Which Version of Debian Linux to Obtain

• The download page is http://www.debian.org/distrib/ .
• There are many options. I prefer the option of downloading one of the larger CD files with HTTP/FTP.
• I recommend the stable release unless you are willing to sacrifice some stability AND you specifically need something that the stable version lacks.
• I recommend the XFCE/LXDE stable version of Debian Linux (filename ending with "-xfce+lxde-CD-1.iso"). All *.iso files that do NOT contain the names of these specific window managers have the GNOME window manager as the default. I think GNOME is too heavy and slow. XFCE is lighter and faster than GNOME and has been around longer (and thus has fewer bugs and more support) than LXDE.
• Debian Linux offers the option of downloading smaller *.iso files and then having the installer download only the files necessary for your specific installation. This means that downloading the *.iso file takes less time, but the installation process requires more time due to the need to download more files. I'd rather spend more time downloading the *.iso file and less time on the installation. Downloading the *.iso file requires no ongoing input while the installation alternates several times between waiting for your input and and you waiting for the next step.