Installing Debian on a laptop

[adaykin]

Hey I am trying to install debian linux onto my laptop that previously had windows on it. When I try and choose a download mirror I have been getting an error message and none of the mirrors are able to dl to my laptop. Does anyone know if I could complete the installation and how without dling a debian archive mirror.

[Neo G]

Wich linux do you want to use?

[eraker]

Is your internet connection working? You aren't really downloading the mirror. You're just trying to access it so that apt can download and install the necessary files.

You can complete the installation by getting everything from the disc (or discs) itself. Eventually, you will want a working internet connection to download software and security updates, so it's probably a good idea to get that working first.

[adaykin]

I am trying to install debian. So do you think that if I had no internet connection at all I would be able to complete the installation?

[deanlinkous]

If you have the full CD1 then you can install a good basic system from that.

[eraker]

Yes, you can. At some point, the installer should ask you how you want to retrieve installation files and it will give a list that includes http, ftp, and cdrom. Just select cdrom and it will ask you to put in as many discs as you have and press enter for each one. It can get all the files it needs from the install disc (unless it's just the minimum net install disc, in which case I don't know).

[adaykin]

ok I was able to get Debian installed by all I can see now is a command prompt, it doesn't even give me the login screen. My entire screen is black, and there is just text, even after I log in with my username and password. I get a command prompt, and I can type in commands, but there is nothing else I can see, it's just one big black window.

[deanlinkous]

Is this the full CD 1 disc?
When it asked about package groups to install did you choose any?

[eraker]

Two things:

You should first add ALL installation discs (including, probably the first) with the command:

apt-cdrom add

It will ask you to insert discs and press enter. Make sure you add each one that you have.
Next, enter

apt-get install x-window-system-core

It will tell you which disc to insert into the cdrom in order to install x-windows.

Then you can install the gui/window manager of your choice. I'm not sure you'll have enough discs for it, but you can try:

apt-get install kdm kde

or

apt-get install gnome gdm

or

apt-get install xdm fluxbox or iceWM or xfce or whatever

You can, of course, combine all of these into one command:

apt-get install gdm x-window-system-core gnome

[adaykin]

hey I was able to execute the first command you gave me successfully, but after that I couldn't get the other ones to work.

I got a message saying "E: Could not open lock file /var/lib/dpkg/lock/ -open (13 Permission denied)" and on the next line "E: Unable to lock the administration directory (/var/lib/dpkg/), are you root?"