What is Devuan? Who it is for
Devuan is built on Debian. It uses Xfce as its desktop and apt for software, and it follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
Devuan at a glance
- Foundation: built on Debian
- Desktop: Xfce
- Software tools: apt
- Release style: numbered releases on a fixed schedule
- Installer: a Debian-style installer
Who Devuan suits
Devuan suits people who want Debian without systemd.
Strengths
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
- Fine control over how the system is built and what it contains.
- Low memory and processor use, which helps older or modest computers feel quick.
Things to consider
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- It expects you to read documentation and solve problems yourself, so it is not the best first Linux system.
- The lighter design means fewer built-in features and a plainer look than the big desktops.
- As a rough guide, about 1 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try Devuan from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Devuan 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 Devuan
Installing software on Devuan
Devuan 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 Devuan good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but Devuan is aimed more at people who want Debian without systemd. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does Devuan use?
Devuan uses Xfce. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Devuan need?
As a rough guide, about 1 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Devuan based on another distribution?
Devuan is built on Debian.
How often is Devuan updated?
Devuan follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
How can I try Devuan 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.