I don't insist a CD/DVD install. I expect it. I can't recommend a networked install without first knowing more about the end user's limitations. Not only is deb's catchpenny installation time-consuming, on an average connection, or worse, dial-up, a net install is completely unfeasible. Especially for anyone with time-constraints or a short attention span. A lot of Debian users get a kick out of debasing n00bs this way. They supply such a plethora of information and variable means to one end that the user is either intimidated out of the pursuit of Linux or, should the user seek help, not get it from #Debian. Mix that with the average US-condescending European attitude and it's a real pisser.
This inferior US deb-user [1] support drastically effects the end result. Take the BBB for instance. They referred regional communities (including Hawaii) to outsource to a debian-using developer in Salt Lake and they had more vulnerabilities than a stick could ever be shook at. After further consult I found they knew nothing about Debian and where to get support for it commercially in America after having experiences similar to those above. But this is a digression into the business realm, hence, they were long due for migration to RHE. There is no solution to this symptom before this is a cause. The cause was it was the wrong OS for the particular company. They would have done fine with Red Hat or Windows (pfft!). If your actually considering a net-install though, Red Hat's net install is much easier on end users because it's simpler, visual and more thought-out for users who haven't read all the forums and release notes and documentation. RH's netboot is identical to installing from CDs in every way except it doesn't even require a CD (a single floppy is available). I have not tried a netboot image with Fedora. At least I am not afraid to say more than "distro-x is something you can count on". Tom [1] http://www.beatnix.org This part says the most, or the least, about your breadth of experience. Sorry, but if you insist on a cd install, the mini iso, http://www.debian.org/CD/netinst/
