I've decided to install linux on my computer (now windows XP, on AMD duron), and I've decided after a little research to use debian. I've downloaded and printed out the debian installation manual, which I'll read all of before doing anything. What I don't understand is the basic structure of how the system will work after everything is done. Debian will be the base system, but on top of that do I need to put an X Window system (like sawfish?), and then on top of that do I need to put a desktop environment (like KDE or Gnome?). What I'd like to know before doing anything is what do I need to install (debian as base system), and in what order.

Thanks,
wae

Debian is one of the rock solid GNU/Linux distribution that rules. But it is not a good choice for newbies to some extent. But if you thoroughly read the installation manual, it will not be a pain.

First of all, I think you got confused. Debian is not just the base system. It's the collection of nearly 9000 packages. It consists of all that a GNU/Linux user wants.

The install CDs of the Debian installer first installs the kernel and device drivers that are need (modules). Then it installs the minimally necessary base system. This includes libc, man, exim, bash, etc. These are the minimal utilities that you should have for running your GNU/Linux system.

Then, the package management tools of Debian (dselect, apt) allows you to install additional packages.

Once you setup your minimal base and run dselect for the first time, it recommends some more packages. Once you installed that, you can directly select the packages for X. It's xserver-xfree86 and dependencies. dselect notifies you of dependencies. Once you installed X server, you can install GNOME, KDE, or anyother window manager like Sawfish. FYI, Sawfish is a window manager. For KDE you don't need Sawfish to be installed.

Does this answered your question?

Yes, that does answer some of my questions. Will your answer be any different if I'm doing a net install, rather than having the CD set (I don't)?

It is no matter of the installation media. Debian package management behaves the same way for all the type of installation media.