Debian
Debian is also known as GNU/LINUX, it is a Linux distribution composed of free and open-source packages. Debian, the "Universal Operating System" stands out among the other Linux distributions for its stability and promising features. In this article, we are going to look into the history and features of Debian and understand why it holds the title of "Universal Operating System".
What is Debian?
Debian is a free and open-source operating system (OS) that forms the foundation for various Linux distributions. Known for its commitment to stability, security, and free software principles, Debian is developed by a volunteer community worldwide. The Debian project provides a versatile and customizable platform, offering multiple desktop environments and a vast repository of software packages.
- Its robust package management system, APT (Advanced Package Tool), simplifies software installation, updates, and removal.
- Debian serves as the basis for many other popular Linux distributions, emphasizing a dedication to free software ideals and providing a reliable and flexible computing environment for users ranging from individual enthusiasts to large-scale server deployments.
Releases of Debian
| Version | Codename | Release Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Buzz | Jun 1996 | Obsolete |
| 1.2 | Rex | Dec 1996 | Obsolete |
| 1.3 | Bo | Jun 1997 | Obsolete |
| 2.0 | Hamm | Jul 1998 | Obsolete |
| 2.1 | Slink | Mar 1999 | Obsolete |
| 2.2 | Potato | Aug 2000 | Obsolete |
| 3.0 | Woody | Jul 2002 | Obsolete |
| 3.1 | Sarge | Jun 2005 | Obsolete |
| 4.0 | Etch | Apr 2007 | Obsolete |
| 5.0 | Lenny | Feb 2009 | Obsolete |
| 6.0 | Squeeze | Feb 2011 | Obsolete |
| 7.0 | Wheezy | May 2013 | Obsolete |
| 8.0 | Jessie | Apr 2015 | Obsolete |
| 9.0 | Stretch | Jun 2017 | Obsolete |
| 10.0 | Buster | Jul 2019 | Oldstable |
| 11.0 | Bullseye | Aug 2021 | Stable (was until 2023) |
| 12.0 | Bookworm | Jun 2023 | Current Stable |
| 13.0 | Trixie | Expected 2025 | Testing |
| 14.0 | Forky | Future release | Unstable (Sid based) |
Features of Debian
- Open Source: Debian is open source so that, individuals can contribute and improve the the code to make Debain more efficient and secure.
- User Friendly: Debian comes with clean and sleek user interface. Not like windows are flooded with news and unnecessary ads.
- Package Management: Debian allows users to install software and perform operations like updating and removing software using APT. You can see the APT commands above.
- Software Centre: Debain provides a GUI Software Center from where users can install software like vscode, vlc, pycharm, etc.
- Reliability: Debian has a conservative and stable release cycle. Most updates are well-tested before release making sure, that no updates should break the system.