Debian#Debian GNU/kFreeBSD

{{Main|Debian version history}}

Debian distribution codenames are based on the names of characters from the Toy Story films. Debian's unstable trunk is named after Sid, a character who regularly destroyed his toys.{{cite web|title=Debian Releases - Codenames|url=https://wiki.debian.org/DebianReleases#Codenames|website=Debian Wiki|access-date=25 July 2017|archive-date=September 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930033254/https://wiki.debian.org/DebianReleases#Codenames|url-status=live}}

First announced on August 16, 1993, Debian was founded by Ian Murdock, who initially called the system "the Debian Linux Release".{{cite web |url = https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/intro.en.html | work = A Brief History of Debian |title = Chapter 1 – Introduction – What is the Debian Project? |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-05-04 |access-date = 2014-06-22 |archive-date = December 22, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222010809/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/ch-intro.en.html |url-status = live }}{{cite newsgroup |title = New release under development; suggestions requested |url = https://groups.google.com/forum/#!original/comp.os.linux.development/Md3Modzg5TU/xty88y5OLaMJ |message-id = CBusDD.MIK@unix.portal.com |last = Murdock |first = Ian A. |author-link = Ian Murdock |date = 1993-08-16 |newsgroup = comp.os.linux.development |access-date = 2012-06-13 |archive-date = January 22, 2011 |archive-url = http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20110122130054/https://groups.google.com/forum/#!original/comp.os.linux.development/Md3Modzg5TU/xty88y5OLaMJ |url-status = live }} The word "Debian" was formed as a portmanteau of the first names of himself and his then-girlfriend (later ex-wife) Debra Lynn.{{cite book |last = Nixon |first = Robin |title = Ubuntu: Up and Running |page = 3 |publisher = O'Reilly Media |year = 2010 |isbn = 978-0-596-80484-8 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=badSTnfeOoAC |access-date = 2014-06-22 |archive-date = July 31, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200731133410/https://books.google.com/books?id=badSTnfeOoAC |url-status = live }} Before Debian's release, the Softlanding Linux System (SLS) had been a popular Linux distribution and the basis for Slackware.{{cite web |title = Debian and the grass roots of Linux |url = http://www.itpro.co.uk/135084/debian-and-the-grass-roots-of-linux |last = Hillesley |first = Richard |publisher = IT Pro |date = 2007-11-02 |access-date = 2014-05-25 |archive-date = May 26, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140526030921/http://www.itpro.co.uk/135084/debian-and-the-grass-roots-of-linux |url-status = live }} Murdock was motivated to launch a new distribution by what he saw as poor maintenance and the prevalence of bugs in SLS.{{cite book | last=Scheetz | first=Dale | title=The Debian Linux user's guide | publisher=Linux Press | location=Penngrove, Calif | year=1998 | isbn=0-9659575-1-9 | oclc=42689229 }}

Debian 0.01, released on September 15, 1993, was the first of several internal releases.{{cite web |url = http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/ChangeLog |title = ChangeLog |publisher = ibiblio |access-date = 2016-08-18 |archive-date = January 6, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170106042725/http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/ChangeLog |url-status = live }} Version 0.90 was the first public release, supported through mailing lists hosted at Pixar.{{cite web |url = http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/debian-0.91/RELEASE-0.91 |title = Release-0.91 |publisher = ibiblio |date = 1994-01-31 |access-date = 2014-07-03 |archive-date = September 24, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133319/http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/debian-0.91/RELEASE-0.91 |url-status = live }} The release included the Debian Linux Manifesto, outlining Murdock's view for the new operating system. In it he called for the creation of a distribution to be maintained "openly in the spirit of Linux and GNU."{{cite web |url = http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/info/Manifesto |title = The Debian Linux Manifesto |last = Murdock |first = Ian A. |author-link = Ian Murdock |publisher = ibiblio |date = 1994-01-06 |access-date = 2014-07-17 |archive-date = September 24, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133321/http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/historic-linux/distributions/debian-0.91/info/Manifesto |url-status = live }}

The Debian project released the 0.9x versions in 1994 and 1995.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/ch-releases.en.html |work = A Brief History of Debian |title = Chapter 3 – Debian Releases |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-05-04 |access-date = 2014-06-22 |archive-date = August 17, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110817004510/http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/ch-releases.en.html |url-status = live }} During this time it was sponsored by the Free Software Foundation for one year.{{cite newsgroup |url = https://groups.google.com/forum/#!original/comp.os.linux.misc/A30TG4KRx4Y/WKi_Yx0iuTAJ |title = The FSF is no longer sponsoring Debian |message-id = gnusenet199604280427.AAA00388@delasyd.gnu.ai.mit.edu |last = Stallman |first = Richard |author-link = Richard Stallman |newsgroup = comp.os.linux.misc |date = 1996-04-28 |access-date = 2014-08-22 |archive-date = January 22, 2011 |archive-url = http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20110122130054/https://groups.google.com/forum/#!original/comp.os.linux.misc/A30TG4KRx4Y/WKi_Yx0iuTAJ |url-status = live }} Ian Murdock delegated the base system, the core packages of Debian, to Bruce Perens, while Murdock focused on the management of the growing project. The first ports to non-IA-32 architectures began in 1995, and Debian 1.1 was released in 1996.{{cite web |url = https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/ch-detailed.en.html |work = A Brief History of Debian |title = Chapter 4 – A Detailed History |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-05-04 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191221235707/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/project-history/ch-detailed.en.html |access-date = 2014-08-01 |archive-date = December 21, 2019 }} By that time and thanks to Ian Jackson, the dpkg package manager was already an essential part of Debian.{{sfn |Krafft |2005 |pp=31–32}}

In 1996, Bruce Perens assumed the project leadership. Perens was a controversial leader, regarded as authoritarian and strongly attached to Debian.{{sfn |Hertzog |2013 |p=9}} He drafted a social contract and edited suggestions from a month-long discussion into the Debian Social Contract and the Debian Free Software Guidelines.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-announce/1997/msg00017.html |title = Debian's 'Social Contract' with the Free Software Community |last = Perens |first = Bruce |author-link = Bruce Perens |mailing-list = debian-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 1997-07-05 |access-date = 2014-08-01 |archive-date = June 10, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060610070939/http://lists.debian.org/debian-announce/debian-announce-1997/msg00017.html |url-status = live }} After the FSF withdrew their sponsorship in the midst of the free software vs. open source debate,{{cite web |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/1999/02/msg01641.html |title = It's Time to Talk About Free Software Again |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140716055445/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/1999/02/msg01641.html |archive-date = July 16, 2014 |df = mdy-all }} Perens initiated the creation of the legal umbrella organization Software in the Public Interest instead of seeking renewed involvement with the FSF. He led the conversion of the project from the a.out to the ELF executable format. He created the BusyBox program to make it possible to run a Debian installer from a single floppy disk, and wrote a new installer.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/4335 |title = Building Tiny Linux Systems with Busybox–Part I |last = Perens |first = Bruce |author-link = Bruce Perens |magazine = Linux Journal |date = 2000-11-01 |access-date = 2014-06-05 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606231721/http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/4335 |url-status = live }} By the time Debian 1.2 was released, the project had grown to nearly two hundred volunteers. Perens left the project in 1998.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-user/1998/03/msg01628.html |title = I am leaving Debian |last = Perens |first = Bruce |author-link = Bruce Perens |publisher = Debian |mailing-list = debian-user |date = 1998-03-18 |access-date = 2014-06-05 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706171832/https://lists.debian.org/debian-user/1998/03/msg01628.html |url-status = live }}

Ian Jackson became the project leader in 1998.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-announce/1997/msg00037.html |title = Ian Jackson is the next Debian Project Leader |last = Perens |first = Bruce |author-link = Bruce Perens |mailing-list = debian-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 1997-12-01 |access-date = 2014-08-02 |archive-date = September 9, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150909035450/https://lists.debian.org/debian-announce/1997/msg00037.html |url-status = live }} Debian 2.0 introduced the second official port, m68k. During this time the first port to a non-Linux kernel, Debian GNU/Hurd, was started.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-hurd/1998/07/msg00000.html |title = debian-hurd@lists.debian.org is up! |last = Grobman |first = Igor |mailing-list = debian-hurd |publisher = Debian |date = 1998-07-14 |access-date = 2014-08-02 |archive-date = October 18, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181018224515/https://lists.debian.org/debian-hurd/1998/07/msg00000.html |url-status = live }} On December 2, the first Debian Constitution was ratified.

From 1999, the project leader was elected yearly. The number of applicants was overwhelming and the project established the new member process.{{sfn |Coleman |2013 |p=141}}{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-project/1999/10/msg00003.html |title = New maintainer proposal |last = Akkerman |first = Wichert |mailing-list = debian-project |publisher = Debian |date = 1999-10-17 |access-date = 2014-08-02 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808050930/https://lists.debian.org/debian-project/1999/10/msg00003.html |url-status = live }} The package manager front-end APT was deployed with Debian 2.1. The first Debian derivatives, namely Libranet,{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-commercial/1999/msg00006.html |title = New Linux distribution brings Debian to the desktop. |last = Lohner |first = Nils |mailing-list = debian-commercial |publisher = Debian |date = 1999-11-09 |access-date = 2014-08-02 |archive-date = September 9, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150909090826/https://lists.debian.org/debian-commercial/1999/msg00006.html |url-status = live }} Corel Linux and Stormix's Storm Linux, were started in 1999. The 2.2 release in 2000 was dedicated to Joel Klecker, a developer who had recently died of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2000/20000815 |title = Debian GNU/Linux 2.2, the 'Joel "Espy" Klecker' release, is officially released |publisher = Debian |date = 2000-08-15 |access-date = 2011-07-27 |archive-date = June 29, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110629101301/http://www.debian.org/News/2000/20000815 |url-status = live }}

In late 2000, the project reorganized the archive with new package "pools" and created the Testing trunk, made up of packages considered stable, to reduce the freeze for the next release. In the same year, developers began holding an annual conference called DebConf with talks and workshops for developers and technical users.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2000/05/msg00006.html |title = First Debian Conference : the program |last = Laronde |first = Thierry |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2000-05-15 |access-date = 2014-08-02 |archive-date = December 25, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131225144425/http://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2000/05/msg00006.html |url-status = live }} In May 2001, Hewlett-Packard announced plans to base its Linux development on Debian.{{cite web |url = http://news.cnet.com/HP-settles-on-Debian-Linux/2100-1001_3-257405.html |title = HP settles on Debian Linux |last = Lemos |first = Robert |website = CNET News |date = 2001-05-10 |access-date = 2014-08-19 |archive-date = August 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819204105/http://news.cnet.com/HP-settles-on-Debian-Linux/2100-1001_3-257405.html |url-status = live }}

In July 2002, the project released version 3.0, code-named Woody, the first release to include cryptographic software, a free-licensed KDE and internationalization.{{sfn |Krafft |2005 |p=33}} During these last release cycles, the Debian project drew considerable criticism from the free software community because of the long time between stable releases.{{cite web |url = https://www.theregister.co.uk/2002/07/23/debian_gnu_linux/ |title = Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 released |last = Lettice |first = John |website = The Register |date = 2002-07-23 |access-date = 2014-08-19 |archive-date = July 3, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170703122451/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2002/07/23/debian_gnu_linux/ |url-status = live }}{{cite news |url = https://www.zdnet.com/article/debian-leaders-faster-release-cycle-required/ |title = Debian leaders: Faster release cycle required |last = LeMay |first = Renai |work = ZDNet |date = 2005-03-18 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808053504/http://www.zdnet.com/debian-leaders-faster-release-cycle-required-1139185097/ |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = http://ianmurdock.com/debian/ubuntu-vs-debian-reprise/ |title = Ubuntu vs. Debian, reprise |publisher = Ian Murdock |date = 2005-04-20 |access-date = 2014-06-05 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819164015/http://ianmurdock.com/debian/ubuntu-vs-debian-reprise/ |archive-date = August 19, 2014 |df = mdy-all }}

Some events disturbed the project while the Sarge release was in preparation, as Debian servers were attacked by fire and hackers.{{cite web |url = https://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/12/02/hackers_used_unpatched_server/ |title = Hackers used unpatched server to breach Debian |last = Orlowski |first = Andrew |author-link = Andrew Orlowski |website = The Register |date = 2003-12-02 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = July 3, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170703125104/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/12/02/hackers_used_unpatched_server/ |url-status = live }} One of the most memorable was the Vancouver prospectus.{{sfn |Coleman |2013 |pp=150–156}}{{cite web |url = https://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/03/14/debian_reduced/ |title = Debian drops mainframe, Sparc development |last = Orlowski |first = Andrew |author-link = Andrew Orlowski |website = The Register |date = 2005-03-14 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = July 3, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170703150116/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/03/14/debian_reduced/ |url-status = live }}{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2005/08/msg00009.html |title = Results of the meeting in Helsinki about the Vancouver proposal |last = Verhelst |first = Wouter |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2005-08-21 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051225/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2005/08/msg00009.html |url-status = live }} After a meeting held in Vancouver, release manager Steve Langasek announced a plan to reduce the number of supported ports to four in order to shorten future release cycles.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2005/03/msg00012.html |title = Bits (Nybbles?) from the Vancouver release team meeting |last = Langasek |first = Steve |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2005-03-14 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051223/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2005/03/msg00012.html |url-status = live }} There was a large reaction because the proposal looked more like a decision and because such a drop would damage Debian's aim to be "the universal operating system".{{sfn |Coleman |2013 |pp=153–154}}{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2005/03/msg00712.html |title = Re: Bits (Nybbles?) from the Vancouver release team meeting |last = Jarno |first = Aurélien |mailing-list = debian-devel |publisher = Debian |date = 2005-03-14 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051316/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2005/03/msg00712.html |url-status = live }}{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2005/03/msg00761.html |title = Re: Bits (Nybbles?) from the Vancouver release team meeting |last = Blache |first = Julien |mailing-list = debian-devel |publisher = Debian |date = 2005-03-14 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051319/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2005/03/msg00761.html |url-status = live }}

The first version of the Debian-based Ubuntu distribution, named "4.10 Warty Warthog", was released on October 20, 2004.{{Cite mailing list |url=https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-announce/2004-October/000003.html |title=Ubuntu 4.10 announcement |date=20 October 2004 |access-date=19 August 2008 |mailing-list=ubuntu-announce |last=Shuttleworth |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Shuttleworth}} Because it was distributed as a free download, it became one of the most popular and successful operating systems with more than "40 million users" according to Canonical Ltd.{{cite web |url=http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reports/7032/1/ |title=Ubuntu Claims 12 Million Users as Lucid Linux Desktop Nears |first=Sean Michael |last=Kerner |date=7 April 2010 |work=LinuxPlanet.com |access-date=7 April 2010 |archive-date=10 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410164921/http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reports/7032/1 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://insights.ubuntu.com/about/ |title=About Ubuntu Insights |work=Insights.Ubuntu.com |publisher=Canonical Ltd |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906185403/http://insights.ubuntu.com/about/ |archive-date=6 September 2015 }} However, Murdock was critical of the differences between Ubuntu packages and Debian, stating that it led to incompatibilities.{{cite web |first=Ian |last=Murdock |url=http://ianmurdock.com/debian/ubuntu-vs-debian-reprise/ |title=Ubuntu vs. Debian, reprise |date=20 April 2005 |access-date=21 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819164015/http://ianmurdock.com/debian/ubuntu-vs-debian-reprise/ |archive-date=19 August 2014 }}

File:Debian Etch-ja.png

The 3.1 Sarge release was made in June 2005. This release updated 73% of the software and included over 9,000 new packages. A new installer with a modular design, Debian-Installer, allowed installations with RAID, XFS and LVM support, improved hardware detection, made installations easier for novice users, and was translated into almost forty languages. An installation manual and release notes were in ten and fifteen languages respectively. The efforts of Skolelinux, Debian-Med and Debian-Accessibility raised the number of packages that were educational or had a medical affiliation, and of packages made for people with disabilities.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/sarge/i386/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |work = Release Notes for Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 (`sarge'), Intel x86 |title = Chapter 2 – What's new in Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 |publisher = Debian |date = 2006-09-18 |access-date = 2010-08-05 |archive-date = May 19, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100519033125/http://www.debian.org//releases/sarge/i386/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |url-status = live }}

File:Iceweasel icon.svg logo]]

In 2006, as a result of a much-publicized dispute, Mozilla software was rebranded in Debian. The Mozilla Corporation stated that software with unapproved modifications could not be distributed under the Firefox trademark. Two reasons that Debian had modified the Firefox software were to replace non-free artwork and to provide security patches.{{cite web |url = http://archive09.linux.com/feature/57675 |publisher = Linux.com |title = Behind the Debian and Mozilla dispute over use of Firefox |date = 2006-10-10 |first = Lisa |last = Hoover |access-date = 2009-02-09 |archive-date = June 6, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120606110117/http://archive09.linux.com/feature/57675 |url-status = live }}{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2006/10/msg00665.html |title = Re: Will IceWeasel be based on a fork or on vanilla FireFox? |last = Sanchez |first = Roberto C. |mailing-list = debian-devel |publisher = Debian |date = 2006-10-15 |access-date = 2014-08-03 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051725/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2006/10/msg00665.html |url-status = live }} Consequently, Debian contained a fork of Firefox named Iceweasel and one of Thunderbird named Icedove. In February 2016, it was announced that Mozilla and Debian had reached an agreement and Iceweasel would revert to the name Firefox; a similar agreement was anticipated for Icedove/Thunderbird.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/3036509/linux/iceweasel-will-be-renamed-firefox-as-relations-between-debian-and-mozilla-thaw.html |title = 'Iceweasel' will be renamed 'Firefox' as relations between Debian and Mozilla thaw |last = Hoffman |first = Chris |magazine = PC World |date = 2016-02-24 |access-date = 2016-03-27 |archive-date = March 29, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160329150932/http://www.pcworld.com/article/3036509/linux/iceweasel-will-be-renamed-firefox-as-relations-between-debian-and-mozilla-thaw.html |url-status = live }}

A fund-raising experiment, Dunc-Tank, was created to solve the release cycle problem and release managers were paid to work full-time;{{cite web |url = http://www.dunc-tank.org/press.html |title = Press Information |publisher = Dunc-Tank |date = 2006-09-19 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061010082200/http://www.dunc-tank.org/press.html |archive-date = 2006-10-10 |access-date = 2014-08-24 }} in response, unpaid developers slowed down their work and the release was delayed.{{cite web |url = http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Linux-and-Open-Source/Disgruntled-Debian-Developers-Delay-Etch/ |title = Disgruntled Debian Developers Delay Etch |last = Vaughan-Nichols |first = Steven J. |publisher = eWeek |date = 2006-12-18 |access-date = 2014-08-24 }}

Debian 4.0 (Etch) was released in April 2007, featuring the x86-64 port and a graphical installer.

Debian 5.0 (Lenny) was released in February 2009, supporting Marvell's Orion platform and netbooks such as the Asus Eee PC.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090214.en.html |title = Debian GNU/Linux 5.0 released |access-date = 2009-02-15 |publisher = Debian |date = 2009-02-14 |archive-date = February 17, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090217184902/http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090214.en.html |url-status = live }} The release was dedicated to Thiemo Seufer, a developer who died in a car crash.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/lenny/i386/release-notes/apc.en.html |work = Release Notes for Debian GNU/Linux 5.0 (lenny), Intel x86 |title = Appendix C. Lenny dedicated to Thiemo Seufer |access-date = 2014-05-25 |publisher = Debian |date = 2009-02-14 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706171546/https://www.debian.org/releases/lenny/i386/release-notes/apc.en.html |url-status = live }}

File:Debian 6.0.2.1.png

In July 2009, the policy of time-based development freezes on a two-year cycle was announced. Time-based freezes are intended to blend the predictability of time based releases with Debian's policy of feature-based releases, and to reduce overall freeze time. The Squeeze cycle was going to be especially short; however, this initial schedule was abandoned.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090730 |title = Debian GNU/Linux 6.0 'Squeeze' release goals |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2009-12-01 |date = 2009-07-30 |archive-date = March 3, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110303024424/http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090730 |url-status = live }} In September 2010, the backports service became official, providing more recent versions of some software for the stable release.

Debian 6.0 (Squeeze) was released in February 2011, featuring Debian GNU/kFreeBSD as a technology preview, along with adding a dependency-based boot system, and moving problematic firmware to the non-free section.

Debian 7 (Wheezy) was released in May 2013, featuring multiarch support.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2013/20130504 |title = Debian 7.0 'Wheezy' released |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-05-04 |access-date = 2013-05-05 |archive-date = December 22, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222015735/http://www.debian.org/News/2013/20130504 |url-status = live }}

Debian 8 (Jessie) was released in April 2015, using systemd as the new init system.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2015/20150426 |title = Debian 8 'Jessie' Released |date = 2015-04-25 |access-date = 2015-10-27 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = June 18, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170618152940/https://www.debian.org/News/2015/20150426 |url-status = live }}

Debian 9 (Stretch) was released in June 2017, with nftables as a replacement for iptables, support for Flatpak apps, and MariaDB as the replacement for MySQL.{{cite web|url = https://www.debian.org/News/2017/20170617|title = Debian 9.0 'Stretch' released|publisher = Debian|date = 2017-06-17|access-date = 2017-06-25|archive-date = June 18, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170618145125/https://www.debian.org/News/2017/20170617|url-status = live}}{{cite web|url=https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=showheadline&story=3474|title=Debian 9's release date|website=DistroWatch|date=2017-05-26|access-date=July 11, 2018|archive-date=July 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711185352/https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=showheadline&story=3474|url-status=live}}

Debian 10 (Buster) was released in July 2019, adding support for Secure Boot and enabling AppArmor by default.{{cite web|url = https://www.debian.org/News/2019/20190706|title = Debian 10.0 'buster' released|publisher = Debian|date = 2019-07-06|access-date = 2019-07-30|archive-date = July 7, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190707133037/https://www.debian.org/News/2019/20190706|url-status = live}}

Debian 11 (Bullseye) was released in August 2021, enabling persistency in the system journal, adding support for driverless scanning, and containing kernel-level support for exFAT filesystems.{{cite web|url = https://www.debian.org/News/2021/20210814|title = Debian 11 'bullseye' released|publisher = Debian|date = 2021-08-14|access-date = 2021-08-14|archive-date = 14 August 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210814215010/https://www.debian.org/News/2021/20210814|url-status = live}}

Debian 12 (Bookworm) was released on June 10, 2023, including various improvements and features, increasing the supported Linux Kernel to version 6.1, and leveraging new "Emerald" artwork.{{cite web|url = https://www.debian.org/News/2023/20230610|title = Debian 12 'bookworm' released|publisher = Debian|date = 2023-06-10|access-date = 2023-06-10}} Debian 12 also was the first version under a revised Debian Social Contract that includes non-free firmware in its installation media by default, if and when the installer detects that it is needed for installed hardware to function, such as with Wi-Fi cards.

Debian 13 has been announced to have the code name Trixie.{{cite web |title=bits from the release team: are you ready to skate yet? |url=https://www.debian.org/releases/trixie/releasenotes |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=Debian.org}}

Debian 14 has been announced to have the code name Forky.{{cite web |url = https://www.tomshardware.com/news/debian-14-forky |title = Debian 14 To Be Named 'Forky', Won't Arrive Until 2027 |last = Evenden |first = Ian |publisher = Tom's Hardware |date = 2022-10-13 |access-date = 2025-04-15}}

Debian 15 has been announced to have the code name Duke.{{cite web |url = https://linuxiac.com/debian-13-freeze-begins-in-march-debian-15-codename-revealed/ |title = Debian 13 Freeze Begins in March, Debian 15 Codename Revealed |last = Borisov |first = Bobby |publisher = Linuxiac |date = 2025-01-24 |access-date = 2025-04-25}}

Debian is under continuous development and new packages are uploaded to unstable every day.{{cite web |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-changes/ |title = Unstable packages' upgrade announcements |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-11-19 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606223947/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-changes/ |url-status = live }}

Debian used to be released as a very large set of CDs for each architecture, but with the release of Debian 9 (Stretch) in 2017, many of the images have been dropped from the archive but remain buildable via jigdo.{{cite web|access-date=2020-07-02|title=Chapter 2. What's new in Debian 9|url=https://www.debian.org/releases/stretch/amd64/release-notes/ch-whats-new.html#cd|website=www.debian.org|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308083937/https://www.debian.org/releases/stretch/amd64/release-notes/ch-whats-new.html#cd|url-status=live}}

Throughout Debian's lifetime, both the Debian distribution and its website have won various awards from different organizations,{{cite web |title = Awards |url = http://www.debian.org/misc/awards |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2008-11-02 |archive-date = November 20, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081120020604/http://www.debian.org/misc/awards |url-status = live }} including Server Distribution of the Year 2011,{{cite web |url = http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-news-59/2011-linuxquestions-org-members-choiceright-award-winners-928502/#post4598195 |title = 2011 LinuxQuestions.org Members Choice Award Winners |publisher = LinuxQuestions.org |date = 2012-02-09 |access-date = 2014-06-06 }} The best Linux distro of 2011,{{cite web |url = http://www.tuxradar.com/content/best-distro-2011 |title = The best Linux distro of 2011! |publisher = TuxRadar |date = 2011-08-04 |access-date = 2014-06-06 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606232606/http://www.tuxradar.com/content/best-distro-2011 |url-status = live }} and a Best of the Net award for October 1998.{{cite web |url = http://linux.miningco.com/library/awards/bloct98.htm |title = Best of the Net Awards, October 1998 – Focus On Linux |publisher = The Mining Company |date = 1999-05-04 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19990504092128/http://linux.miningco.com/library/awards/bloct98.htm |archive-date = 1999-05-04 |access-date = 2014-06-06 }}

On December 2, 2015, Microsoft announced that they would offer Debian GNU/Linux as an endorsed distribution on the Azure cloud platform.{{cite web |url = https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/debian-images-now-available-on-azure/ |title = Announcing availability of Debian GNU/Linux as an endorsed distribution in Azure Marketplace |last = Zarkos |first = Stephen |publisher = Microsoft Azure |date = 2015-12-02 |access-date = 2016-04-10 |archive-date = March 4, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193636/https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/debian-images-now-available-on-azure/ |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = http://www.cio.com/article/3011419/operating-systems/microsoft-brings-debian-gnu-linux-to-azure-cloud.html |title = Microsoft brings Debian GNU/Linux to Azure cloud |last = Bhartiya |first = Swapnil |website = CIO |publisher = IDG Enterprise |date = 2015-12-02 |access-date = 2016-04-10 |archive-date = April 23, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160423122511/http://www.cio.com/article/3011419/operating-systems/microsoft-brings-debian-gnu-linux-to-azure-cloud.html |url-status = dead }} Microsoft has also added a user environment to their Windows 10 desktop operating system called Windows Subsystem for Linux that offers a Debian subset.{{cite web|access-date=2020-07-02|title=How to Get Started With the Windows Subsystem for Linux|url=https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-started-with-the-windows-subsystem-for-linux-1828952698 |first1=Brendan |last1=Hesse |website=Lifehacker|date=September 11, 2018 |archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702205842/https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-started-with-the-windows-subsystem-for-linux-1828952698|url-status=live}}

File:Debian 12 GRUB, UEFI mode.png

File:Debian10-text-installer.png ]]

File:Debian 12 Graphical Installer.png

File:Debian 12 CLI-Console mode.png

Debian has access to online repositories that contain over 51,000 packages.{{cite web |title = 50.000 binary packages |first1=Ralf |last1=Treinen |date=8 Feb 2016 |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2016/02/msg00122.html |publisher = Debian |access-date = February 8, 2016 |archive-date = February 13, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160213234055/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2016/02/msg00122.html |url-status = live }} Debian officially contains only free software, but non-free software can be downloaded and installed from the Debian repositories.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/distrib/packages |title = Packages |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-22 |archive-date = June 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140621193509/http://www.debian.org/distrib/packages |url-status = live }} Debian includes popular free programs such as LibreOffice,{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2011/20110623 |title = Debian Moves to LibreOffice |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2012-03-05 |archive-date = January 11, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120111222046/http://www.debian.org/News/2011/20110623 |url-status = live }} Firefox web browser, Evolution mail, K3b disc burner, VLC media player, GIMP image editor, and Evince document viewer. Debian is a popular choice for servers, for example as the operating system component of a LAMP stack.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/247845/debian_linux_named_most_popular_distro_for_web_servers.html |title = Debian Linux Named Most Popular Distro for Web Servers |last = Noyes |first = Katherine |magazine = PC World |date = 2012-01-11 |access-date = 2013-02-14 |archive-date = February 9, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130209000744/http://www.pcworld.com/article/247845/debian_linux_named_most_popular_distro_for_web_servers.html |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = http://w3techs.com/technologies/details/os-linux/all/all |title = Usage statistics and market share of Linux for websites |publisher = W3Techs.com |access-date = 2014-06-10 |archive-date = July 18, 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120718181627/http://w3techs.com/technologies/details/os-linux/all/all |url-status = live }}

Beyond the typical server environment, Debian is increasingly used in cloud computing, containerization, and AI development. It serves as a foundation for Docker containers and is supported by Google Cloud's deep learning VMs, positioning it as a platform for new workloads.{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Introduction to Deep Learning VM |url=https://cloud.google.com/deep-learning-vm/docs/introduction |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Google Cloud |publisher=Google}}

Several flavors of the Linux kernel exist for each port. For example, the i386 port has flavors for IA-32 PCs supporting Physical Address Extension and real-time computing, for older PCs, and for x86-64 PCs.{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/wheezy/linux-image |title = Virtual Package: linux-image |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-08-15 |archive-date = August 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084518/https://packages.debian.org/wheezy/linux-image |url-status = live }} The Linux kernel does not officially contain firmware lacking source code, although such firmware is available in non-free packages and alternative installation media.{{cite web |url = https://kernel-handbook.alioth.debian.org/ch-source.html |work = Debian Linux Kernel Handbook |title = Chapter 2 – Debian kernel source |publisher = Alioth |date = 2013-12-14 |access-date = 2014-08-15 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140604095349/http://kernel-handbook.alioth.debian.org/ch-source.html |archive-date = June 4, 2014 |url-status = dead }}{{cite web |url = http://cdimage.debian.org/cdimage/unofficial/non-free/cd-including-firmware/ |title = Unofficial non-free CDs including firmware packages |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-08-16 |archive-date = August 16, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140816095235/http://cdimage.debian.org/cdimage/unofficial/non-free/cd-including-firmware/ |url-status = live }}

File:XFCE 4.12.3 on Debian 9.3.png

Debian offers CD and DVD images specifically built for Xfce, GNOME, KDE, MATE, Cinnamon, LXDE, and LXQt.{{cite web |title = Debian 6.0 'Squeeze' released |publisher = Debian |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2011/20110205a |date = 2011-02-06 |access-date = 2011-02-06 |archive-date = February 21, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110221183035/http://www.debian.org/News/2011/20110205a |url-status = live }} MATE support was added in 2014,{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/wheezy-backports/mate-desktop |title = Package: mate-desktop (1.8.1+dfsg1-1~bpo70+1) |access-date = 2014-07-06 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714115428/https://packages.debian.org/wheezy-backports/mate-desktop |url-status = live }} and Cinnamon support was added with Debian 8 Jessie.{{Cite web |title = Details of package cinnamon in jessie |url = https://packages.debian.org/en/jessie/cinnamon |website = packages.debian.org |access-date = 2015-09-06 |archive-date = September 9, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150909035505/https://packages.debian.org/en/jessie/cinnamon |url-status = live }} Less common window managers such as Enlightenment, Openbox, Fluxbox, IceWM, Window Maker and others are available.{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/sid/x-window-manager |title = Virtual Package: x-window-manager |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-05-27 |archive-date = May 27, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527231641/https://packages.debian.org/sid/x-window-manager |url-status = live }}

The default desktop environment of version 7 Wheezy was temporarily switched to Xfce, because GNOME 3 did not fit on the first CD of the set.{{cite web |url = http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTE1NTk |last = Larabel |first = Michael |author-link = Michael Larabel |title = Debian Now Defaults To Xfce Desktop |publisher = Phoronix |date = 2012-08-08 |access-date = 2012-08-27 |archive-date = August 10, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120810220558/http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTE1NTk |url-status = live }} The default for the version 8 Jessie was changed again to Xfce in November 2013,{{cite web |url = http://linux.softpedia.com/blog/Debian-8-0-quot-Jessie-quot-Ditches-GNOME-and-Adopts-Xfce-397262.shtml |title = Debian 8.0 'Jessie' Ditches GNOME and Adopts Xfce |last = Stahie |first = Silviu |publisher = Softpedia |date = 2013-11-05 |access-date = 2014-11-22 |archive-date = November 29, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141129051655/http://linux.softpedia.com/blog/Debian-8-0-quot-Jessie-quot-Ditches-GNOME-and-Adopts-Xfce-397262.shtml |url-status = live }} and back to GNOME in September 2014.{{cite web |url = https://anonscm.debian.org/cgit/tasksel/tasksel.git/commit/?id=dce99f5f8d84e4c885e6beb4cc1bb5bb1d9ee6d7 |title = switch default desktop to GNOME |last = Hess |first = Joey |publisher = Alioth |date = 2014-09-19 |access-date = 2014-11-03 |archive-date = November 4, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141104013603/https://anonscm.debian.org/cgit/tasksel/tasksel.git/commit/?id=dce99f5f8d84e4c885e6beb4cc1bb5bb1d9ee6d7 |url-status = live }}

Several parts of Debian are translated into languages other than American English, including package descriptions, configuration messages, documentation and the website.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/international/l10n/ |title = Central Debian translation statistics |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-02 |archive-date = July 4, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140704193725/http://www.debian.org/international/l10n/ |url-status = live }} The level of software localization depends on the language, ranging from the highly supported German and French to the barely translated Creek and Samoan.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/international/l10n/po/rank |title = Status of the l10n in Debian — ranking PO files between languages |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-02 |archive-date = July 9, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140709123015/https://www.debian.org/international/l10n/po/rank |url-status = live }} The Debian 10 installer is available in 76 languages.{{cite web |url = https://www.debian.org/devel/debian-installer/News/2019/20190703 |title = Debian Installer Buster RC 3 release |access-date = 2019-08-22 |publisher = Debian |date = 2019-07-03 |archive-date = August 23, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190823013102/https://www.debian.org/devel/debian-installer/News/2019/20190703 |url-status = live }}

Multimedia support has been problematic in Debian regarding codecs threatened by possible patent infringements, lacking source code, or under too restrictive licenses.{{cite web |url = https://wiki.debian.org/MultimediaCodecs?action=diff&rev1=56&rev2=59 |title = Diff for 'MultimediaCodecs' |last = Mejia |first = Andres |publisher = Debian Wiki |date = 2012-03-18 |access-date = 2014-10-16 |archive-date = October 20, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141020092141/https://wiki.debian.org/MultimediaCodecs?action=diff&rev1=56&rev2=59 |url-status = live }} Even though packages with problems related to their distribution could go into the non-free area, software such as libdvdcss is not hosted at Debian .{{cite web |url = https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=154281 |title = RFP: libdvdcss – Library to read scrambled DVDs |publisher = Debian BTS |date = 2002-07-25 |access-date = 2014-07-09 |archive-date = December 2, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181202162508/https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=154281 |url-status = live }}

A notable third party repository exists, formerly named Debian-multimedia.org,{{cite web |url = https://www.theregister.co.uk/Print/2009/02/16/debian_lenny_review/ |title = 'Lenny': Debian for the masses? |last = Gilbertson |first = Scott |website = The Register |date = 2009-02-16 |access-date = 2014-07-13 |archive-date = August 10, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170810091102/https://www.theregister.co.uk/Print/2009/02/16/debian_lenny_review/ |url-status = live }}{{cite magazine |url = http://www.linux-mag.com/id/5006/ |title = Cool APT Repositories for Ubuntu and Debian |last = Granneman |first = Scott |magazine = Linux Magazine |date = 2008-02-06 |access-date = 2014-07-13 |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714144223/http://www.linux-mag.com/id/5006/ |url-status = usurped }}{{cite web |url = http://linux.softpedia.com/blog/Window-Maker-Live-CD-2012-03-18-Available-for-Download-259448.shtml |title = Window Maker Live CD 2012-03-18 Available for Download |last = Nestor |first = Marius |publisher = Softpedia |date = 2012-03-19 |access-date = 2014-11-22 |archive-date = November 29, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141129051818/http://linux.softpedia.com/blog/Window-Maker-Live-CD-2012-03-18-Available-for-Download-259448.shtml |url-status = live }} providing software not present in Debian such as Windows codecs, libdvdcss and the Adobe Flash Player.{{cite web |url = http://deb-multimedia.org/pool/main/ |title = Packages |publisher = deb-multimedia.org |access-date = 2014-07-13 |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714191242/http://deb-multimedia.org/pool/main/ |url-status = live }} Even though this repository is maintained by Christian Marillat, a Debian developer, it is not part of the project and is not hosted on a Debian server. The repository provides packages already included in Debian, interfering with the official maintenance. Eventually, project leader Stefano Zacchiroli asked Marillat to either settle an agreement about the packaging or to stop using the "Debian" name.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.alioth.debian.org/pipermail/pkg-multimedia-maintainers/2012-May/026678.html |title = on package duplication between Debian and debian-multimedia |last = Zacchiroli |first = Stefano |author-link = Stefano Zacchiroli |mailing-list = pkg-multimedia-maintainers |publisher = Alioth |date = 2012-05-05 |access-date = 2014-07-13 |archive-date = June 5, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140605095724/http://lists.alioth.debian.org/pipermail/pkg-multimedia-maintainers/2012-May/026678.html |url-status = live }} Marillat chose the latter and renamed the repository to deb-multimedia.org. The repository was so popular that the switchover was announced by the official blog of the Debian project.{{cite web |url = https://bits.debian.org/2013/06/remove-debian-multimedia.html |title = Remove unofficial debian-multimedia.org repository from your sources |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-06-14 |access-date = 2014-07-13 |archive-date = August 8, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808052055/https://bits.debian.org/2013/06/remove-debian-multimedia.html |url-status = live }}

Debian offers DVD and CD images for installation that can be downloaded using BitTorrent or jigdo. Physical discs can also be bought from retailers.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/CD/ |title = Debian on CDs |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-05-10 |access-date = 2014-05-27 |archive-date = August 7, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110807185915/http://www.debian.org/CD/ |url-status = live }} The full sets are made up of several discs (the amd64 port consists of 13 DVDs or 84 CDs),{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/CD/jigdo-cd/#which |title = Downloading Debian CD images with jigdo |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-05-10 |access-date = 2014-05-26 |archive-date = May 27, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527185909/http://www.debian.org/CD/jigdo-cd/#which |url-status = live }} but only the first disc is required for installation, as the installer can retrieve software not contained in the first disc image from online repositories.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/CD/http-ftp/#stable |title = Downloading Debian CD/DVD images via HTTP/FTP |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-05-17 |access-date = 2014-05-26 |archive-date = May 27, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527230127/https://www.debian.org/CD/http-ftp/#stable |url-status = live }}

Debian offers different network installation methods. A minimal install of Debian is available via the netinst CD, whereby Debian is installed with just a base and later added software can be downloaded from the Internet. Another option is to boot the installer from the network.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/distrib/netinst |title = Installing Debian GNU/Linux via the Internet |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2008-12-11 |archive-date = August 8, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110808041922/http://www.debian.org/distrib/netinst |url-status = live }}

The default bootstrap loader is GNU GRUB version 2, though the package name is simply grub, while version 1 was renamed to grub-legacy. This conflicts with distros (e.g., Fedora Linux), where grub version 2 is named grub2.

The default desktop may be chosen from the DVD boot menu among GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXDE, and LXQt and from special disc 1 CDs.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/i386/ch06s03.html.en |work = Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide |title = 6.3. Using Individual Components |publisher = Debian |year = 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131224224113/http://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/i386/ch06s03.html.en |archive-date = December 24, 2013 |access-date = 2014-05-30 |url-status = dead |df = mdy }}{{cite news |url = https://www.zdnet.com/article/debian-linux-7-0-wheezy-hands-on/ |title = Debian Linux 7.0 Wheezy: Hands on |last = Watson |first = J.A. |work = ZDNet |date = 2013-05-28 |access-date = 2014-06-10 |quote = For the CD images, it is useful to know that Debian supports a number of different desktops, including GNOME, KDE, Xfce, MATE and LXDE, and there is a different 'disk 1' image for each of these desktops. |archive-date = May 1, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140501235852/http://www.zdnet.com/debian-linux-7-0-wheezy-hands-on-7000015889/ |url-status = live }}

Debian releases live install images for CDs, DVDs and USB thumb drives, for IA-32 and x86-64 architectures, and with a choice of desktop environments. These Debian Live images allow users to boot from removable media and run Debian without affecting the contents of their computer. A full install of Debian to the computer's hard drive can be initiated from the live image environment.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/CD/live/ |title = Live install images |date = 2013-10-27 |access-date = 2013-12-07 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = June 7, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170607183518/http://www.debian.org/CD/live/ |url-status = live }} Personalized images can be built with the live-build tool for discs, USB drives and for network booting purposes.{{cite web |url = http://live.debian.net/manual/stable/html/live-manual.en.html |title = Debian Live Manual |publisher = Debian |year = 2013 |access-date = 2014-07-06 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140214191646/http://live.debian.net/manual/stable/html/live-manual.en.html |archive-date = February 14, 2014 |df = mdy }} Installation images are hybrid on some architectures and can be used to create a bootable USB drive (Live USB).{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/squeeze/amd64/ch04s03.html#usb-copy-isohybrid |work = Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide |title = 4.3. Preparing Files for USB Memory Stick Booting |publisher = Debian |year = 2010 |access-date = 2014-05-27 |archive-date = May 27, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527230139/https://www.debian.org/releases/squeeze/amd64/ch04s03.html#usb-copy-isohybrid |url-status = live }}

Package management operations can be performed with different tools available on Debian, from the lowest level command dpkg to graphical front-ends like Synaptic. The recommended standard for administering packages on a Debian system is the apt toolset.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-reference/ch02.en.html |work = Debian Reference |title = Chapter 2. Debian package management |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-12-03 |access-date = 2014-05-29 |archive-date = August 8, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110808070729/http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-reference/ch02.en.html |url-status = live }}

dpkg provides the low-level infrastructure for package management.{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/stable/dpkg |title = Package: dpkg (1.16.15) [security] [essential] |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-18 |archive-date = May 9, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080509052934/http://packages.debian.org/stable/dpkg |url-status = live }} The dpkg database contains the list of installed software on the current system. The dpkg command tool does not know about repositories. The command can work with local .deb package files, and information from the dpkg database.{{cite web |url = http://manpages.debian.org/cgi-bin/man.cgi?query=dpkg |title = dpkg |publisher = Debian |date = 2012-06-05 |access-date = 2014-06-18 }}

File:Debian 7 Aptitude Package Details.png to view Debian package details]] File:Debian-aptitude.png

An Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) allows a Debian system to retrieve and resolve package dependencies from repositories. APT tools share dependency information and cached packages.

• The apt command itself is intended as an end user interface and enables some options better suited for interactive usage by default compared to more specialized APT like apt-get and apt-cache explained below.
• apt-get and apt-cache are command tools of the standard apt package. apt-get installs and removes packages, and apt-cache is used for searching packages and displaying package information.
• Aptitude is a command line tool that also offers a text-based user interface. The program comes with enhancements such as better search on package metadata.

File:GDebi Package installer.png

GDebi is an APT tool which can be used in command-line and on the GUI.{{cite web |url = https://launchpad.net/gdebi/ |title = gdebi |date = January 24, 2006 |publisher = Launchpad |access-date = 2014-06-19 |archive-date = June 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140619195632/https://launchpad.net/gdebi |url-status = live }} GDebi can install a local .deb file via the command line like the dpkg command, but with access to repositories to resolve dependencies.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/163019/ubuntu_tricks.html |title = 10 Expert Ubuntu Tricks |last = Thomas |first = Keir |magazine = PC World |date = 2009-04-13 |access-date = 2014-06-19 |archive-date = July 15, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140715233348/http://www.pcworld.com/article/163019/ubuntu_tricks.html |url-status = live }} Other graphical front-ends for APT include Software Center,{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/stable/software-center |title = Package: software-center (5.1.2debian3.1) |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-19 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706170439/https://packages.debian.org/stable/software-center |url-status = live }} Synaptic{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/stable/synaptic |title = Package: synaptic (0.75.13) |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-19 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706173039/https://packages.debian.org/stable/synaptic |url-status = live }} and Apper.{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/stable/apper |title = Package: apper (0.7.2-5) |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-19 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706185202/https://packages.debian.org/stable/apper |url-status = live }}

GNOME Software is a graphical front-end for PackageKit, which itself can work on top of various software packaging systems.

The Debian Free Software Guidelines (DFSG) define the distinctive meaning of the word "free" as in "free and open-source software".{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/social_contract |title = Debian Social Contract |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2013-06-17 |archive-date = February 17, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110217173758/http://www.debian.org/social_contract |url-status = live }} Packages that comply with these guidelines, usually under the GNU General Public License, Modified BSD License or Artistic License,{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/legal/licenses/ |title = License information |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2009-02-28 |archive-date = July 20, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170720142826/https://www.debian.org/legal/licenses/ |url-status = live }} are included inside the main area;{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/resources.html |work = Debian Developer's Reference |title = Chapter 4. Resources for Debian Developers |access-date = 2008-10-31 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = October 25, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081025010313/http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/resources.html |url-status = live }} otherwise, they are included inside the non-free and contrib areas. These last two areas are not distributed within the official installation media, but they can be adopted manually.

Non-free includes packages that do not comply with the DFSG,{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-archive.html#s-sections |work = Debian Policy Manual |title = Chapter 2 – The Debian Archive |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-10-28 |access-date = 2014-07-09 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140713200533/http://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-archive.html#s-sections |archive-date = July 13, 2014 |df = mdy-all }} such as documentation with invariant sections and proprietary software,{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/vote/2006/vote_001#amendmenttexta |title = General Resolution: Why the GNU Free Documentation License is not suitable for Debian main |publisher = Debian |year = 2006 |access-date = 2014-07-02 |archive-date = June 29, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140629002111/https://www.debian.org/vote/2006/vote_001#amendmenttexta |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/stable/fglrx-driver |title = Package: fglrx-driver (1:12-6+point-3) [non-free] |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-02 |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714200624/https://packages.debian.org/stable/fglrx-driver |url-status = live }} and legally questionable packages. Contrib includes packages which do comply with the DFSG but fail other requirements. For example, they may depend on packages which are in non-free or requires such for building them.

Richard Stallman and the Free Software Foundation have criticized the Debian project for hosting the non-free repository and because the contrib and non-free areas are easily accessible,{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/gnuherds-app-dev/2007-10/msg00049.html |title = Re: Debian vs gNewSense – FS criteria |last = Stallman |first = Richard |author-link = Richard Stallman |mailing-list = gnuherds-app-dev |publisher = lists.nongnu.org |date = 2007-10-06 |access-date = 2014-07-09 |quote = What makes Debian unacceptable is that its inclusion of non-free software is not a mistake. |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714142657/https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/gnuherds-app-dev/2007-10/msg00049.html |url-status = live }} an opinion echoed by some in Debian including the former project leader Wichert Akkerman.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/1999/06/msg00043.html |mailing-list = debian-vote |title = Moving contrib and non-free of master.debian.org |last = Akkerman |first = Wichert |date = 1999-06-21 |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-08-04 |archive-date = July 20, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140720100552/https://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/1999/06/msg00043.html |url-status = live }} The internal dissent in the Debian project regarding the non-free section has persisted,{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/2014/03/msg00224.html |title = non-free? |last = Wise |first = Paul |mailing-list = debian-vote |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-03-22 |access-date = 2014-08-16 |archive-date = August 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084518/https://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/2014/03/msg00224.html |url-status = live }} but the last time it came to a vote in 2004, the majority decided to keep it.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/vote/2004/vote_002 |title = General Resolution: Status of the non-free section |year = 2004 |access-date = 2009-09-28 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = October 8, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091008234847/http://www.debian.org/vote/2004/vote_002 |url-status = live }}

The most popular optional Linux cross-distribution package manager are graphical (front-ends) package managers. They are available within the official Debian Repository but are not installed by default. They are widely popular with both Debian users and Debian software developers who are interested in installing the most recent versions of application or using the cross-distribution package manager built-in sandbox environment. While at the same time remaining in control of the security.{{Cite web|last=Brodkin|first=Jon|date=2016-06-21|title=Linux's RPM/deb split could be replaced by Flatpak vs. snap|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/06/here-comes-flatpak-a-competitor-to-ubuntus-cross-platform-linux-apps/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211219110800/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/06/here-comes-flatpak-a-competitor-to-ubuntus-cross-platform-linux-apps/|archive-date=December 19, 2021|access-date=2021-12-19|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us}}{{Cite web|date=2020-11-27|title=How to Install and Use Flatpak on Linux|url=https://www.linuxtoday.com/news/how-to-install-and-use-flatpak-on-linux/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211218164651/https://www.linuxtoday.com/news/how-to-install-and-use-flatpak-on-linux/|archive-date=December 18, 2021|access-date=2021-12-19|website=Linux Today|language=en-US}}

Four most popular cross-distribution package managers, sorted in alphabetical order:

• AppImage Linux distribution-agnostic binary software deployment
• Flatpak software code is owned and maintained by the not for profit Flatpak Team, with an open source LGPL-2.1-or-later license.
• Homebrew software code is owned and maintained by its original author Max Howell, with an open source BSD 2-Clause License.
• Snap software code is owned and maintained by the for profit Canonical Group Limited, with an open source GNU General Public License, version 3.0.

{{See also|Debian version history}}

File:Debian10-CD-Cover.png

Three branches of Debian (also called releases, distributions or suites) are regularly maintained:{{cite web |title = Debian Releases |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/ |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-22 |archive-date = October 11, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111011180740/http://www.debian.org/releases/ |url-status = live }}

• Stable is the current release and targets stable and well-tested software needs.{{cite news |url = https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-new-debian-linux-7-0-is-now-available/ |title = The new Debian Linux 7.0 is now available |last = Vaughan-Nichols |first = Steven J. |work = ZDNet |date = 2013-05-05 |access-date = 2014-07-08 |archive-date = November 29, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141129032319/http://www.zdnet.com/the-new-debian-linux-7-0-is-now-available-7000014911/ |url-status = live }} Stable is made by freezing Testing for a few months where bugs are fixed and packages with too many bugs are removed; then the resulting system is released as stable. It is updated only if major security or usability fixes are incorporated. This branch has an optional backports service that provides more recent versions of some software.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2010/20100905 |title = Backports service becoming official |publisher = Debian |date = 2010-09-05 |access-date = 2014-06-17 |archive-date = September 3, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110903172855/http://www.debian.org/News/2010/20100905 |url-status = live }} Stable{{'}}s CDs and DVDs can be found in the Debian website. The current version of Stable is codenamed bookworm.
• Testing is the preview branch that will eventually become the next major release. The packages included in this branch have had some testing in unstable but they may not be fit for release yet. It contains newer packages than stable but older than unstable. This branch is updated continually until it is frozen. Testing{{'}}s CDs and DVDs can be found on the Debian website. The current version of Testing is codenamed trixie.
• Unstable, always codenamed sid, is the trunk. Packages are accepted without checking the distribution as a whole. This branch is usually run by software developers who participate in a project and need the latest libraries available, and by those who prefer bleeding-edge software. Debian does not provide full Sid installation discs, but rather a minimal ISO that can be used to install over a network connection. Additionally, this branch can be installed through a system upgrade from stable or testing.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/CD/faq/#unstable-images |title = Frequently Asked Questions |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-09 |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714195751/https://www.debian.org/CD/faq/#unstable-images |url-status = live }}

Other branches in Debian:

• Oldstable is the prior stable release. It is supported by the Debian Security Team until one year after a new stable is released, and since the release of Debian 6, for another two years through the Long Term Support project. Eventually, oldstable is moved to a repository for archived releases. Debian 11 is the current Oldstable release (since 2023-06-10).
• Oldoldstable is the prior oldstable release. It is supported by the Long Term Support community. Eventually, oldoldstable is moved to a repository for archived releases. Debian 10 is the current Oldoldstable release (since 2023-06-10).
• Experimental is a temporary staging area of highly experimental software that is likely to break the system. It is not a full distribution and missing dependencies are commonly found in unstable, where new software without the damage chance is normally uploaded.

The snapshot archive provides older versions of the branches. They may be used to install a specific older version of some software.{{cite web |url = http://snapshot.debian.org/ |title = snapshot.debian.org |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-09 |archive-date = June 13, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190613201839/http://snapshot.debian.org/ |url-status = live }}

Stable and oldstable get minor updates, called point releases; {{as of|2021|August|lc=y}}, the stable release is version 11.7,{{cite web|date=2021-02-06|title=ChangeLog|url=https://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/bullseye/ChangeLog|access-date=2021-08-14|work=bullseye|publisher=Debian|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814220141/https://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/bullseye/ChangeLog|url-status=live}} released on {{start date and age|2023|04|29}}, and the oldstable release is version 10.10.{{cite web|date=2021-08-14|title=ChangeLog|url=https://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/buster/ChangeLog|access-date=2021-08-14|work=buster|publisher=Debian|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814215958/https://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/buster/ChangeLog|url-status=live}}

The numbering scheme for the point releases up to Debian 4.0 was to include the letter r (for revision){{sfn |Hertzog |2013 |loc=Section 1.6}} after the main version number and then the number of the point release; for example, the latest point release of version 4.0 is 4.0r9.{{cite web |url = http://archive.debian.org/debian/dists/Debian-4.0/Release |title = Release |work = etch |publisher = Debian |date = 2010-05-22 |access-date = 2014-06-05 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150815043253/http://archive.debian.org/debian/dists/Debian-4.0/Release |archive-date = August 15, 2015 |url-status = dead }} This scheme was chosen because a new dotted version would make the old one look obsolete and vendors would have trouble selling their CDs.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/1998/08/msg01581.html |title = Naming of new 2.0 release |last = Schulze |first = Martin |mailing-list = debian-devel |publisher = Debian |date = 1998-08-24 |access-date = 2014-07-26 |archive-date = July 28, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140728001008/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/1998/08/msg01581.html |url-status = live }}

From Debian 5.0, the numbering scheme of point releases was changed, conforming to the GNU version numbering standard;{{cite web |url = https://www.gnu.org/prep/standards/html_node/Releases.html#index-version-numbers_002c-for-releases |title = GNU Coding Standards: Releases |publisher = GNU |date = 2014-05-13 |access-date = 2014-05-25 |quote = You should identify each release with a pair of version numbers, a major version and a minor. We have no objection to using more than two numbers, but it is very unlikely that you really need them. |archive-date = May 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140525214338/https://www.gnu.org/prep/standards/html_node/Releases.html#index-version-numbers_002c-for-releases |url-status = live }} the first point release of Debian 5.0 was 5.0.1 instead of 5.0r1.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2009/02/msg00003.html |first = Marc |last = Brockschmidt |access-date = 2009-02-15 |date = 2009-02-15 |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |title = Debian squeeze waiting for development |publisher = Debian |archive-date = June 20, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170620183013/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2009/02/msg00003.html |url-status = live }} The numbering scheme was once again changed for the first Debian 7 update, which was version 7.1.{{cite web |url = http://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/wheezy/ChangeLog |title = ChangeLog |work = wheezy |publisher = Debian |date = 2016-06-04 |access-date = 2016-12-14 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140704124448/http://ftp.debian.org/debian/dists/wheezy/ChangeLog |archive-date = July 4, 2014 |url-status = dead }} The r scheme is no longer in use, but point release announcements include a note about not throwing away old CDs.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2014/20141018 |title = Updated Debian 7: 7.7 released |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-10-18 |access-date = 2014-10-20 |archive-date = October 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141025044530/https://www.debian.org/News/2014/20141018 |url-status = live }}

File:Debian-OpenLogo.svg

Debian has two logos. The official logo (also known as open use logo) contains the well-known Debian swirl and best represents the visual identity of the Debian Project. A separate logo also exists for use by the Debian Project and its members only.

The Debian "swirl" logo was designed by Raul Silva{{cite web |url = http://gnuart.onshore.com/ |title = GNU/art |access-date = February 18, 2015 |archive-date = February 8, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150208024346/http://gnuart.onshore.com/ |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-www/2010/10/msg00119.html |title = Logo credit |access-date = February 18, 2015 |archive-date = February 18, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150218182043/https://lists.debian.org/debian-www/2010/10/msg00119.html |url-status = live }} in 1999 as part of a contest to replace the semi-official logo that had been used.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/1999/19990204.en.html |title = Debian Logo Contest |access-date = March 24, 2021 |archive-date = February 18, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150218195921/https://www.debian.org/News/1999/19990204.en.html |url-status = live }} The winner of the contest received an @Debian.org email address, and a set of Debian 2.1 install CDs for the architecture of their choice. Initially, the swirl was magic smoke arising from an also included bottle of an Arabian-style genie presented in black profile, but shortly after was reduced to the red smoke swirl for situations where space or multiple colours were not an option, and before long the bottle version effectively was superseded{{Disputed inline|Debian Logo|date=July 2024}}. There has been no official statement from the Debian project on the logo's meaning, but at the time of the logo's selection, it was suggested that the logo represented the magic smoke that made computers work.{{cite web |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/1999/06/msg00001.html |title = [PROPOSED] Swap the "open" and "official" versions of the new logo |access-date = February 18, 2015 |archive-date = September 9, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150909090814/https://lists.debian.org/debian-vote/1999/06/msg00001.html |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = http://www.linux.slashdot.org/story/99/06/04/0412213/debian-chooses-logo |title = Debian Chooses Logo |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150218181919/http://www.linux.slashdot.org/story/99/06/04/0412213/debian-chooses-logo |archive-date = February 18, 2015 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite web |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2005/01/msg01782.html |title = Origins of the Debian logo |access-date = January 11, 2018 |archive-date = January 12, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180112043011/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2005/01/msg01782.html |url-status = live }}

One theory about the origin of the Debian logo is that Buzz Lightyear, the chosen character for the first named Debian release, has a swirl in his chin.{{sfn |Krafft |2005 |p=66}}{{cite AV media |url=http://www.pixar.com/sites/default/files/ts_billboards_title_v3.jpg |title=Toy Story |type=Billboard |publisher=Pixar |access-date=2014-08-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110181603/http://www.pixar.com/sites/default/files/ts_billboards_title_v3.jpg |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} Stefano Zacchiroli also suggested that this swirl is the Debian one.{{cite web |url = https://upsilon.cc/~zack/talks/2010/20101204-versailles.pdf |title = Debian: 17 ans de logiciel libre, 'do-ocracy' et démocratie |page = 6 |first=Stefano |last=Zacchiroli |author-link=Stefano Zacchiroli |date = 2010-12-04 |access-date = 2014-10-21 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161120152845/https://upsilon.cc/~zack/talks/2010/20101204-versailles.pdf |archive-date = November 20, 2016 |url-status = dead }} Buzz Lightyear's swirl is a more likely candidate as the codenames for Debian are names of Toy Story characters. The former Debian project leader Bruce Perens used to work for Pixar and is credited as a studio tools engineer on Toy Story 2 (1999).

Hardware requirements are at least those of the kernel and the GNU toolsets.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/stable/amd64/ch02s01.en.html |work = Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide |title = 2.1. Supported Hardware |publisher = Debian |year = 2019 |access-date = 2019-07-27 |archive-date = December 28, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201228203501/https://www.debian.org/releases/stable/amd64/ch02s01.en.html |url-status = live }} Debian's recommended system requirements depend on the level of installation, which corresponds to increased numbers of installed components:{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/stable/amd64/ch03s04.en.html |work = Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide |title = 3.4. Meeting Minimum Hardware Requirements |publisher = Debian |year = 2019 |access-date = 2019-07-27 |archive-date = January 12, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210112200525/https://www.debian.org/releases/stable/amd64/ch03s04.en.html |url-status = live }}

The real minimum memory requirements depend on the architecture and may be much less than the numbers listed in this table. It is possible to install Debian with 170 MB of RAM for x86-64; the installer will run in low memory mode and it is recommended to create a swap partition. The installer for z/Architecture requires about 20 MB of RAM, but relies on network hardware.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/jessie/s390x/ch05s01.html.en |work = Debian GNU/Linux Installation Guide |title = 5.1. Booting the Installer on S/390 |publisher = Debian |year = 2015 |access-date = 2017-01-20 |archive-date = July 29, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200729040658/https://www.debian.org/releases/jessie/s390x/ch05s01.html.en |url-status = live }} Similarly, disk space requirements, which depend on the packages to be installed, can be reduced by manually selecting the packages needed. {{As of|2019|5|df=}}, no Pure Blend exists that would lower the hardware requirements easily.{{cite web |url = http://blends.debian.org/blends/ch04.html |work = Debian Pure Blends |title = Chapter 4. Existing Debian Pure Blends |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-06-19 |access-date = 2014-06-19 |archive-date = May 28, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140528053841/http://blends.debian.org/blends/ch04.html |url-status = live }}

It is possible to run graphical user interfaces on older or low-end systems. However, the installation of window managers instead of desktop environments is recommended, as desktop environments are more resource intensive. Requirements for individual software vary widely and must be considered, with those of the base operating environment.

File:HP-HP9000-C110-Workstation 21.jpg C110 PA-RISC workstation booting Debian Lenny]]

{{As of|2023|08|18|alt=As of the upcoming Trixie release}}, the official ports are:{{cite web |url = https://buildd.debian.org/status/package.php?p=base-files |title = Buildd status for base-files |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2023-08-18 }}

• amd64: x86-64 architecture with 64-bit userland and supporting 32-bit software
• arm64: ARMv8-A architecture{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2014/08/msg00012.html |title = Two new architectures bootstrapping in unstable – MBF coming soon |last = Wookey |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-08-27 |access-date = 2014-09-01 |archive-date = September 3, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140903112550/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2014/08/msg00012.html |url-status = live }}
• armel: Little-endian ARM architecture (ARMv4T instruction set){{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-embedded/2010/01/msg00057.html |title = Re: Identification of ARM chips |last = Wookey |mailing-list = debian-embedded |publisher = Debian |date = 2010-01-23 |access-date = 2014-10-16 |archive-date = October 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141021015329/https://lists.debian.org/debian-embedded/2010/01/msg00057.html |url-status = live }} on various embedded systems (embedded application binary interface (EABI)), although support has ended after Buster
• armhf: ARM hard-float architecture (ARMv7 instruction set) requiring hardware with a floating-point unit
• i386: IA-32 architecture with 32-bit userland, compatible with x86-64 machines
• mips64el: Little-endian 64-bit MIPS
• mipsel: Little-endian 32-bit MIPS
• ppc64el: Little-endian PowerPC architecture supporting POWER7+ and POWER8 CPUs
• riscv64: 64-bit RISC-V{{cite web

|url = https://wiki.debian.org/RISC-V

|title = Debian for RISC-V

|access-date = 2024-01-01

|language = en}}

• s390x: z/Architecture with 64-bit userland, intended to replace s390{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/s390/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |work = Release Notes for Debian 7.0 (wheezy), S/390 |title = Chapter 2. What's new in Debian 7.0 |date = 2014-11-09 |access-date = 2015-01-28 |archive-date = December 25, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131225120659/http://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/s390/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |url-status = live }}

Unofficial ports are available as part of the unstable distribution:

• alpha: DEC Alpha architecture
• hppa: HP PA-RISC architecture
• hurd-i386: GNU Hurd kernel on IA-32 architecture
• ia64: Intel Itanium
• loong64: LoongArch{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2023/08/msg00000.html |title = LoongArch architecture added to Debian Ports |last = John Paul Adrian Glaubitz |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2023-08-16 |access-date = 2023-08-18 }}
• m68k: Motorola 68k architecture on Amiga, Atari, Macintosh and various embedded VME systems
• powerpc: 32-bit PowerPC
• ppc64: PowerPC64 architecture supporting 64-bit PowerPC CPUs with VMX
• sh4: Hitachi SuperH architecture
• sparc64: Sun SPARC architecture with 64-bit userland
• x32: x32 ABI userland for x86-64{{cite web |url = https://wiki.debian.org/X32Port?action=recall&rev=1 |title = X32Port |last = Schepler |first = Daniel |publisher = Debian Wiki |date = 2012-11-20 |access-date = 2014-10-17 |archive-date = October 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141021032124/https://wiki.debian.org/X32Port?action=recall&rev=1 |url-status = live }}

Debian supports a variety of ARM-based NAS devices. The NSLU2 was supported by the installer in Debian 4.0 and 5.0,{{cite web |url = http://linuxgazette.net/161/brownss.html |title = Upgrading your Slug LG #161 |last = Brown |first = Silas |publisher = Linux Gazette |access-date = 2011-07-27 |archive-date = December 16, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101216182528/http://linuxgazette.net/161/brownss.html |url-status = live }} and Martin Michlmayr is providing installation tarballs since version 6.0.{{cite web |url = http://www.cyrius.com/debian/nslu2/install/ |title = Installing Debian on NSLU2 |publisher = Martin Michlmayr |date = 2011-02-24 |access-date = 2011-07-27 |archive-date = May 31, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140531043624/http://www.cyrius.com/debian/nslu2/install/ |url-status = live }} Other supported NAS devices are the Buffalo Kurobox Pro,{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/lenny/arm/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |work = Release Notes for Debian GNU/Linux 5.0 (lenny), ARM |title = Chapter 2. What's new in Debian GNU/Linux 5.0 |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2011-07-27 |archive-date = June 28, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110628192707/http://www.debian.org/releases/lenny/arm/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |url-status = live }} GLAN Tank, Thecus N2100{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/etch/arm/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |work = Release Notes for Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 ('etch'), ARM |title = Chapter 2 – What's new in Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 |publisher = Debian |date = 2007-08-16 |access-date = 2011-07-27 |archive-date = June 28, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110628192754/http://www.debian.org/releases/etch/arm/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html |url-status = live }} and QNAP Turbo Stations.

Devices based on the Kirkwood system on a chip (SoC) are supported too, such as the SheevaPlug plug computer and OpenRD products.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/squeeze/armel/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html#newforarm |work = Release Notes for Debian GNU/Linux 6.0 (squeeze), ARM EABI |title = Chapter 2. What's new in Debian GNU/Linux 6.0 |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2011-07-27 |archive-date = November 9, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201109222500/https://www.debian.org/releases/squeeze/armel/release-notes/ch-whats-new.en.html#newforarm |url-status = live }} There are efforts to run Debian on mobile devices, but this is not a project goal yet since the Debian Linux kernel maintainers would not apply the needed patches.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/weekly/2012/24/index.en.html#mobiles |title = Debian Project News – December 10th, 2012 |publisher = Debian |date = 2012-12-10 |access-date = 2014-06-17 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706181403/https://www.debian.org/News/weekly/2012/24/index.en.html#mobiles |url-status = live }} Nevertheless, there are packages for resource-limited systems.{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/wheezy/matchbox |title = Package: matchbox (1:5) |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-17 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706173217/https://packages.debian.org/wheezy/matchbox |url-status = live }}

There are efforts to support Debian on wireless access points.{{cite web |url = https://wiki.debian.org/DebianWRT?action=recall&rev=1 |title = DebianWRT |last = Hess |first = Joey |publisher = Debian Wiki |date = 2005-09-23 |access-date = 2014-10-17 |archive-date = October 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141021035550/https://wiki.debian.org/DebianWRT?action=recall&rev=1 |url-status = live }} Debian is known to run on set-top boxes.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/weekly/2013/21/#minidebconfs |title = Debian Project News – December 2nd, 2013 |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-12-02 |access-date = 2014-06-17 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706175547/https://www.debian.org/News/weekly/2013/21/#minidebconfs |url-status = live }} Work is ongoing to support the AM335x processor,{{cite web |url = https://wiki.debian.org/InstallingDebianOn/TI/BeagleBone?action=recall&rev=1 |title = InstallingDebianOn TI BeagleBone |last = Liu |first = Ying-Chun |publisher = Debian Wiki |date = 2012-01-27 |access-date = 2014-10-17 |archive-date = October 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141021053131/https://wiki.debian.org/InstallingDebianOn/TI/BeagleBone?action=recall&rev=1 |url-status = live }} which is used in electronic point of service solutions.{{cite web |url = http://www.ti.com/tool/am335x-tab |title = Enterprise Tablet Reference Design Kit |publisher = Texas Instruments |access-date = 2014-06-17 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140612213358/http://www.ti.com/tool/am335x-tab |archive-date = June 12, 2014 |df = mdy }} Debian may be customized to run on cash machines.{{cite web |url = http://krebsonsecurity.com/2014/05/thieves-planted-malware-to-hack-atms/ |title = Thieves Planted Malware to Hack ATMs |publisher = Brian Krebs |date = 2014-05-30 |access-date = 2014-06-17 |archive-date = June 24, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140624055713/http://krebsonsecurity.com/2014/05/thieves-planted-malware-to-hack-atms/ |url-status = live }}

BeagleBoard, a low-power open-source hardware single-board computer (made by Texas Instruments) has switched to Debian Linux preloaded on its Beaglebone Black board's flash.

Roqos Core, manufactured by Roqos, is a x86-64 based IPS firewall router running Debian Linux.

{{Image frame

|content=

{{chart/start}}

{{chart| | | | | |GR |GR=General Resolution}}

{{chart|el |ov |Q|Q|el=elect↓|ov=override↓|boxstyle_el=border: 0; text-align: left;|boxstyle_ov=border: 0; text-align: right;}}

{{chart|S|DPL |P|P|G|Q|DPL=Leader}}

{{chart|Q| |Q|app |Q|Q|app=↓appoint|boxstyle_app=border: 0; text-align: left;}}

{{chart|Q|DEL |P|P|Z|Q|DEL=Delegate}}

{{chart|Q| |Q|dec | |Q|dec=↓decide|boxstyle_dec=border: 0; text-align: left;}}

{{chart|Y|DD |pr |Q|DD=Developer|pr=propose↑|boxstyle_pr=border: 0; text-align: right;}}

{{chart| | |Y|P|P|P|P|Z}}

{{chart/end}}

|caption=Simplified organizational structure

}}

Debian's policies and team efforts focus on collaborative software development and testing processes.{{cite web |title=How does one pronounce Debian and what does this word mean? |url=https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-faq/ch-basic_defs.en.html#s-pronunciation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402174759/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-faq/ch-basic_defs.en.html#s-pronunciation |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=2019-03-18 |work=The Debian GNU/Linux FAQ -- Chapter 1 – Definitions and overview |publisher=Debian}} As a result, a new major release tends to occur every two years with revision releases that fix security issues and important problems.{{sfn |Hertzog |2013 |loc=Section 1.6}}{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090729 |title = Debian decides to adopt time-based release freezes |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2009-09-12 |date = 2009-07-29 |archive-date = March 14, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110314224808/http://www.debian.org/News/2009/20090729 |url-status = live }} The Debian project is a volunteer organization with three foundational documents:

• The Debian Social Contract defines a set of basic principles by which the project and its developers conduct affairs.
• The Debian Free Software Guidelines define the criteria for "free software" and thus what software is permissible in the distribution. These guidelines have been adopted as the basis of the Open Source Definition. Although this document can be considered separate, it formally is part of the Social Contract.
• The Debian Constitution describes the organizational structure for formal decision-making within the project, and enumerates the powers and responsibilities of the Project Leader, the Secretary and other roles.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/devel/constitution |title = Constitution for the Debian Project (v1.4) |access-date = 2014-02-25 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = June 3, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110603231508/http://www.debian.org/devel/constitution |url-status = live }}

{{Historical populations

|title=Debian developer population

|pop_name={{abbr|DD|Debian developers}}

|source=[//www.debian.org/vote/ Debian Voting Information]

|[//www.debian.org/vote/1999/vote_0001#quorum 1999] |347

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2000/vote_0007#quorum 2000] |347

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2001/vote_0001#quorum 2001] |?

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2002/vote_0001#quorum 2002] |939

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2003/vote_0001#quorum 2003] |831

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2004/vote_001.quorum.log 2004] |911

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2005/vote_001.quorum.log 2005] |965

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2006/vote_001_quorum.log 2006] |972

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2007/vote_001_quorum.log 2007] |1036

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2008/vote_001_quorum.log 2008] |1075

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2009/vote_001_quorum.log 2009] |1013

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2010/vote_001_quorum.log 2010] |886

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2011/vote_001_quorum.log 2011] |911

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2012/vote_001_quorum.log 2012] |948

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2013/vote_001_quorum.log 2013] |988

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2014/vote_001_quorum.log 2014] |1003

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2015/vote_001_quorum.log 2015] |1033

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2016/vote_001_quorum.log 2016] |1023

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2017/vote_001_quorum.log 2017] |1062

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2018/vote_001_quorum.log 2018] |1001

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2019/vote_001_quorum.log 2019] |1003

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2020/vote_001_quorum.log 2020] |1011

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2021/vote_001_quorum.log 2021] |1018

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2022/vote_001_quorum.log 2022] |1023

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2023/vote_001_quorum.log 2023] |996

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2024/vote_001_quorum.log 2024] |1010

|[//www.debian.org/vote/2024/vote_001_quorum.log 2025] |1030}}

Debian developers are organized in a web of trust.{{sfn |Coleman |2013 |p=143}} There are {{as of|2014|alt=at present}} about one thousand active Debian developers,{{cite web |url = https://nm.debian.org/public/people/dd_u |title = Debian New Member – Status DD, upl. |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-21 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706171828/https://nm.debian.org/public/people/dd_u |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = https://nm.debian.org/public/people/dd_nu |title = Debian New Member – Status DD, non-upl. |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-21 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706171252/https://nm.debian.org/public/people/dd_nu |url-status = live }} but it is possible to contribute to the project without being an official developer.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/intro/help |title = How can you help Debian? |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-04-30 |access-date = 2014-06-03 |archive-date = May 16, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140516222212/http://www.debian.org/intro/help |url-status = live }}

The project maintains official mailing lists and conferences for communication and coordination between developers.{{cite web |url = http://meetings-archive.debian.net/pub/debian-meetings/ |title = Index of /pub/debian-meetings |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-16 |archive-date = June 14, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180614191607/http://meetings-archive.debian.net/pub/debian-meetings/ |url-status = live }} For issues with single packages and other tasks,{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/Bugs/pseudo-packages |title = Debian bug tracking system pseudo-packages |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-12-08 |access-date = 2014-06-03 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606213442/https://www.debian.org/Bugs/pseudo-packages |url-status = live }} a public bug tracking system is used by developers and end users. Internet Relay Chat is also used for communication among developers and to provide real time help.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/support#irc |title = Support |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-04-30 |access-date = 2014-06-03 |archive-date = May 28, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140528173033/http://www.debian.org/support#irc |url-status = live }}

Debian is supported by donations made to organizations authorized by the leader. The largest supporter is Software in the Public Interest, the owner of the Debian trademark, manager of the monetary donations{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/donations |title = Donations to Software in the Public Interest |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-05-10 |access-date = 2014-06-03 |archive-date = May 10, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140510175115/http://www.debian.org/donations |url-status = live }} and umbrella organization for various other community free software projects.{{cite web |url = http://www.spi-inc.org/projects/ |title = SPI Associated Projects |publisher = Software in the Public Interest |date = 2014-07-14 |access-date = 2014-07-16 |archive-date = February 7, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130207041404/http://www.spi-inc.org/projects/ |url-status = live }}

A Project Leader is elected once per year by the developers. The leader has special powers, but they are not absolute, and appoints delegates to perform specialized tasks. Delegates make decisions as they think is best, taking into account technical criteria and consensus. By way of a General Resolution, the developers may recall the leader, reverse a decision made by the leader or a delegate, amend foundational documents and make other binding decisions. The voting method is based on the Schulze method (Cloneproof Schwartz Sequential Dropping).{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/vote/ |title = Debian Voting Information |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-02-18 |access-date = 2014-06-03 |archive-date = June 4, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604032858/http://www.debian.org/vote/ |url-status = live }}

{{Debian project leaders graphical timeline}}

Project leadership is distributed occasionally. Branden Robinson was helped by the Project Scud, a team of developers that assisted the leader,{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-project/2005/03/msg00035.html |title = Announcing project scud |last = van Wolffelaar |first = Jeroen |mailing-list = debian-project |publisher = Debian |date = 2005-03-05 |access-date = 2014-07-17 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725094849/https://lists.debian.org/debian-project/2005/03/msg00035.html |url-status = live }} but there were concerns that such leadership would split Debian into two developer classes.{{sfn |Krafft |2005 |p=34}} Anthony Towns created a supplemental position, Second In Charge (2IC), that shared some powers of the leader.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2006/04/msg00015.html |title = Bits from the DPL |last = Towns |first = Anthony |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2006-04-23 |access-date = 2014-07-17 |archive-date = June 9, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130609133229/http://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2006/04/msg00015.html |url-status = live }} Steve McIntyre was 2IC and had a 2IC himself.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/vote/2009/platforms/93sam |title = Steve McIntyre's DPL platform, 2009 |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-17 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725085331/https://www.debian.org/vote/2009/platforms/93sam |url-status = live }}

One important role in Debian's leadership is that of a release manager.{{cite web |url = http://www.business.ualberta.ca/tcc/documents/TII_3_OMahoney_Ferraro_final.pdf |title = The Emergence of Governance in an Open Source Community |page = 30 |last1 = O'Mahony |first1 = Siobhán |last2 = Ferraro |first2 = Fabrizio |publisher = University of Alberta School of Business |access-date = 2008-11-01 |year = 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080529081303/http://www.business.ualberta.ca/tcc/documents/TII_3_OMahoney_Ferraro_final.pdf |archive-date = 2008-05-29 }} The release team sets goals for the next release, supervises the processes and decides when to release. The team is led by the next release managers and stable release managers.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/intro/organization |title = The Debian organization web page |access-date = 2008-11-01 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = November 29, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111129045608/http://www.debian.org/intro/organization |url-status = live }} Release assistants were introduced in 2003.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2003/03/msg00007.html |title = Bits from the RM: Help Wanted, Apply Within |last = Towns |first = Anthony |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2003-03-08 |access-date = 2014-07-17 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725092941/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2003/03/msg00007.html |url-status = live }}

The Debian Project has an influx of applicants wishing to become developers.{{cite web |url = https://nm.debian.org/public/stats/ |title = Debian New Member – Statistics |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-03 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706180807/https://nm.debian.org/public/stats/ |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |df = mdy }} These applicants must undergo a vetting process which establishes their identity, motivation, understanding of the project's principles, and technical competence.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/devel/join/newmaint |title = Debian New Maintainers |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2008-10-31 |archive-date = November 20, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081120014929/http://www.debian.org/devel/join/newmaint |url-status = live }} This process has become much harder throughout the years.{{sfn |Hertzog |2013 |p=13}}

Debian developers join the project for many reasons. Some that have been cited include:

• Debian is their main operating system and they want to promote Debian{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2009/01/msg00022.html |title = AM report for Alexander GQ Gerasiov |last = Berg |first = Christoph |mailing-list = debian-newmaint |publisher = Debian |date = 2009-01-10 |access-date = 2014-07-18 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725093119/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2009/01/msg00022.html |url-status = live }}
• To improve the support for their favorite technology{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2010/01/msg00000.html |title = AM report for Jakub Wilk [...] |last = Joeris |first = Steffen |mailing-list = debian-newmaint |publisher = Debian |date = 2010-01-03 |access-date = 2014-07-18 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725095952/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2010/01/msg00000.html |url-status = live }}
• They are involved with a Debian derivative{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2011/01/msg00005.html |title = AM report for Kamal Mostafa |last = Wolf |first = Gunnar |mailing-list = debian-newmaint |publisher = Debian |date = 2011-01-13 |access-date = 2014-07-18 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725090122/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2011/01/msg00005.html |url-status = live }}
• A desire to contribute back to the free-software community{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2012/01/msg00001.html |title = AM report for vicho |last = Faraone |first = Luke |mailing-list = debian-newmaint |publisher = Debian |date = 2012-01-01 |access-date = 2014-07-18 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725094247/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2012/01/msg00001.html |url-status = live }}
• To make their Debian maintenance work easier{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2013/01/msg00004.html |title = AM report for Manuel A. Fernandez Montecelo |last = Wiltshire |first = Jonathan |mailing-list = debian-newmaint |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-01-06 |access-date = 2014-07-18 |archive-date = July 25, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140725085515/https://lists.debian.org/debian-newmaint/2013/01/msg00004.html |url-status = live }}

Debian developers may resign their positions at any time or, when deemed necessary, they can be expelled. Those who follow the retiring protocol are granted the "emeritus" status and they may regain their membership through a shortened new member process.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/developer-duties.html |work = Debian Developer's Reference |title = Chapter 3. Debian Developer's Duties |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-07-19 |archive-date = July 16, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140716214122/http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/developer-duties.html |url-status = live }}

Debian has made efforts to diversify and have members represented from the community. Debian Women in 2004 was established with the aim of having more women involved in development. Debian also partnered with Outreachy, which offers internships to individuals with underrepresented identities in technology.Debian Project. (2004). "About the Debian Women Project." Retrieved from https://www.debian.org/women/ Outreachy. (2023). "Debian's involvement in Outreachy." Retrieved from https://www.outreachy.org/

Each software package has a maintainer that may be either one person or a team of Debian developers and non-developer maintainers.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-binary.html |work = Debian Policy Manual |title = Chapter 3 – Binary packages |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-10-28 |access-date = 2014-07-19 |archive-date = August 4, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110804225620/http://www.debian.org/doc/debian-policy/ch-binary.html |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/vote/2007/vote_003 |year = 2007 |access-date = 2008-12-13 |title = General Resolution: Endorse the concept of Debian Maintainers |publisher = Debian |archive-date = December 7, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081207054617/http://www.debian.org/vote/2007/vote_003 |url-status = live }} The maintainer keeps track of upstream releases, and ensures that the package coheres with the rest of the distribution and meets the standards of quality of Debian. Packages may include modifications introduced by Debian to achieve compliance with Debian Policy, even to fix non-Debian specific bugs, although coordination with upstream developers is advised.

The maintainer releases a new version by uploading the package to the "incoming" system, which verifies the integrity of the packages and their digital signatures. If the package is found to be valid, it is installed in the package archive into an area called the "pool" and distributed every day to hundreds of mirrors worldwide. As of April 5, 2025, there were a total of 379 Debian mirrors operating.{{cite web |url=https://www.debian.org/mirror/list |publisher=Debian |access-date=13 April 2025 |title = Debian Mirrors (worldwide)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405202336/https://www.debian.org/mirror/list |archive-date=April 5, 2025 }} The upload must be signed using OpenPGP-compatible software. All Debian developers have individual cryptographic key pairs.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/new-maintainer.html#registering |access-date = 2010-10-09 |work = Debian Developer's Reference |title = Chapter 2. Applying to Become a Maintainer |publisher = Debian |archive-date = September 23, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200923124128/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/new-maintainer.html#registering |url-status = live }} Developers are responsible for any package they upload even if the packaging was prepared by another contributor.{{cite web |url = https://wiki.debian.org/DebianMentorsFaq?action=recall&rev=1#What.27s_a_sponsor.2C_why_do_I_want_one.2C_and_how_do_I_get_one.3F |title = DebianMentorsFaq |last = Costela |first = Leo |publisher = Debian Wiki |date = 2010-02-12 |access-date = 2014-10-17 |archive-date = October 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141021063214/https://wiki.debian.org/DebianMentorsFaq?action=recall&rev=1#What.27s_a_sponsor.2C_why_do_I_want_one.2C_and_how_do_I_get_one.3F |url-status = live }}

Initially, an accepted package is only available in the unstable branch. For a package to become a candidate for the next release, it must migrate to the Testing branch by meeting the following:{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/pkgs.html#testing |access-date = 2008-10-31 |work = Debian Developer's Reference |title = Chapter 5. Managing Packages |publisher = Debian |archive-date = January 9, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210109150517/https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/developers-reference/pkgs.html#testing |url-status = live }}

• It has been in unstable for a certain length of time that depends on the urgency of the changes.
• It does not have "release-critical" bugs, except for the ones already present in Testing. Release-critical bugs are those considered serious enough that they make the package unsuitable for release.
• There are no outdated versions in unstable for any release ports.
• The migration does not break any packages in Testing.
• Its dependencies can be satisfied by packages already in Testing or by packages being migrated at the same time.
• The migration is not blocked by a freeze.

Thus, a release-critical bug in a new version of a shared library on which many packages depend may prevent those packages from entering Testing, because the updated library must meet the requirements too.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/devel/testing |access-date = 2008-11-24 |title = Debian 'testing' distribution |publisher = Debian |archive-date = November 20, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081120222604/http://www.debian.org/devel/testing |url-status = live }} From the branch viewpoint, the migration process happens twice per day, rendering Testing in perpetual beta.

Periodically, the release team publishes guidelines to the developers in order to ready the release. A new release occurs after a freeze, when all important software is reasonably up-to-date in the Testing branch and any other significant issues are solved. At that time, all packages in the testing branch become the new stable branch. Although freeze dates are time-based, release dates are not, which are announced by the release managers a couple of weeks beforehand.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2013/04/msg00006.html |title = FINAL release update |last = McGovern |first = Neil |mailing-list = debian-devel-announce |publisher = Debian |date = 2013-04-18 |access-date = 2014-07-20 |archive-date = July 17, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140717000040/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2013/04/msg00006.html |url-status = live }}

A version of a package can belong to more than one branch, usually testing and unstable. It is possible for a package to keep the same version between stable releases and be part of oldstable, stable, testing and unstable at the same time.{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/search?keywords=dict-bouvier |title = Package Search Results – dict-bouvier |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-06-04 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606233141/https://packages.debian.org/search?keywords=dict-bouvier |url-status = live }} Each branch can be seen as a collection of pointers into the package "pool" mentioned above.

One way to resolve the challenge of a release-critical bug in a new application version is the use of optional package managers. They allow software developers to use sandbox environments, while at the same time remaining in control of security. Another benefit of a cross-distribution package manager is that they allow application developers to directly provide updates to users without going through distributions, and without having to package and test the application separately for each distribution.{{Cite web|last=Larsson|first=Alexander|title=Kick-starting the revolution 1.0 – Alexander Larsson|date=August 21, 2018 |url=https://blogs.gnome.org/alexl/2018/08/21/kick-starting-the-revolution-1-0/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211219113521/https://blogs.gnome.org/alexl/2018/08/21/kick-starting-the-revolution-1-0/|archive-date=December 19, 2021|access-date=2021-12-19|language=en-US}}

A new stable branch of Debian gets released approximately every 2 years. It will receive official support for about 3 years with update for major security or usability fixes. Point releases will be available every several months as determined by Stable Release Managers (SRM).{{cite web|title=Point Releases - Debian Wiki|url=https://wiki.debian.org/DebianReleases/PointReleases|access-date=2017-09-27|publisher=Debian Release Team|archive-date=September 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925104409/https://wiki.debian.org/DebianReleases/PointReleases|url-status=live}}

Debian also launched its Long Term Support (LTS) project since Debian 6 (Debian Squeeze). For each Debian release, it will receive two years of extra security updates provided by LTS Team after its End Of Life (EOL). However, no point releases will be made. Now each Debian release can receive 5 years of security support in total.{{cite web|url=https://wiki.debian.org/LTS|title=LTS - Debian Wiki|date=3 July 2018|work=Debian LTS Team|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507040157/https://wiki.debian.org/LTS/|url-status=live}}

The Debian project handles security through public disclosure. Debian security advisories are compatible with the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures dictionary, are usually coordinated with other free software vendors and are published the same day a vulnerability is made public.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/security/ |access-date = 2008-12-13 |title = Security Information |publisher = Debian |archive-date = October 31, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121031073733/http://www.debian.org/security/ |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = https://cve.mitre.org/compatible/organizations.html#Software%20in%20the%20Public%20Interest,%20Inc. |title = Organizations Participating |publisher = MITRE |date = 2014-04-16 |access-date = 2014-06-05 |archive-date = May 26, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140526085923/http://cve.mitre.org/compatible/organizations.html#Software%20in%20the%20Public%20Interest,%20Inc. |url-status = live }} There used to be a security audit project that focused on packages in the stable release looking for security bugs;{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/security/audit/ |title = Debian Security Audit Project |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-03-15 |access-date = 2014-06-04 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606223459/https://www.debian.org/security/audit/ |url-status = live }} Steve Kemp, who started the project, retired in 2011 but resumed his activities and applied to rejoin in 2014.{{cite web |url = http://www.steve.org.uk/Security/Advisories/ |title = Advisories |publisher = Steve Kemp |access-date = 2014-08-18 |archive-date = August 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084841/http://www.steve.org.uk/Security/Advisories/ |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = https://nm.debian.org/public/person/skx |title = Steve Kemp |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-08-18 |archive-date = August 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084712/https://nm.debian.org/public/person/skx |url-status = live }}

The stable branch is supported by the Debian security team; oldstable is supported for one year.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/security/faq |title = Debian security FAQ |date = 2007-02-28 |access-date = 2008-10-21 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = August 28, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080828054249/http://www.debian.org./security/faq |url-status = live }} Although Squeeze is not officially supported, Debian is coordinating an effort to provide long-term support (LTS) until February 2016, five years after the initial release, but only for the IA-32 and x86-64 platforms.{{cite web |url = https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTY2NzA |title = Debian To Maintain 6.0 Squeeze As An LTS Release |last = Larabel |first = Michael |author-link = Michael Larabel |publisher = Phoronix |date = 2014-04-18 |access-date = 2014-07-21 |archive-date = October 6, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161006082828/https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTY2NzA |url-status = live }} Testing is supported by the testing security team, but does not receive updates in as timely a manner as stable.{{cite web |url = http://testing-security.debian.net |title = Debian testing security team |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2008-10-31 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081005233623/http://testing-security.debian.net/ |archive-date = October 5, 2008 |df = mdy }} Unstable{{'}}s security is left for the package maintainers.

The Debian project offers documentation and tools to harden a Debian installation both manually and automatically.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/doc/user-manuals#securing |access-date = 2008-12-13 |title = Securing Debian Manual |publisher = Debian |archive-date = January 28, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210128190114/https://www.debian.org/doc/user-manuals#securing |url-status = live }} AppArmor support is available and enabled by default since Buster.{{Cite web|url=https://www.debian.org/News/2019/20190706.en.html|title=Debian -- News -- Debian 10 "buster" released|website=www.debian.org|access-date=2019-07-08|archive-date=July 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707151659/https://www.debian.org/News/2019/20190706.en.html|url-status=live}} Debian provides an optional hardening wrapper, and does not harden all of its software by default using gcc features such as PIE and buffer overflow protection, unlike operating systems such as OpenBSD,{{cite web |url = http://d-sbd.alioth.debian.org/www/ |title = Debian Secure by Default |publisher = Debian: SbD |access-date = 2011-01-31 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20041103003535/http://d-sbd.alioth.debian.org/www/ |archive-date = November 3, 2004 |url-status = dead }} but tries to build as many packages as possible with hardening flags.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/i386/release-notes/ch-whats-new.html |work = Release Notes for Debian 7.0 (wheezy), 32-bit PC |title = Chapter 2. What's new in Debian 7.0 |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-05-27 |archive-date = June 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606220213/https://www.debian.org/releases/wheezy/i386/release-notes/ch-whats-new.html |url-status = live }}

In May 2008, a Debian developer discovered that the OpenSSL package distributed with Debian and derivatives such as Ubuntu made a variety of security keys vulnerable to a random number generator attack, since only 32,767 different keys were generated.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/security/2008/dsa-1571 |title = DSA-1571-1 openssl: predictable random number generator |date = 2008-05-13 |access-date = 2008-10-31 |publisher = Debian |archive-date = March 9, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110309045023/http://www.debian.org/security/2008/dsa-1571 |url-status = live }}{{cite web |url = http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2008-0166 |title = CVE-2008-0166 |access-date = 2014-07-21 |publisher = MITRE |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714005052/http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2008-0166 |url-status = live }}{{cite magazine |url =https://www.technologyreview.com/2008/05/20/220474/alarming-open-source-security-holes/ |title = Alarming Open-Source Security Holes |last = Garfinkel |first = Simson |author-link = Simson Garfinkel |magazine = MIT Technology Review |date = 2008-05-20 |access-date = 2014-07-21 }} The security weakness was caused by changes made in 2006 by another Debian developer in response to memory debugger warnings.{{cite web |url = https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=363516 |title = valgrind-clean the RNG |publisher = Debian BTS |date = 2006-04-19 |access-date = 2014-06-21 |archive-date = August 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140806025755/https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=363516 |url-status = live }} The complete resolution procedure was cumbersome because patching the security hole was not enough; it involved regenerating all affected keys and certificates.{{cite web |url = http://cseweb.ucsd.edu/~hovav/dist/debiankey.pdf |title = When Private Keys are Public: Results from the 2008 Debian OpenSSL Vulnerability |publisher = University of California, San Diego |year = 2009 |access-date = 2014-06-22 |archive-date = March 4, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304192449/http://cseweb.ucsd.edu/~hovav/dist/debiankey.pdf |url-status = live }}

Recent versions of Debian have focused more on safer defaults. Debian 10 had AppArmor enabled by default, and Debian 11 improved Secure Boot support and included persistent system journaling. The project is also making all packages reproducible, which helps to ensure software integrity.{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Introduction to Deep Learning VM |url=https://cloud.google.com/deep-learning-vm/docs/introduction |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Google Cloud |publisher=Google}}

The cost of developing all of the packages included in Debian 5.0 Lenny (323 million lines of code) has been estimated to be about {{US$|8 billion|link=yes}}, using one method based on the COCOMO model.Amor, J. J.; Robles, G.; González-Barahona, J. M.; Rivas, F.: [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jesus_Gonzalez-Barahona/publication/229014230_Measuring_Lenny_the_size_of_Debian_5.0/links/0deec5200b5b4b35e5000000.pdf Measuring Lenny: the size of Debian 5.0] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324060631/https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jesus-Gonzalez-Barahona/publication/229014230_Measuring_Lenny_the_size_of_Debian_50/links/0deec5200b5b4b35e5000000/Measuring-Lenny-the-size-of-Debian-50.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324060631/https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jesus-Gonzalez-Barahona/publication/229014230_Measuring_Lenny_the_size_of_Debian_50/links/0deec5200b5b4b35e5000000/Measuring-Lenny-the-size-of-Debian-50.pdf |archive-date=2021-03-24 |url-status=live |date=March 24, 2021 }} ResearchGate {{As of|2024|5}}, Black Duck Open Hub estimated that the current codebase (74 million lines of code) would cost about {{US$|1.6 billion}} to develop, using a different method based on the same model.{{cite web |url = https://www.openhub.net/p/debian/estimated_cost |title = Estimated Cost |publisher = Black Duck Open Hub |access-date = 2024-05-03}}{{cite web |url = https://packages.debian.org/stable/ohcount |title = Package: ohcount (3.0.0-8 and others) |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2024-05-03}}

Debian is used by several institutions, such as many universities, NGOs and other non-profit organizations (including Wikimedia Foundation){{Cite web |title=Operating system upgrade policy - Wikitech |url=https://wikitech.wikimedia.org/wiki/Operating_system_upgrade_policy |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=wikitech.wikimedia.org |language=en}}, and commercial companies.{{Cite web |title=Who's using Debian? |url=https://www.debian.org/users/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250406160450/https://www.debian.org/users/ |archive-date=2025-04-06 |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=www.debian.org |language=en}} It has even been used in space, in laptops on board the International Space Station.{{Cite web |title=International Space Station adopts Debian Linux, drops Windows & Red Hat into airlock - Open Source Insider |url=https://www.computerweekly.com/blog/Open-Source-Insider/International-Space-Station-adopts-Debian-Linux-drops-Windows-Red-Hat-into-airlock |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=www.computerweekly.com}}

Debian has been very helpful to numerous government agencies in the public sector, such as the city of Munich, which used a Debian-based distribution in its LiMux initiative for the government computer migration to Linux. Extremaduran schools also utilized Debian-based systems to develop digital skills and open-source computing in schools. Diversity and Inclusion

{{Cite journal |last=Rettberg |first=T. |date=2008 |title=The LiMux project: A case study in migration to Free Software |journal=IEEE Software |volume=25 |issue=1 |pages=44–49 |doi=10.1109/MS.2008.1}}

{{Cite journal |last1=Bretón |first1=J. M. |last2=González |first2=J. J. |date=2006 |title=LINEX: The Extremadura Regional Government’s GNU/Linux distribution |journal=Journal of Information Technology |volume=21 |issue=3 |pages=195–204 |doi=10.1057/palgrave.jit.2000089}}

A large number of forks and derivatives have been built upon Debian over the years. Among the more notable are Ubuntu, developed by Canonical Ltd. and first released in 2004, which has surpassed Debian in popularity with desktop users;[https://www.zdnet.com/article/whats-the-most-popular-linux-of-them-all/ What is the most popular Linux of them all] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729044112/https://www.zdnet.com/article/whats-the-most-popular-linux-of-them-all/ |date=July 29, 2020 }}, Vaughn-Nichols, ZDNet, April 2018 Knoppix, first released in the year 2000 and one of the first distributions optimized to boot from external storage; and Devuan, which gained attention in 2014 when it forked in disagreement over Debian's adoption of the systemd software suite, and has been mirroring Debian releases since 2017.{{cite web|last1=Hoffman|first1=Chris|title=Meet Devuan, the Debian fork born from a bitter systemd revolt|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2854717/meet-devuan-the-debian-fork-born-from-a-bitter-systemd-revolt.html|website=PCWorld|access-date=13 December 2014|archive-date=December 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209075125/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2854717/meet-devuan-the-debian-fork-born-from-a-bitter-systemd-revolt.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Larabel|first1=Michael|title=Devuan: Debian Without Systemd|url=https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTg1MDQ|website=Phoronix|access-date=14 December 2014|archive-date=December 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211004528/http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTg1MDQ|url-status=live}} The Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) uses Debian Stable as the software source base since 2014.

{{main|List of Linux distributions#Debian-based}}

Debian is one of the most popular Linux distributions, and many other distributions have been created from the Debian codebase.{{cite magazine|last=Vaughan-Nichols|first=Steven J.|date=2009-12-16|title=The Five Distros That Changed Linux|url=http://www.linux-mag.com/id/7651/|magazine=Linux Magazine|access-date=2013-02-14|archive-date=June 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616121917/http://www.linux-mag.com/id/7651/|url-status=usurped}} {{As of|2021}}, DistroWatch lists 121 active Debian derivatives.{{cite web|url=http://distrowatch.com/search.php?ostype=All&category=All&origin=All&basedon=Debian¬basedon=None&desktop=All&architecture=All&status=Active|title=Based on Debian, status active|publisher=DistroWatch|access-date=2018-04-08|archive-date=October 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023055752/http://distrowatch.com/search.php?ostype=All&category=All&origin=All&basedon=Debian¬basedon=None&desktop=All&architecture=All&status=Active|url-status=live}} The Debian project provides its derivatives with guidelines for best practices and encourages derivatives to merge their work back into Debian.{{cite web|url=https://wiki.debian.org/Derivatives/Guidelines?action=recall&rev=1|title=Derivatives Guidelines|last=Halchenko|first=Yaroslav|date=2010-12-21|publisher=Debian Wiki|access-date=2014-10-17|archive-date=October 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021063228/https://wiki.debian.org/Derivatives/Guidelines?action=recall&rev=1|url-status=live}}{{sfn |Hertzog |2013 |p=429}}

Debian Pure Blends are subsets of a Debian release configured out-of-the-box for users with particular skills and interests.{{cite web |url = http://blends.debian.org/blends/ch02.html#Blends |work = Debian Pure Blends |title = Chapter 2. What are Debian Pure Blends? |publisher = Debian |access-date = 2014-05-27 |archive-date = May 27, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527215131/http://blends.debian.org/blends/ch02.html#Blends |url-status = live }} For example, Debian Jr. is made for children, while Debian Science is for researchers and scientists.{{cite web |url = http://www.debian.org/devel/debian-jr/ |title = Debian Jr. Project |publisher = Debian |date = 2014-04-30 |access-date = 2014-06-16 |archive-date = October 11, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111011024525/http://www.debian.org/devel/debian-jr/ |url-status = live }} The complete Debian distribution includes all available Debian Pure Blends. "Debian Blend" (without "Pure") is a term for a Debian-based distribution that strives to become part of mainstream Debian, and have its extra features included in future releases.{{cite mailing list |url = https://lists.debian.org/debian-blends/2011/07/msg00010.html |title = Re: Difference between blends and remastered systems |last = Armstrong |first = Ben |publisher = Debian |mailing-list = debian-blends |date = 2011-07-06 |access-date = 2014-06-16 |archive-date = July 6, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706182017/https://lists.debian.org/debian-blends/2011/07/msg00010.html |url-status = live }}

File:Hurd-logo.svg

File:Debian GNU HURD XFCE desktop screenshot.png]]

Debian GNU/Hurd is a flavor based on the Hurd kernel (which, in turn, runs on the GNU Mach microkernel), instead of the Linux kernel. Debian GNU/Hurd has been in development since 1998,{{cite mailing list |title = debian-hurd@lists.debian.org is up! |url = http://lists.debian.org/debian-hurd/1998/07/msg00000.html |access-date = 10 September 2009 |archive-date = October 18, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181018224515/https://lists.debian.org/debian-hurd/1998/07/msg00000.html |url-status = live }} and made a formal release in May 2013, with 78% of the software packaged for Debian GNU/Linux ported to the GNU Hurd.{{cite web |title = A comparison between Debian GNU/hurd and Debuan Gnu/kFreeBSD |url = https://www.wikivs.com/wiki/Debian_GNU/Hurd_vs_Debian_GNU/kFreeBSD |access-date = 23 November 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151124034001/https://www.wikivs.com/wiki/Debian_GNU/Hurd_vs_Debian_GNU/kFreeBSD |archive-date = 24 November 2015 }} Hurd is not yet an official Debian release, and is maintained and developed as an unofficial port. Debian GNU/Hurd is distributed as an installer CD (running the official Debian installer) or ready-to-run virtual disk image (Live CD, Live USB). The CD uses the IA-32 architecture, making it compatible with IA-32 and x86-64 PCs. The current version of Debian GNU/Hurd is 2023, published in June 2023.{{cite web|title=News about Debian GNU/Hurd|url=https://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/hurd-news|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618001824/https://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/hurd-news |archive-date=June 18, 2023|access-date=June 18, 2023}}

File:Horned logo.svg

Debian GNU/kFreeBSD is a discontinued{{cite mailing list|url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2014/11/msg00005.html|title=Release Team Sprint Results|date=2014-11-09|mailing-list=debian-devel-announce|first=Jonathan|last=Wiltshire|access-date=January 10, 2017|archive-date=February 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221051409/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2014/11/msg00005.html|url-status=live}} Debian flavor. It used the FreeBSD kernel and GNU userland. The majority of software in Debian GNU/kFreeBSD was built from the same sources as Debian, with some kernel packages from FreeBSD. The k in kFreeBSD is an abbreviation for kernel, which refers to the FreeBSD kernel. Before discontinuing the project, Debian maintained i386 and amd64 ports. The last version of Debian kFreeBSD was Debian 8 (Jessie) RC3. Debian GNU/kFreeBSD was created in 2002.{{Cite mailing list|url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-bsd/2002/01/msg00000.html|title=Chrooted NetBSD environment available for testing|date=2002-01-06|mailing-list=debian-bsd|first=Matthew|last=Garrett|access-date=December 17, 2019|archive-date=September 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906012153/https://lists.debian.org/debian-bsd/2002/01/msg00000.html|url-status=live}} It was included in Debian 6.0 (Squeeze) as a technology preview, and in Debian 7 (Wheezy) as an official port.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} Debian GNU/kFreeBSD was discontinued as an officially supported platform as of Debian 8. Debian developers cited OSS, pf, jails, NDIS, and ZFS as reasons for being interested in the FreeBSD kernel.{{cite web|url=http://wiki.debian.org/Debian_GNU/kFreeBSD_why|title=Debian_GNU/kFreeBSD_why|website=Debian Wiki|date=2011-10-05|access-date=2013-07-05|archive-date=February 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222164624/https://wiki.debian.org/Debian_GNU/kFreeBSD_why|url-status=live}} It has not been officially updated since Debian 8.{{Cite web |url=https://www.debian.org/ports/kfreebsd-gnu/ |title=Debian GNU/kFreeBSD |work=Debian.org |access-date=May 26, 2014 |archive-date=May 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531011403/http://www.debian.org/ports/kfreebsd-gnu/ |url-status=live }} However, starting in July 2019, the operating system continued to be maintained unofficially.{{Cite web|url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-bsd/2019/07/threads.html|title=debian-bsd Jul 2019 by thread|website=lists.debian.org|access-date=2019-07-31|archive-date=July 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731204052/https://lists.debian.org/debian-bsd/2019/07/threads.html|url-status=live}} As of July 2023, the development of Debian GNU/kFreeBSD has officially terminated due to the lack of interest and developers.{{Cite web |date=14 July 2023 |title=Debian official announcement |url=https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2023/07/msg00176.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927064527/https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2023/07/msg00176.html |archive-date=27 September 2023 |access-date=27 November 2023}}

{{Portal|Linux|Free and open-source software}}

• Armbian
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{{notelist}}

• {{cite book|last=Coleman|first=E. Gabriella|title=Coding Freedom: The Ethics and Aesthetics of Hacking|url=https://archive.org/details/codingf_col_2013_00_9193|url-access=registration|year=2013|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-0-691-14461-0}}
• {{cite book |last=Hertzog |first=Raphaël |title=The Debian Administrator's Handbook |publisher=Freexian |year=2013 |url=https://debian-handbook.info/browse/stable/sect.release-lifecycle.html |isbn=979-10-91414-03-6 |access-date=2014-06-22}}
• {{cite book|last=Krafft|first=Martin F.|title=The Debian System: Concepts and Techniques|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CLC36PmPVtAC|year=2005|publisher=No Starch Press|isbn=978-1-59327-069-8}}

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• {{Official website}}
• {{DistroWatch|debian|NAME=Debian}}

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