If you have a net with similar PCs it should be easy install Debian (or another Linux distribution). I know it is possible to install and configure the system on a PC and copy all it on other PCs. For kernels you can do the same thing (if you have similar PCs). About potato, if your net is connected to the web I suggest you to use apt. I find out potato is not so stable as the stable release, but normally I don't find problems.
Good work,
Beppe.
