How to Download and Install Debian Linux 6.0

The masterminds behind Debian have finally released the newest version of their esteemed version of Linux. Debian has been around since 1993 and along with Slackware is considered one of the classic Linux distributions.

Several of the more mainstream versions of Linux, like Ubuntu and DSL, were inspired by Debian and use the same repositories (software resources) as this venerable operating system.

Debian doesn't release new versions very often, making it perfect for those who want to get their computer situated and leave it be for a while. This can make Debian highly desirable to those tired of the once and twice a year updates that some other operating systems like to make.

You can download an ISO of Debian right now to test on one of your very own computers. For the greatest flexibility it is best to use a test computer that has access to the internet so that you only have to download the packages you will actually use when you want to use them.

Debian uses a text-based installer which might be intimidating to those who are accustomed to graphical interfaces. Just go slow through the installation process and read every window--you will do just fine!

Things You'll Need:
Test Computer with Internet Connection
Blank CD

NOTE: Back up any data on the test computer that you cannot afford to lose. The installation process will erase all of the data on the hard drive of the test machine.

It is recommended that new users do NOT use their primary system to test Debian Linux or any new operating system. Regardless of how cautious the developers (and you) may be disasters CAN happen, so use a separate test system so that you do not lose access to your primary system in the event of an unexpected occurrence. This will also enable you to test Debian Linux 6.0 at your leisure without being forced to learn how to do everything immediately.

Step One:
Download the small installation ISO image at this page.

Step Two:
Burn the ISO image file to disk using your favorite image burning program. If you are unfamiliar with image burning programs or do not have one installed ImgBurn is an excellent freeware option.

Step Three:
Place the newly created Debian installation CD into the optical drive of your computer and press (CTRL)+(ALT)+(DEL) to reboot from the CD.

Step Four:
Press the ENTER key to select "Install" from the boot menu.

Step Five:
Use your arrow keys to select your preferred language and press the ENTER key.

Step Six:
Use the arrow keys to select your country and press the ENTER key.

Step Seven:
Use the arrow keys to select your keyboard layout and press the ENTER key. Debian will work for a bit while it loads additional components and configures the network.

Step Eight:
Enter a hostname for the computer system and press the ENTER key.

Step Nine:
Choose a domain name for your network. Pretty much any name will do; if you were going to network this system with your other computers you would need to have all of the systems under the same domain name. For the sake of this tutorial I am using the name "test." Press the ENTER key after you have typed in your chosen domain name.

Step Ten:
Type in a password for root. This is the main system password, so write this down in a safe place. If you ever forget this password you could lose access to all of the files on this system and be forced to reinstall. Press the ENTER key when you are done.

Step Eleven:
Re-Type the root password in this next window and press ENTER. This is to make sure that the password is typed correctly into the system.

Step Twelve:
Type your full name into the space provided and press the ENTER key.

Step Thirteen:
Type in your preferred username (or accept the one Debian offers) and press ENTER.

Step Fourteen:
Type in your preferred password and press ENTER.

Step Fifteen:
Re-Type your password in this next window and press ENTER again.

Step Sixteen:
Use your up and down arrow keys to select your time zone and press ENTER. Debian will now set up the partitioner.

Step Seventeen:
Use the arrow keys to select the first partitioning method option labeled "Guided - use entire disk" and press ENTER.

Step Eighteen:
Select your hard disk using the arrow keys (if it is not highlighted already) and press ENTER.

Step Nineteen:
Select the first partitioning scheme labeled "All files in one partition" and press ENTER. This is the best scheme for new users.

Step Twenty:
Verify that your partitioning is correct and press ENTER to finish partitioning and write the changes to your hard disk.

Step Twenty-One:
This next window is your last opportunity to back out of the partitioning process; a way to ask once again "Are you sure about this?" If you have backed up all of the data on this computer use the arrow key to select (YES) and press ENTER. Debian will partition the test machine and install the base system. This could take several minutes depending upon the speed of your computer, so grab a cup of your favorite libation and relax.

Step Twenty-Two:
Use your arrow keys to choose your archive mirror country. A mirror country is the nation closest to where you are located that acts as a storehouse for Debian programs and updates. Press ENTER when you have made your choice.

Step Twenty-Three:
Select the Debian archive mirror of your choice. Normally ftp.(your country code).debian.org will work just fine. This is to enable expert users to be more selective in the archive mirror they use. Press ENTER when done.

Step Twenty-Four:
Type in your proxy (if needed). If you don't know what that is, just leave it blank and press ENTER, because if you don't know what it is, chances are high you don't need it. Debian will now configure Apt, which is the installation manager and retrieve any needed files during the installation process.

Step Twenty-Five:
Use your arrow keys to select whether to supply package usage statistics to the Debian developers. Basically, they are asking you to run an automatic script once a week (you won't even notice it) telling the developers what programs you actually use. This helps them to decide what to add and subtract from the next release. Press ENTER after making your choice.

Step Twenty-Six:
Use your arrow keys and the space bar to highlight and select which software to install. A good start for most users is the Graphical desktop environment and the standard system utilities (top and bottom choices). If your test machine is a laptop add the laptop software to your selections. To choose, use the down arrow key to go to the row and the space bar to toggle the selection asterisk. Press ENTER when you have made your decisions. Debian will download the necessary software, showing you the progress with a simple graphic.

Step Twenty-Seven:
Use the arrow keys to select "Yes" to install the GRUB boot loader to the master boot record of the computer and press ENTER.

Step Twenty-Eight:
Remove the installation CD from the optical drive, use the arrow keys to select "Continue" and press ENTER to restart your computer.

Step Twenty-Nine:
Press ENTER to boot into Debian.

Step Thirty:
Click on your name with the mouse and enter your password in the space provided. Click the "Log In" button when done.

Step Thirty-One:
To access the Internet, click on the globe with the arrow on the top menu bar beside the word "System." You will only need to click once!

Step Thirty-Two:
Click on "Applications" on the top menu bar to explore the currently installed programs.

Step Thirty-Three:
To shut down when done, go to "System" and "Shut Down." Click the "Shut Down" button on the popup window to verify your choice.

Step Thirty-Four:
Enjoy your new installation of Debian 6.0!

Resources:
Debian Distribution PageDebian GNU/Linux Installation Guide