> > I've been using RedHat for about eight months, but I'd like to switch > to Debian. Is there any easy way to do this, or is it going to be a > painful transition? Also, what's the best way to go about installing > Debian? I have a fast connection, so I'm wondering if an ftp install > is the way to go? Any suggestions?
I have just done this and am very pleased with the transition so far.The installation is straightforward.( I do not have experience with an ftp installation ) I recommend installing from a bootable CD. Consider the boxed-CD set from http://www.valinux.com ( $20). This includes : Learning Debian GNU/Linux Book: 368 pages, written by Bill McCarty and published by O'Reilly and, Debian GNU/Linux QuickStart Guide: 36 pages, written by Kameran Kashani Read the installation guide and Release Notes for Slink at http://www.debian.org before you install. It has kernel version 2.2.12 and XFree86, 3.3.4. I initially used "xf86config" to configure X , and then simply copied my "XF86Config" file that I used with Red Hat directly to " /etc/X11" After installing the base system, I installed packages by selecting "tasks," ( you may choose a "profile" instead) and then installed additional applications, such as Netscape and KDE, using apt-get. I did not use "dselect" to select individual packages.After installation, you can remove packages you do not need with "dpkg." ( dpkg --purge "package" )Then you can upgrade your entire system using apt-get. Apt-get is an excellent application. There are many differences between RH and Debian, but none substantial. This may be the subject of a " Red Hat to Debian : HOWTO " :-) Cheers, Howard Mann. http://www.newbielinux.com
