I've just done an absolutely clean install of FC4 with the 4 CD iso's that were verified with SHA1SUM, and verified on CD after burning them so I am as certain that there was no corruption of the install files as I can be --- but there are 2 apparant issues.

1. When I boot I am given 2 choices of fedora --- why are there 2 choices? Shouldn't there be just one? (No, I don't have another operating system on this system's single HDD. Yes, I selected "Remove all partitions" when I installed.)

2. To minimize any possible attack surfaces I want to remove all unnecessary services. (it is a standalone box on a cable modem). When I start the "Add/Remove Applications" applet it says I have "DNS Server" installed (the "DNS Server" checkbox is checked), but when I uncheck the "DNS Server" checkbox and click "Update" I get an err msg stating that there is an unlocateable package ("DNS Server") that must be installed before update can proceed --- huh?

On the second point do
# rpm --rebuilddb
This should rebuild your rpm database and then allow you to remove DNS server if it still present.

Thanks for the response, Mike --- it didn't work though. I ran the command and it took a good 30 seconds, with lots of HDD activity --- but after, when I tried to remove the DNS Server I got the same err msg.
By the way, do you know any amateur radio enthusiasts --- I've used IRLP to contact HAMs in Wagga Wagga before.

Did you format your partitions before installation?
I knew some of them of quite a few years ago, but they have either left town or lost contact. The call sign speaker for the repeater at Wagga Wagga was programmed by me many years ago.

Yes, I did remove all the partitions---or rather the graphic installer said it was going to do so on my behalf when I chose the install option: "Remove All Partitions".
However, if it didn't remove all the partitions perhaps that would explain why I get these 2 choices from GNU grub every time I re-start:
Fedora Core 4 2.6.12-1_1398_FC4 and
Fedora Core 4 2.6.11-1_1369_FC4
But, once I choose the higher-numbered one, (which I always have done), how would that impact the "Add/Remove Applications" applet? Or are you addressing the dual choice issue?

The IRLP node in Wagga is run by an Alan Wheaton, http://www.qsl.net/vk2wg
IRLP is used to get global range out of short range VHF radios by VOIP'ing the signal wherever and then retransmitting it from another radio --- it's good for amateurs whose licence only allows operating on the non-long haul propogation frequencies at 30mhz and up (like me).

The kernel you select should not affect your installation. To make things simple do to the services control applet and make sure that DNS daemon is not running.
If you did an update after the installation then this why you have the 2 kernel choices. 1 from the install and 1 from the update.
I know Alan Wheaton. He was with the Wagga Wagga Society of Model Engineers at the time I was. I don't if he is still there. He was also involved with the Historical Engine Club.