Debian netinst with patchy net access

[Chandrayan]

Ok 2 weeks back I decided to open my Windows and see the world outside. The world outside beckoned me to Linux.


I chose to install Debian, because it is the freest of all the Linux distros. I chose the complete internet install. By complete, I meant COMPLETE : no netinst, no small-cd or anything of that sort.

It partitioned my hard-disk and then began downloading some 640 files. But by the time about 407 files were downloaded, my DSL router lost connectivity and rebooted. So it could not download any further. Then I clicked on abort and I restarted the PC. I got a message, "Error loading operating system".

Instead of recovery, I used killdisk to erase and wipe the hard-disk and reinstalled Windows XP (it is a new PC and had no important data).

Now, I have decided to do a netinst install. I've already downloaded and burned the iso image on a CD. But I fear that once again a broken internet connection may result in the same problem. So can I know how to go about installing debian with a patchy internet connection ?

[GNU-Fan]

The system is very fragile during installation, I'd say. I love the ability to netinstall. But if you have such a patchy connection, why going through all that hassles? Download and burn the normal install CD in one piece, install the minimal self-sustaining operating system and you are set. Install everything beyond that over net later.

[Chandrayan]

GNU-Fan, suggestion noted. But can I do the same with a netinst installation ? Or is it that as soon as the netinst is run for the first time, it must immediately start downloading from the internet ?

[jayd512]

Having a patchy connection is going to be a problem for you. I would follow the suggestion given by GNU-Fan. Do a base install, then start installing packages over the net piece by pice. It'll take longer, but will be a more stable installation process. Good luck!

By the way... Welcome to LinuxForums!

[Chandrayan]

Agreed. But what I would like to know further is whether the same, or similar option(s) is available in netinst installation, or does it install the entire OS in one go ?

[GNU-Fan]

This depends on how you define "entire OS".

The kernel and some small tools so that you can boot into a command line and install the rest on demand? You bet!

The base system and every single of the ~25000 packages Debian has to offer? Not at all.

[Chandrayan]

Well, since I couldn't go through the tedium of downloading another set of mega-MB files over an inconsistent net access (and sometimes power outages), I decided to go for the netinst.

The command prompt is now up and running.

[Chandrayan]

Further to my previous post, I've now installed Debian using the netinst and the command prompt is running. Now during installation it could not find DHCP connectivity.

So, I would just like to know whether it is possible to install additional packages like GNOME at such a late stage, or is it too late now and should have been done during installation itself.

[jayd512]

Further to my previous post, I've now installed Debian using the netinst and the command prompt is running. Now during installation it could not find DHCP connectivity.

So, I would just like to know whether it is possible to install additional packages like GNOME at such a late stage, or is it too late now and should have been done during installation itself.

Are you able to obtain an IP address at this point? If so, then you should be able to install the GNOME packages at any time you like.

[Chandrayan]

Are you able to obtain an IP address at this point? If so, then you should be able to install the GNOME packages at any time you like.

Can you please tell how do I do that ? I'm afraid I don't know because I couldn't find this in the official debian site and many other online install guides . They instead mention how to install additional packages during installation and not after it is completed.