So, having found that my computer is having some serious problems, I figured I'd just wipe it and reinstall.
So, to do so, I wanted to get some new install CDs for Debian. But, having found their stable distribution to be a pain in the past, in terms of packages being old, I wanted to install testing instead.
First, I discover that all of their net install images are considered unofficial and dangerous.
Then, I learn that none of the install CDs for testing can be used to actually install a system. You have to install a stable system first, then upgrade to testing afterwards.
I am unconvinced by the utility of this.
I'm hoping that this is more a case of really shitty documentation of the install process than a case of "Debian is nearly impossible to install if you're not installing the stable distribution"