Debian is a fantastic linux distrubution that works, and rarely causes issues. Due to this, it is a common canditate for a server OS, and is what this guide will walkthrough how to install on a PC.
Assumptions
You have a PC/laptop with an internet connection
You have a PC/laptop/VM to install Debian to
You have a USB that can be rewritten with the debian ISO
You're on a network with DHCP (the typical home network will be)
Currently assumes you boot via BIOS, not UEFI (Will be updated for UEFI too)
Download and Burn the ISO
First thing is to get the install media setup. If you know how to burn an ISO, go ahead and get that done, I'll wait for you in the next section. If not follow below.
Download the latest debian ISO from the debian website, at the time of writing it's this release, but get it from their page.
Download Balena Etcher for your device (Windows, MacOS, Linux), and install it
Then open Etcher (with an empty USB plugged in), select the USB, and the downloaded ISO image, then hit run.
When finished remove the USB and plug it into the PC you want to install Debian to
Boot from the USB
You may be able to just plug the USB in, boot the PC, and be greeted with the installer. If so great! If not, then read on.
BIOS boot order
When your PC boots you should see a screen with a logo (a splash screen), hit a one of the button it tells you (Normally Esc, Del, F2, F3, or F12) to enter the bios. Find your bios's boot section, and move the USB to boot priority 1. After a reboot your PC will now always attempt to boot from your USB first, and from your internal drive if it cannot.
One time boot
Like above, press the key to get into either a one-time boot menu, or the bios. From there select your USB as a boot override. This will boot from the USB just this time, and then revert to the normal boot order.
Start install
When you're greeted by a debian boot page, select "Install" (that's what I'll be using) but "Graphical Install" is also fine, as it's essentially the samething, but you can use a mouse.
Localisation
As if you are filling out an online form, simply ensure the boxes are correct to your language, location (sets time, and download servers), and keyboard layout.
Network, and server name
If you're using DHCP, this can be...
TODOHostname
What you wish to call your server, I like to give names that are quirky, but still kinda explain what they do. For example, my webserver is "spiderverse", and my NAS is "lilnas", etc.
Domain name
Leave this as default, and hit continue.
Create User
Don't set a root password
This will ask for a root password. Do not enter a password, and simply git the Enter key, then again when it asks for the password the second time. A root user with a password is a vulnerability, so we're avoiding this.
Create your user (admin account)
Now enter your username, and password as the installer requests. This account will be added to the sudo group, making it an admin with access to root, and root commands.
Disk Partitioning
For this I am assume you're using a new drive, or at least one that you don't want any of the data on it
Auto-partitioning
You can do this, and it's recommended if you're new to linux. Once you've got the hang of it, you can always re-install your server from scratch (I recommend this a couple of times).
Also select to have all files in one partition, as it's the simplest option.
Finish Partitioning, and done.
Manual Partitioning
For a little more control over the partitioning, this is the option. If you are a beginner I'd just go with auto for now, but follow this if you desire.
TODOPreferences
Skip Swap (for now)
Scan Additional Media
Unless you've addition drivers, etc. (You probably don't) hit No
Configure Mirror
Popularity Contest
Software Selection
Install Grub Boot Loader
Reboot, and enjoy!
Setup Swap
Next steps
Now that you've got a basic Debian install, you'll need to configure, and install a few things. I've written a little something, somthing like that, so check how to setup a new server install