# Installation of Desktop system

> Install Debian with Xfce from stable/testing image to encrypted disk


## Image

Use Debian.
Install either the [stable][] release for most reliable needs,
or a [testing][] snapshot for more excitement.

You will need network access during install
for downloading hundreds of megabytes of additional software from Debian.

If your computer cannot use network with Free drivers
(most wifi cards and a few wired cards),
then you can try the [non-free stable] or [non-free testing] image.
Use of those images is **not** recommended.
Make sure that their **non-free** licensing terms are acceptable to you!

[stable]: <https://www.debian.org/CD/netinst/>
  "Official stable images, via Bittorrent or for direct download"

[testing]: <https://www.debian.org/devel/debian-installer/>
  "Official testing images, via Bittorrent or for direct download"

[non-free stable]: <https://cdimage.debian.org/images/unofficial/non-free/images-including-firmware/current/multi-arch/iso-cd/>
  "Unofficial non-free stable images including firmware packages"

[non-free testing]: <https://cdimage.debian.org/images/unofficial/non-free/images-including-firmware/weekly-builds/multi-arch/iso-cd/>
  "Unofficial non-free testing images including firmware packages"


## Disk protection

You are recommended to use full disk encryption.

This protects your personal data stored on the harddisk
from being accessible by others
e.g. if your computer gets stolen.

Beware that disk encryption does not protect
from access while the computer is turned on,
and if you forget your disk password then the data is lost!

During install,
select "Guided - use entire disk and set up LVM"
when formatting the harddisk.


## Desktop

The Xfce desktop is recommended
as a conservative desktop environment.

You tell during installation that you want to [install Xfce].

[install Xfce]: <https://wiki.debian.org/Xfce#How_to_install_Xfce>
  "How to install Xfce"


## See also

Install chapter in The [Debian handbook][].

[Debian handbook]: <https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-handbook/installation.html>
  "Debian handbook, chapter on installation"