well i wanted to try out Debian (debian-40r3-i386) today and probably make it my main distribution after using Ubuntu for awhile, but my only problem is that it comes with way too many programs. I don't even know what half of these programs do.

I have tried repartitioning the disk and just choosing a standard system but it looks like nothing is installed but the kernel. This would be great if i knew what to do from there. I did install gdm but that didn't really work. Im positive i am missing something.

Please forgive my ignorance i know im a noob and probably in over my head. What I really want to achieve is have Debian installed with a Gnome enviroment and just have a few apps (firefox, VLC, Amarok, Azureus, Open office, ...). I am very comfortable with the command line and don't mind if I have to start out there. So any help would be great.

here are the specs:

debian-40r3-i386
Intel Pentium 4 w/HT
MSI Neo 865PE
ATI AIW X800XT
1GB DDR
250GB

If you want minimal, re-install (it's the easiest way now) and when prompted by the installer what type of system you want, de-select everything. After the obligatory reboot you're left at the cli. Well, you've said you're comfy there, so that won't daunt you too much. Log in as root and start nano (or vi/emacs, whatever you like) and edit your sources.list in the /etc/apt directory. Comment out the cd entries (or remove one and comment out the other ) and save the file. Now start aptitude. Next, make sure your base system is up to date by pressing, in sequence, the following keys: u, U (capital U indeed) and g twice. Now aptitude updates your system and depending on your connection to the net that may take a while. Follow the instructions on the screen Now it's time to get some graphical stuff. Press the / key and enter a searchstring (confirm with enter). Look and install the following packages: xserver-xorg, gnome-core, gdm and iceape. Press g twice once more and let it do its thing. To exit aptitude, press q and confirm with y. Now you're back at the cli. Type startx (+enter) and if all went well, your first graphical desktop should start. Log out and reboot. If all goes well, you should be presented with a login screen. I trust you know it from there

My method .....................

Great posts Dutch Master, rickh:-) Thanks for the informative guides. I think I will definitely use your methods and do a stripped down install the next time I use a net install iso.

thank you all for the help. that was just what i needed.

I totally agree with hitest. This thread could make a useful "sticky".

Flattered, thx, but I disagree. My reply was tailored to suit the TS, who stated he isn't daunted by the commandline. Other new users may (read as: will) not share his experience with the cli and therefor need some additional guidance, not included above.