: You only download what you actually use. If you want a lightweight server without a desktop environment, a NetInstall won't force you to download gigabytes of unused GUI data.
If you're using a Debian NetInstall on a laptop, always keep an Ethernet cable handy just in case the installer doesn't recognize your Wi-Fi card out of the box. SLED 15 SP5 | Deployment Guide - SUSE Documentation
For networking hardware, MikroTik provides a specific "Netinstall" tool used to reinstall or reset RouterOS on devices via an Ethernet cable, often as a recovery method for "bricked" devices. netinstall
In the world of typesetting, TeX Live offers a NetInstall script that downloads the most recent LaTeX packages directly from CTAN mirrors, bypassing outdated versions found in Linux distro repositories. Potential Challenges While powerful, NetInstall isn't for everyone:
: Some modern installers (like Devuan's "Excalibur") may still require a baseline of RAM (e.g., 800MB+) to run the network-based setup smoothly. : You only download what you actually use
: You need a reliable, relatively fast internet connection. If your connection drops mid-install, the process may fail.
In the world of operating systems and system administration, a (short for Network Installation) is a method of installing software or an entire OS over a network connection rather than from local physical media like a DVD or a full-sized USB "live" image. SLED 15 SP5 | Deployment Guide - SUSE
Fedora's NetInstall (Everything ISO) is often used by enthusiasts to create minimal KDE or custom workstation setups.