Gnome 2.4 environment with all the latest gadgetry.

I think the Debianite community has a new member as of now.

Cheers,

Arthur1968



BTW, this is my answer to the first reply to my initial post...

I don't use Windows2000 and I have no idea how to burn an iso on Windows.

You want to create a bootable cd.

Good luck!

In Win2000, you will need a commercial application like

Nero

(Probably the best).

If you have it, open it, close the wizard immediately, and select

File >>> Burn image

Use a slow recording speed to ensure you minimize the risk of errors,

That's it

My question is...If I burn the cd with the debi...86-binary-1.iso file....then will be the CD bootable automatically...

Please reply....

Dear LLAMAKC..please reply....I am online now....do you use msn or yahoo messenger..pls reply....

If you follow my instructions, the CD will be bootable