Debian
debian.org
What it is
Debian is a free operating system created by the Debian Project, an association of individuals. Its systems use either the Linux or FreeBSD kernel and include more than 70,000 packages managed with APT, plus tools for managing packages across computers. Installation choices include a live system with the Calamares installer and an installer with options such as automated network installation. Debian supports architectures including amd64, i386, ARM variants, POWER, IBM System Z and RISC-V. Users can choose stable, testing or unstable releases, upgrade to a new release or update individual packages. Debian coordinates security advisories with other free software vendors, and many advisories are published the day a vulnerability becomes public. Its free Long Term Support extends stable releases to at least five years; commercial Extended LTS covers a limited set of packages beyond that. Official cloud images are available, and Debian can also run in virtual machines or containers. Help is available through documentation, mailing lists, IRC and consultants. Debian notes that hardware from companies that do not publish specifications may not work with GNU/Linux.
Spec sheet
- Intended users
- Debian describes its uses across laptops, supercomputers, stock exchanges, automotive, academic, scientific, and public-sector settings.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Security
- Debian coordinates security advisories with other free software vendors, and many advisories are published the same day a vulnerability becomes public.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Founded
- 1993Read 28 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Automatic updates
- The unattended-upgrades package can keep a computer current with security and other updates automatically.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Cloud and virtualization
- Official cloud images are available for major cloud platforms, and Debian can also run in desktop virtual machines or containers.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Installer
- Debian offers a live system with the Calamares installer and an installer with options including automated network installation.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Kernel support
- Debian systems currently use the Linux kernel or the FreeBSD kernel.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Long-term support
- Debian's free Long Term Support extends stable releases to at least five years; commercial Extended LTS covers a limited set of packages beyond five years.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Notable limitation
- Debian says hardware from companies that do not publish specifications may not work with GNU/Linux.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Release choices
- Alongside stable, Debian offers testing and unstable releases for users seeking newer software versions.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Security formats
- Debian Security Advisories are CVE-compatible, and Debian publishes security information using OVAL.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Software collection
- Debian comes with over 70,000 packages, the APT package manager, and utilities for managing packages across computers.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Support channels
- Users can get help from Debian documentation, mailing lists, IRC, or hired consultants.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Supported architectures
- Debian supports architectures including amd64, i386, ARM variants, POWER, IBM System Z, and RISC-V.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- Upgrade support
- Debian supports upgrades to a new release and updates to individual packages.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
- What it is
- Debian is a free operating system created by the Debian Project, an association of individuals.Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
Plans and prices
Debian Free Free operating system · official distribution packages are free to use and redistribute Read 30 Sep 2026 · debian.org
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- More than 70,000 packages are managed with APT.
- Supports multiple release tracks and package upgrades.
- Free Long Term Support extends stable releases to at least five years.
- Official cloud images and virtual-machine use are available.
- Free to use and redistribute.
Limits
- Some hardware may not work if specifications are unpublished.
- Extended LTS covers only a limited set of packages.
- No free trial is offered.
Who it suits
Debian suits people and organizations seeking a free operating system for personal computers or cloud virtual machines. It also serves a wide range of settings, from laptops and academic work to supercomputers and public-sector use.
Verdict
Debian combines a large APT-managed package collection with multiple installation and release options. Hardware compatibility can be a concern when manufacturers do not publish specifications.
Where Specifiction places it
- Server Operating System#6 of 298.0
- Operating Systems#10 of 428.1
- Linux Distributions#5 of 208.1
Alternatives to DebianAll alternatives →
Nix Free plan 8.4 Visit