Just to follow up: If you do want to install Debian with the 2.4 kernel just use the BF24 boot option when installing from CD. A complete list of boot options is available when installing from CD.
You then will have 2.4 options (i.e. drivers, ext3, etc.) available during the install process. Pete -- http://www.elbnet.com ELB Internet Service, Inc. Web Design, Computer Consulting, Internet Hosting
