Debian

Debian GNU+Linux

Debian is a GNU+Linux distribution. Debian is notable for being one of the earliest distributions, and one of the most influential. Debian comes with no proprietary software by default, nor is there any in the default Aptitude repositories, but the FSF damns Debian as they host non-free software on the same server.

Why use Debian?

• Can be as bare as desired; often used on servers.
  • Also, Stable is renown for being stable.
• Easy to customize/rice.
• Excellent selection of software.
• Minimal, visually appealing logo.
• The Debian Project often does neat things, like Debian/kFreeBSD and Debian/Hurd.

Getting Debian

The average Debian .iso installation files can be found at https://www.debian.org/distrib/, and live CDs can be found at http://live.debian.net/

Which version?

Debian comes in three flavors: Stable, Testing, and Unstable.

• Stable is most often used in servers, and by users who do not like updating often and don't mind more out-dated software.
• Testing is more up-to-date than Stable, and is the most common for desktop usage.
• Unstable is the most up-to-date, but may contain bugs because it's unstable.

Which desktop/kind?

Default

The default Debian installation .iso will install the GNOME 3 desktop environment(DE). GNOME 3 is great for people who like it, or don't know what a DE is.

KDE

The KDE installation .iso is not much different than the default .iso, except it contains and installs KDE by default. KDE is more resource intensive, but if you want something with a bit more features, eyecandy, and stabilizability, this may be for you.

XFCE

XFCE is a less resource-intensive DE. If you want something that runs faster without giving up too many features, this is for you.

LXDE

LXDE is the most minimal DE around. If you are running on a toaster supercluster or just need the most battery life out of your freedom device, and are too lazy/dumb to setup a WM, LXDE is the only correct choice.

Network Installation

Network installation, or netinst, is the minimal installer. The .iso contains only the software to boot and download more software. This is what you would want if you are installing Debian on a server, or want to build up your environment from scratch.

Installing Debian

After downloading your preferred installation media, burn the .iso to a CD or DVD. Then, throw away the CD/DVD and make a bootable USB using UNetBootin.

Jam your USB flash device into a compatible hole on your machine and during boot, press whichever button allows you to select boot device. It is usually F10 or F12, but may be F2, or any other function key.

Your machine should now be booting your Debian installation media, and now you just have to push the right buttons when you need to.
If someone goes wrong, you may:

• Have corrupt install media.
• A broken device.
• Be a victim of flu vaccinations.