Debian Question

[David Mangani]

JJ Neff wrote:

>As a dedicated Debian user for many years I have to agree 100% with the general
>tone of this.  Do a minimal install just to get networking services then change
>the apt.conf file as suggested then apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade.  
>
>Even over dial-up (where I began using debian) I do it late at night and just
>let it go (or bring the PC to where you can "borrow" some broadband - work,
>someone else's house, etc..  Then since you are already at "testing" every
>package you grab fom that point will be the testing version.
>
>NOTE:  PLease oh please do not change to Sarge or Unstable unless you want you
>machine to BREAK.  This is unstable for a reason and WILL break!  Testing
>bridges that gap for desktop users who want newer stuff.  Stable "Will Not
>Crash (tm)" but is intended for Servers etal that need to be up and don't care
>about running NWN or newest media player software.  If there is a package that
>is ONLY in unstable chances are that someone in the user group has made a .deb
>for testing or stable that while not guaranteed will work.  Just search for
>alternate apt-get sources.  The best part is most of the alternate sites can
>simply be added to apt.conf and apt-get'sd like any other package!!!  (cool to
>me)  Stragne how it works just like URPMI and redhats new apt-get (oh was that
>a hidden elbow in the ribs :-)
>
>  
>
>>Makes perfect sense Stan. I'm going to get the install cd now.
>>
>>Thanks again
>>Dave
>>
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>
>
>
>		
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>  
>
As Luck would Have it, I burned the 4 iso's I had already downloaded. 
The md5sum of disk 1 was bad anyways. I guess thats a sign to do the 
basic install. I plan to do it sometime this weekend. I do have 
broadband, so the downloads go pretty quick. I just read a story in 
Linux Journal I believe, about the "horrors" of doing a Debian 
installation, something about chewing off limbs in frustration.  They 
went on to say that the  Debian installer is really bad, and that most 
Debian users don't complain because they only do the install one time. 
They did go on to say in defense of Debian that once installed it was 
really top notch. Any truth to the "install horror" part? If this is 
true does anyone have any good advice? Once again thanks for all the input.

Dave.