Hi.
I'm used to install Debian in the normal way, and adding everything later with Synaptic.
What I want to know here is how to do the minimal debian installation, then how to install a few graphical interfaces using the prompt (scpecially light interfaces. The only heavy interfaces will be Gnome and KDE), how to start it, and how to make it start automatically after the reboot.

Steps that we will follow:

1) The minimal Debian inntallation hardly will change and probablely I won't need help here. I'll boot the PC using my Debian DVD, then in the package sellection, I will select NOTHING. Doing this, I'll be doing the minimal debian installation and in the end I'll be sent to Debian text mode (prompt), because no graphical interface will have been installed.

2) Here I need help. After the minimal installation, in the prompt, I'll need to install a graphical interface. I want two kinds of suggestions.
- Steps to install some Very Light Graphical interface BUT with a MENU. I'm used to fluxbox, but it has no menu (menus are accessed by right click in the working area - I Don't like that). I want a light interface but with a menu just like Gnome, KDe, Win95 and Win98 have.
- Heavy Graphical Interfaces: I am ONLY interested in the Steps to install Gnome and/or KDE. No other heavy interface interest me.

3) After the installation steps in number two, I'd like to know:
- How do I start this graphical interface from the prompt (text mode)??
- How do I make it start automatically after the reboot? I don't want to be sent to the prompt after the reboot.

4) I'll probablely install Open Office in the end. I don't think it will make the computer get very slow (even the old ones), but do you guys agree? Is there any other lighter option that I can use to create, edit and see Word, Excell and power Point files?? Comments please.

IMPORTANT 1:
These installations are general, so I won't be doing this in a special kind of computer. I'll make a light installation in an old PC. A heavier installation in a powerful PC, etc etc.

IMPORTANT 2:
The graphical interfaces (the light ones), they MUST exist in Debian repository, so I can install everything with apt-get and use Debian DVD and/or my internet connection with debian repository.


Thanks for all the help that will come and I hope we can make this topic a good support post for those who want to make a personalized installation with a light graphical interface or not (since we'll also include minimal Gnome and Kde).
Thanks.

Below is the route I take with KDE, my notes.
Installing testing on my laptop always produces a debootstrap error of some kind, the fix for this is included. I sometimes got xuthority problems as root, the fix for this is included.

EDIT: If you use aptitude instead of apt-get, you'll have Gnome installed also.

Hi.
After you start KDE with:
Is it necessary to do anything else to make KDE start automatically after the reboot? I ask it, because as far as I know using init.d is just like running a command. Nothing is kept. So, next time you boot your PC you might still need to run the command again.

I think KDE will be installed just by the simple command
Am I wrong? All dependencies of course will be automatically added.

The rest is your own script for things you believe are important, right? Like some sound installation you mention:
So, It would be nice if you could mention what are the other things you have added to the script and that is not necessary to install KDE. This way, we could add just what we think is important.

Do you have any script for light graphical interfaces with menu?

Thanks a lot for your repply.