The install CD's
 

Can I install Debian with only the 1st CD (not DVD)? Because all I want a clean install with no applications (or not many) as I can just download the ones I need.

Thanks.

My way.

Also ... http://kitenet.net/~joey/blog/entry/...ebian_4.0_CDs/

Heh, very speedy reply. Thanks for the links mate, will read them right now. :D

Wow! That is an excellent installation guide, rickh!:cool:

Thanks. We aim to please.

I was just re-reading it, and I need to add a blurb about the various installation CD formats available.

Well, I was reading on the official Debian website and it said that the netinst disc can install a (very) basic system for you. Does that mean it will include everything for the system but not many applications?

Since the DVD version is 4.0+ GB, I can download it but if the netinst saves me time then I would choose that one.

I always opt for the netinstall iso, it is only 168 MB. With that iso you can very quickly build a system with exactly what you want.

So you think I should use this installation iso instead of the full one? Since I only want the full system and just a few applications pre-installed.

Yeah, I would use the net install iso. If you want a graphical log-in with gdm also choose desktop system.

Well, I installed the net install (163mb), got everything installed but there is nothing graphical. Only console based. Did I do something wrong? Because there was stars beside Laptop and System. I also don't have an active internet connection.

If you had been following my Howto, you'd have seen that is what you want,

...but
Does that mean you don't have one available, or that the installation did not recognize it.

Netinstall means you have to be connected to the internet while the installation takes place. Most wireless connections do not work. You have to be wired. After you get a basic installation working, you think about wireless and other hardware drivers.

I thought when it said it included the installer and some frequently used applications on the disc, I thought that would be sufficient anough.

"Frequently used" does not mean Xwindows, Desktop enviroments, etc. It means a basic Linux system with a command line from which you can run commands and applications.

This is Debian you're dealing with. Not some Windows wannabe distribution. For that, try Ubuntu or something easier.

I have. I just wanted to experiment with other distributions. But with the size of the 1st DVD disc I didn't think it was neccessary for it to be that big.

For the net install iso to work you need a functioning "wired" high-speed connection as rickh said. When you get to the point in the install where it asks you if you would like to install from CD or from a network mirror choose the mirror. The netinstall iso only installs a bare-bones system, just enough to get you up and running. You install what you want mostly from the Internet. If you don't have a functional Internet connection then you may need to consider the DVD option.