What is Debian? Who it is for
Debian is built independently rather than on another distribution. It uses GNOME as its desktop and apt for software, and it follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
Debian at a glance
- Foundation: built independently rather than on another distribution
- Desktop: GNOME
- Software tools: apt
- Release style: numbered releases on a fixed schedule
- Installer: the Debian installer
Who Debian suits
Debian suits people who value stability, long-lived releases and a community-run project.
Strengths
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
- A strong fit for servers and always-on machines, thanks to long support and predictable updates.
- Good tooling for programming, with current compilers, languages and containers available.
Things to consider
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- Software versions are conservative, so brand-new desktop applications may arrive later.
- As a rough guide, about 2 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try Debian from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Debian bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare Debian
- Ubuntu vs Debian
- Debian vs Linux Mint
- Debian vs Fedora
- Debian vs Pop!_OS
- Debian vs Zorin OS
- Debian vs elementary OS
Installing software on Debian
Debian uses apt. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
apt search name sudo apt install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is Debian good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but Debian is aimed more at people who value stability, long-lived releases and a community-run project. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does Debian use?
Debian uses GNOME. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Debian need?
As a rough guide, about 2 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Debian based on another distribution?
Debian is built independently rather than on another distribution.
How often is Debian updated?
Debian follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
How can I try Debian without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.