Debian

I have read into some of the complexity in the docs in Debian on the install procedure.
Is there any guiding light on what is required for a bare bones install.

I have read in maybe the wikipedia that the einstein behind Debian has put in place every thing imaginable for any particular Machine.
is that true, is the install real top heavy ?.

And i was wondering, after the install if there is any way to detect the programs that are not needed.
I do see that there is a un-install GUI be for thought put in place in other OS`s and i assume there is one in Debian.
I just like to know where i am going in the forest before i get there.

thanks
i am studying Linux and bash with YDL in a iBook G4 that is questionable as to wether it will boot the next time. graphics card is damaged and there seems to be some dependencies on the graphics card for ? i saw in a log file.
I plan to install Debian into a HP mini Notebook.
so the G4 is the learning lab.

Debian's "bare bones" install is pretty small, if you want something absolutely specific to your hardware you can build your own kernel, pruning through every module to get only those you need. The thing is it just doesn't matter.

* Programs you are not using are just wasting hard drive space. There is plenty around these days.
* Drivers the systems doesn't need are not loaded

I suggest though if you want to slim your kernel, do 'lsmod' and save the results of that command. You need to keep all of those modules.

Thank you for the re ply.
I have been reading and studying Linus beginner by Machtelt Garrels and ignoring every thing else in life.
The reason i did post something on Debian bare bones is because many Linux distr os come across with written words alluding to thousands of free programs or applications.
I personally feel as though it is a total miss conception of reality with copy left being basterized into a free for all by many people just to suck in the ignorant into their commerce traps, while reality calls for a person to get down to the command line and grind some finger skin.
I can understand that there are thousands of free programs in the form of utilities that are used in the command line programming. And that many people have built various GUI apps that are free. And that it all goes back to C and building large from small basic programs that fit together.
But to announce any Linus OS with some grandiose words with Free in every other sentence is annoying.
As well as finding books in any area of computer tech with an author that has his / her feet on the ground.
I spend more time sorting the bs from the facts then i do harvesting the facts into the brain cells.
Thank you for the re ply and the support.
chow for now