Hi,
I'm a newbie myself, but for a minimal install as you describe I would
recommend using the debian net install, which is what i've done.
http://www.debian.org/distrib/netinst
Select base install whilst installing.
After this you will only need to install the x windows core, a desktop and firefox.
Code:
su
# apt-get install x-window-system fluxbox mozilla-firefox
and maybe a desktop manager to help logging in:
Code:
# apt-get install xdm
there are many lightweight window managers other than fluxbox.
check out:
http://www.desktoplinux.com/director...nts_and_tools/