a flood of packages

[Littlefield, tyler]

Hello list,
Well, my subject is right down to the point and literal.
Here's what I ended up doing.
I downloaded the mini.iso file from the debian.org ftp site. Nice, small. I hoped this would let me get just the minimal basics, and go from there. Not so lucky.
With shane's version, my hd had three percent showing used, with this version, it downloaded every version, and I literally mean every version of every package. I have 14% of my hd being used.
how do I know what the system needs?
Also, when I remove things, how do I know if it will leave empty directories behind?
Thanks,
Tyler Littlefield
phone:
(888) 767-3893
website:
tysplace.homelinux.net
msn: compgeek134 at hotmail.com
aim: st8amnd2005
skype: st8amnd127