Debian Linux: Key Features, Benefits, and Installation Guide
Debian Linux is an operating system that uses the kernel, that is, the base of the Linux system, which is open-source.
If you are just starting to take your first steps in the Linux universe, starting with Debian may be the best option due to its friendly interface and interesting processes.
To help you with this, the Linux Certification team has developed this complete content, with everything you need to know about Debian. It's worth reading to the end and checking it out. Follow along!
What is Debian Linux? Main Features
Debian Linux is an operating system created in 1993 by Ian Murdock, based on the Linux system.
As such, it presents a set of software capable of facilitating the user's daily life, meeting all their needs.
According to official sources, there are almost 60,000 packages that come with this system, fully simple to install and configure.
The best part is that both Debian and all the software it includes are free and open-source. After all, this is the purpose of Linux: to be open source and accessible to all users and all professionals.
This also allows the system to be constantly improved by the community that uses its source code.
A great differentiator of Debian is its legacy of "it's only ready when it's ready", that is, before any release of updates or modifications, they are exhaustively tested, until it is certain that there are no bugs or instability.
The concern for the well-being and satisfaction of the end user is truly impressive. This is a beautiful differentiator of Debian.
Besides its proven efficiency and high performance, there are also several interesting curiosities that draw attention when the topic is Debian. The name itself is a combination of the creator's name (Ian Murdock) and his wife, Debra.
Although interesting, such curiosities are not the goal of the article. We want to show you how window managers and package management work, which are major highlights of this operating system.
Window Managers
Window managers control how each window will be distributed within the system and the graphical interface present in it. The goal is to form an intuitive and simple desktop.
In Debian, window managers are famous for their flexibility. Everything happens through the GNOME project, which structures and integrates the applications.
Layout and usability are important points. That's why the main desktop environments are KDE, Xfce, LXDE, and MATE, which works as a continuation of GNOME.
Within them, the most common window managers for Debian are Openbox,
FluxBox and Compiz, which are lightweight and simple to handle.
Package Management
To manage, that is, install, modify, remove, and configure applications, package managers in Debian such as the dpkg command and Synaptic can be used.
At the same time, the most common one is the APT tool, known as Advanced Packaging Tool, which enables configuring applications and libraries.
To use it, just run the command apt-get install <program>. This way, the application is downloaded and configured. It's something simple, capable of facilitating users' routine.
Where is Debian Most Used?
Debian is extremely stable and, therefore, widely used by software developers and programmers. In addition to them, many military bases and research centers around the world use this system.
Several companies, distributed all over the globe, rely on Debian as their main operating system for their computers and devices.
In Brazil, there are more than 21 large companies registered using the system, not counting those not recognized by the organization.
Another very common place for Debian is on servers. Due to being highly stable and secure, it is perfect for managing so much information and data in these locations.
Debian or Ubuntu: Comparison Between the Distributions
Ubuntu is based on Debian, which is a more macro and robust system. The main difference between the two is that Debian is highly customizable, secure, and focused on high performance.
While Ubuntu is more focused on easy installation and compatibility, in addition to good package management.
Another point is the issue of stability and the release cycle of applications and features. In Debian, because it is super stable and without any for-profit company, releases take longer to happen.
While with Ubuntu, there are for-profit companies that sponsor and accelerate the flow of releases and creation of new versions for users.
Why Choose Debian?
Check out now some huge advantages of using the Debian system in your daily routine:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| It is free and open-source software | Updates take a while to arrive due to internal testing processes |
| Highly stable and secure | Some hardware may not be 100% compatible with the system due to update difficulties |
| It has great hardware support and a flexible installer | |
| It has a large community of professionals | |
| Zero or very low long-term maintenance cost | |
| It's perfect for servers that don't need to be connected to the network |
Why use Ubuntu
Using Ubuntu can also present several advantages, depending on your situation. The choice between Linux distributions should be made according to your needs and expectations. Check out the Ubuntu comparison table:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| It's easy to install and use, as well as being free | It requires more robust hardware to run |
| It's intuitive and secure, ready for use | The support timeframe for some versions is limited between 3 and 5 years |
| It comes with various useful programs necessary for good system performance | |
| It stays constantly updated, with faster releases than Debian |
Simplified step-by-step guide for Debian installation
Installation via CD or DVD:
- first, back up all the files you already have on your computer, with the help of a USB flash drive or external hard drive;
- search for the official Debian website and download all the necessary files to perform the installation;
- also download the Debian installation image and burn it to a CD or DVD, to be executed later;
- restart your computer with the CD inside, in order to boot from it;
- use the "Debian Live" version, which allows you to browse the system without commitment, for testing purposes, before actually installing it;
- finally, install Debian following all the steps shown.
Now, installation via Flash Drive:
- do all the backup normally, as mentioned in the list above;
- download the Debian image file and install it on your USB flash drive;
- restart your device with the flash drive connected;
- once your computer has restarted, access the BIOS and follow all the instructions provided there;
- install everything as the installation wizard recommends.
See how simple it is? You don't need in-depth knowledge of programming or any other discipline in the IT universe.
Just follow the steps, and if you have any questions or issues during the process, simply seek help from Debian's online communities.
Conclusion
Did you see how Debian Linux is something worth investing in? In this article, you understood what Debian is, what its main differentials, advantages, and disadvantages are, and also how to install it for everyday use.
If you like this type of content, about the Linux universe, you need to check out the other articles available on the Linux Certification Blog.
In it, we share only the best knowledge and tips about process management in Linux, pfSense firewall, Systemd, and much more!
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Prof. Uirá Ribeiro
Chair do Board do Linux Professional Institute
After years of watching professionals waste hours on simple tasks because they didn't know the right Linux tools, I decided to teach.
Today I'm the author of most of LPI's official Learning Materials and mentor to over 14,000 certified students.
That was just one piece. The course teaches the whole path — from your first command to exam day.
