I have decided to install debian on my computer. So I asked someone I know to download the CD's to me. I just told him to download "the latest version", and then he downloaded Woody 3.0r3, which is the latest stable version. However I later found out that Woody has got many old packages and that for non-server use Sarge was much better. My problem now is that the one who downloaded Debian for me can't do it again and I've only got a 0.25 mbit/sec connection.

Is there any way that I can install Woody and then update the old packages, only replacing the most important to avoid downloading a mass download that would keep my machine going for a week? I don't know much about apt-get but maybe that could be the solution...?

The two listed debian linux shops in my country (Sweden) don't sell Sarge either...

I am going to use my computer mostly to do software development, surf etc. and to learn how linux works. I've got a ATI Radeon 9200 graphic hard, which I have read can cause trouble with Woody.

You are kind of between a rock and hard place. The conventional route for a new minimal install would be to edit your /etc/apt/sources.list so that all references to stable are changed to testing or woody to sarge then do an apt-get update and then do and apt-get dist-upgrade. Here is the rub, most of the woody packages would replaced and even a new install with minimal packages will need a download of at least 200MB. I would suggest perhaps looking to buy from a supplier in Europe or the UK over the net or even e-bay.