Stefan Krusche wrote:

>> - Would it make the most sense to install the Exe GNU/Linux above, then
>> upgrade in place to Devuan 2 and then TDE R14.0.5?
> 
> I think it's easier to install Devuan ascii and then TDE on top of it.
> That's what I did and it was a smooth install.

+1
I install minimal system from net install usb/cd/debootstrap and then
install TDE on top, which pulls whatever it needs.
Just take absolute minimum from the netinstall - especially desktop or
server related is what you do not need! You can add stuff always
afterwards.
Once you get all the minimum that fits your requirements setup and running -
just dump the packages list so you do not need to reselect/readd later when
you need to install fresh.

regards