5.3 Debian components

The following screen asks you about other installation CDs. For a network installer, there is no other CD. Answer ``no''. Then, the installer asks for another ``apt'' source. Answer ``yes''. The access method for apt should be either ``http'' or ``ftp'' for a computer that is connected to the Internet. Note that a virtual machine in QEMU by default shares the same connection as the host operating system.

Assuming that you are residing in the United States, you should choose ``United States'' as the Mirror country. If you do not live in the United States, choose the closest country.

Choosing a Debian mirror site can be tricky, as download speed varies among sites. If you recognize a site that is geographically closer to you, it may be a little bit faster.

In the next screen, most computers should leave the HTTP proxy field blank, as most computers do not use an HTTP proxy. Of course, if your network utilizes an HTTP proxy, type in the name of the proxy.

After this, the installer contacts the Debian server and downloads the latest catalog of packages. After the catalog is downloaded, you'll be asked about components to install. Note that you don't have to specify anything at this point. You can always go back and install additional components. I recommend that you leave all components unchecked.

Next, the system downloads updates for packages already installed in the base system, plus additional packages that you select in the previous step. Depending on what you selected, this step may take a while. After the packages are downloaded, the installer proceeds to unpack and configure the packages. Although most packages do not require intervention, certain packages may use an interactive dialog to gather information from you.