Download the debian installer ISO image and save it inside the folder for the virtual
machine. You will see that there is a zero length image already there called "livecd.iso".
This is a place holder. Rename the debian image to "livecd.iso". If you are using Linux as your
Host OS, just symlink the debian image to livecd.iso.
Also note that once your mouse has been captured by the VMWare
session, you must use <Ctrl><Alt> to release it.
Launch VMWare Player. Select the new virtual machine you just set up. The first time you
launch it, it will ask you if you want to create a new identifier. Say Yes.
Once you get a boot prompt, hit "F1" to look at your options.
Explore a little, then type "expert" at the prompt.
Follow the installation prompts. Most of the defaults should work
just fine.
Some hints -- you can tab to continue when it askes for additional locales. You don't need to start PCMCIA services.
You DO need to load "Choose mirror to install from"
Choose a name for your Debian machine. Your first name would be
an obvious choice. Accept the default domain "cs.csubak.edu".
When the "choose mirror" list comes up, scroll to the top and choose "enter information manually." The hostname we will be using is "blowfish.cs.csubak.edu"
If you are installing on your own computer, off campus, you should choose
one of the mirrors in the Debian provided list. There will be no
advantage to choosing blowfish as a repository in this case.
Partitioning:
Choose Guided, using entire disk
Choose separate partitions
Accept the defaults sizes. Highlight the /var partition and
hit enter. Select the "Use As" line and hit enter again. Choose
the ReiserFS file system. Choose "Done setting up the partition".
Choose the /home partition, and change its filesystem type to
XFS.
Select the "Finish partitioning" item and hit enter.
Choose "Yes", you want to write changes to the disk.
Time setting: The hardware clock is not set to GMT because
that would confuse Windows. Set the time zone to Pacific.
Set the root password to 'password'.
Create an "ordinary" user. Full Name is "Generic Student" and
username is 'student'. Password is 'student'.
Choose the kernel image 2.6.18-686
You DO want to include non-free software
Under software selection, do not choose any packages. We'll
install what we need as we go. All the basic packages are there. The
system will now upgrade everything to the most current level.
The base system will now install.
Yes, you want to install the GRUB boot loader to the MBR.
The sytem now reboots and configuration continues after the reboot.
You will need to change the device boot order or you will end up
booting from the CD image again. Hit F2 during the boot to go into the
virtual machine's BIOS and change the boot order. Optionally, you may remove or change the name of livecd.iso