I've encountered an interesting problem at work. Our IT department has initiated a new security protocol. Specifically, only computers that have their mac addresses entered into a monowall database can connect to the Internet. This has been put into place to further lock-down our wireless/wired network. My problem is that this limits me in the way that I can install Debian. I usually use the net install iso, but, this no longer works as the connection must be authenticated via mac address. So a new computer (not in the database) can't get a net connection.
However, if I have a full install CD it works (don't need a net connection). This worked using an old Ubuntu CD that I had kicking around.
Once the install is done and I have a working desktop I can fire-up iceweasel and log-in to the network and gain net access.
Which install CDs will I need to have a working Gnome desktop? CDs 1-2?
Thank you:-)

hitest

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

Thank you:-)

No problem. Also be aware that if you install Debian without network access your /etc/apt/sources.list will only include the install CD and the security mirror, you'll need to add the rest.

Unconfigured network should be ok though as network-manager will happily handle an unconfigured /etc/network/interfaces file.

Good point, thanks:-) I'll add in my sources later.

That worked.
I was able to get a good working install of Debian 4.0 with CD 1, I didn't need my network connection. After the re-boot my network connection came up and I hand-edited my sources.list, updated, and then installed the libraries and applications that I need to use.
Thanks, man:-)