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What is Debian Linux?



Debian Linux is one of the oldest distibutions of Linux around today. It has a reputation for being one of the most stable Linux distributions as well as having the largest repositories of packages of any Linux distros.

The Debian Project is an association of individuals who have made common cause to create a free Debian GNU/Linux, or simply Debian for short.

An operating system is the set of basic programs and utilities that make your computer run. At the core of an operating system is the kernel. The kernel is the most fundamental program on the computer and does all the basic housekeeping and lets you start other programs.

Debian systems currently use the Linux kernel. Linux is a piece of software started by Linus Torvalds and supported by thousands of programmers worldwide.

However, work is in progress to provide Debian for other kernels, primarily for the Hurd. The Hurd is a collection of servers that run on top of a microkernel (such as Mach) to implement different features. The Hurd is free software produced by the GNU project.

A large part of the basic tools that fill out the operating system come from the GNU project; hence the names: GNU/Linux and GNU/Hurd. These tools are also free.

Of course, the thing that people want is application software: programs to help them get what they want to do done, from editing documents to running a business to playing games to writing more software. Debian comes with over 15490 packages (precompiled software that is bundled up in a nice format for easy installation on your machine) — all of it free.

It's a bit like a tower. At the base is the kernel. On top of that are all the basic tools. Next is all the software that you run on the computer. At the top of the tower is Debian — carefully organizing and fitting everything so it all works together.



More about Debian Linux can be read HERE. 
Debian Distros for Noobs


There are a number of Debian-based Linux distributions that are considerably easier to install and maintain than the original Debian distro...... hence they are more Noob (new and inexperienced users to Linux) friendly.

Ubuntu - This is currently one of the most popular distros today. Mostly due to its slick packaging and easy of use, it is helping to convert many to the Linux experience. Kubuntu and Edubuntu are variations of this distro.


Knoppix - This is packaged as a Live CD (your computer can run off of the CD without utilizing the hard drive)  that you can use "as is" or install to the  hard drive. Kanotix and Gnoppix are also variations of this distro.
Debian Based Distributions
  • Adamantix: A Debian-based distribution focusing on security. See track record.
  • Amber Linux: A Debian-based distribution tailored specifically to the needs of Latvian users. See track record.
  • Bonzai Linux (formerly known as miniwoody): 180 MB distribution, KDE desktop. Documentation mostly in German. See track record.
  • BeatrIX: a compact (200M) distribution from the Czech Republic. Design goal is user-friendly desktop. See track record.
  • Debian GNU/Linux: A distribution assembled by a large community of volunteers. Debian has a large selection of packages (over 15000) and supports a large number of hardware platforms. It previously had a reputation of being difficult to install but latest releases include a more easy-to-use text based installer, helping the situation somewhat. Debian is known to for being somewhat politically motivated; software that is not free is not usually tolerated in core Debian (e.g. LAME and other audio/video codecs). See track record.
  • Debian-BR-CDD: Debian-BR-Custom Debian Distribution. GNOME desktop. See homepage.
  • DeveLinux: A small live CD for developers, students and teachers based on Debian snapshot. It contains programming languages, compilers and web development environment using Apache, MySQL and PHP. See homepage.
  • GenieOS: A CD to help new users to install 100% stock Debian along with common 3rd party plug-ins that are not distributable through the official Debian package repository (DVD player, Flash, Sun's Java, and Mplayer). Includes GNOME or KDE desktops. Previously known as Debian Pure, but renamed at request of Debian developers to avoid confusion. See homepage.
  • Gnoppix: A version of the Knoppix distribution that uses the GNOME desktop environment. This distribution has long release cycle and may integrate with Ubuntu in the future. See track record and homepage.
  • Guadalinex: An Ubuntu-based distribution promoted by the local government of Andalusia, Spain for home users and schools (cf. EduLinux, Skolelinux). See track record.
  • Hiweed: An Chinese distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux. See track record.
  • Kanotix: A live CD version of Debian based on Knoppix that can also be installed to a hard-drive. Known for its excellent hardware support and desktop integration among laptops where many suggest Kanotix over Mepis. GNOME desktop. See track record.
  • Knoppix: The first live CD (later DVD) version of Debian GNU/Linux whom many have copied since. Usable after booting from the CD image and comes with a large amount of software. Boot time is somewhat lengthy in all Knoppix based distributions due to extensive hardware detection. See track record.
  • Kurumin: A version of the Knoppix distribution designed for Brazilian users. See track record.
  • Kalango: Another great Brazilian Knoppix based distribution with strong visual appeal.
  • LinEx: A distribution promoted by the government of Extremadura, Spain. See track record. (POSSIBLY INACTIVE: last release 2004)

Additional Debian Distibutions
  • Loco Linux: An Argentine Linux distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux. See track record.
  • Morphix: A LiveCD distribution with different flavours, including GNOME. Often found being used as a base for other custom live distribution such as Clusterix, PHlAK or Gnix (to name three). See track record.
  • NepaLinux: A Debian and Morphix based distribution focused for Desktop usage in Nepali language computing. See homepage.
  • PingOO: A French distribution aimed at local communities, public organizations, schools, etc. It comes in three editions: PingOO Communication Server, PingOO Secure Server and PingOO File Server. Includes GNOME or KDE desktops. See homepage.
  • Skolelinux: A Debian-based distribution started in Norway as an affordable thin client distribution for schools (cf. EduLinux, Guadalinex). See track record.
  • Sun Wah RAYS LX: A desktop distribution developed in China.
  • Symphony OS: A Kanotix-based distribution which includes Mezzo desktop which is unlike anything seen before; it uses corners for tasks and background for menus (something like SuperKaramba). See track record.
  • Ubuntu Linux: A distribution based on Debian and sponsored by Canonical Ltd. Uses own package repositories which should not be mixed with Debian repositories; the idea is to take snapshots of Debian in regular intervals and offer complete and polished Desktop. Considered the highest rising star among Debian based distributions. GNOME desktop is default but KDE available as package. See portal and track record.
All Content provided by Barney T.
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