You can get an idea of the size of a package by pressing i twice and looking for the “Size” figure. This is the size of the compressed package, so the uncompressed files will be a lot bigger (see “Installed-Size,” which is in kilobytes, to know it).
Installing a new Debian system is a complex thing, but dselect can do it for you as easy as can be. So take the time to learn how to drive it. Read the help screens and experiment with i, I, o, and O. Use the R key. It’s all there, but it’s up to you to use it effectively.
3.21 Glossary
The following terms will be useful to you throughout this book and in general when you’re talking about Debian.
Package. A file that contains everything needed to install, de-install, and run a particular program. The program that handles packages is dpkg. dselect is a front-end to dpkg. Experienced users often use dpkg to install or remove a package.
Package names. All package names have the form xxxxxxxxxxx.deb. Sample package names include the following:
◼ efax_08a-1.deb
◼ lrzsz_0.12b-1.deb
◼ mgetty_0.99.2-6.deb
◼ minicom_1.75-1.deb
◼ term_2.3.5-5.deb
◼ uucp_1.06.1-2.deb
◼ uutraf_1.1-1.deb
◼ xringd_1.10-2.deb
◼ xtel_3.1-2.deb
4. Logging In
Your system is now installed! Pat yourself on the back for a job well done! Now it’s time to start using the system. In this chapter, we introduce you to the Debian command line, some security principles, and how to exit the system. In later chapters, we’ll go into more detail on these topics and introduce you to the Debian graphical interface, X11.