Re: Beta-3 Etch install avoiding commandline?

[Zbigniew Wiech]

"Unless the ncurses installer is *deficient* in some manner, the mere
"GUI-ness" of the other installer does not enhance the installation in any
way.  They both do exactly the same job in exactly the same way.  If they
don't, then one or the other is broken.

Someday there'll actually be a non-religious answer to this question.
"
100% true

When I was installing debian first time, it was not not curses installer what caused troubles, but different philosophy of debian compared to Windows. Few examples I remember:

1. Windows need just one empty partition for "C" disc. Debian asks for decisions about filesystem elements (root, swap, home), that are not clear for somebody new in linux. Don't say about automatic partitioning. As a newbie I wanted to retain Windows and dual boot. (In fact it's a plus for linux: Windows installer does not allow to retain dual boot)

2. Questions about mouse/video card/monitor. I had a lot of frustration choosing default "vesa" card and seeing black screen. I didn't then know it's a problem of card driver (!). Windows does it itself.

3. What is best solution for mail delivery for my single desktop and mail account on ISP server ? "smarthost", "local delivery" or "SMTP" ? Now I know it's kmail and I do not need exim at all.

GUI installer wouldn't help much there, rather default automatic windows-like installation for newbies, when you're asked only for empty partition and your name. Curses or GIU - no matter.

regards
zbigniew