dhcp setup

[John Griffiths <john@capmon.com>]

hi all,

I'm a little confused...

I've run dhcp boxes (freesco and NAT'ing firewall routers)  so I was
expecting it to be a little easier under debian.

I'm on a fixed IP network, but there are some free addresses I'd like to
make available for guest boxes.

I thought a dhcp server would be simple, and would just take the IP configs
of the server, ask what addresses i wanted to make available and get on
with handing out the leases.

apt-cache search dhcpd 

gave me an array of software all with dizzying config options.

Can anyone explain a simple way of perforing this simple task?
_______________________________________________

    Not yet is the spirit of that pristine valour
    extinct in you, when girt with steel and lofty flames
    once we fought against the empire of heaven.
    We were -- that I will not deny -- vanquished in that conflict:
    yet the great intention was not lacking in nobility.
    Something or other gave Him victory: to us remained
    the glory of a dauntless daring.
    And even if my troop fell thence vanquished,
    yet to have attempted a lofty enterprise is still a trophy.

    --From La Strage degli Innocenti (The Slaughter of the 
Innocents) by Giambattista Marino (1569-1625)