I want to do a network installation (that is why I only need disk 1 of the seven Debian CD-ROMs). So I choose http as method for accessing the Debian archive under Apt Configuration:

Select a mirror that is close to you:

Normally, you don't use a proxy so leave the field empty:

When asked Use security updates from security.debian.org? answer Yes.

Important: Since June 2005 Debian Sarge (3.1) is the stable release of Debian. Because we want to install Debian Woody (3.0) here instead of Sarge we have to change the file /etc/apt/sources.list now before we go on! The Woody installer still thinks that Woody is the stable release. Press Ctrl + Alt + F2 on your keyboard. You are now on the shell. Login as root. Then edit /etc/apt/sources.list with a text editor (e.g. vi) and replace stable with woody wherever it appears. Afterwards run

apt-get update

and press Ctrl + Alt + F1 to return to the installation screen.

Then run tasksel:

I want to have a minimal system at the beginning so I only select mail server and C and C++ (so I can compile sources if I need to). The other software will be installed later.

Don't run dselect (don't even think of it, you will be lost!):

For the next steps you can accept the default values.

Then configure your locales. At least choose en_US ISO-8859-1:

As the default locale I select en_US:

Then set up your ssh server:

The installation begins. At the end you will be asked if you wish to delete any previously downloaded .deb files. You can answer Y here.

When the installer wants to configure exim enter 5 (no configuration) because we will use postfix as our mail server.

Now the base system is ready: