What is Vanilla OS? Who it is for
Vanilla OS is built on Debian. It uses GNOME as its desktop and apx for software, and it follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
Vanilla OS at a glance
- Foundation: built on Debian
- Desktop: GNOME
- Software tools: apx
- Release style: numbered releases on a fixed schedule
- Installer: its graphical installer
Who Vanilla OS suits
Vanilla OS suits people who want a system that is hard to break and easy to roll back.
Strengths
- A protected core that is hard to break and easy to roll back.
- A gentle learning curve, with everyday tasks handled through graphical tools.
Things to consider
- Because the core is protected, installing some traditional software works differently.
- As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try Vanilla OS from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Vanilla OS 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 Vanilla OS
Frequently asked questions
Is Vanilla OS good for beginners?
Yes. Vanilla OS is one of the more beginner-friendly choices.
What desktop does Vanilla OS use?
Vanilla OS uses GNOME. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Vanilla OS need?
As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Vanilla OS based on another distribution?
Vanilla OS is built on Debian.
How often is Vanilla OS updated?
Vanilla OS follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
How can I try Vanilla OS 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.