this post was submitted on 04 Feb 2026
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Why is Debian always left out of the distro recommendations? (lemmy.zip)
submitted 12 hours ago by UnfinishedProjects@lemmy.zip to c/linux@lemmy.ml
97 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I distro hopped for a bit before finally settling in Debian (because Debian was always mentioned as a distro good for servers, or stable machines that are ok with outdated software)

And while I get that Debian does have software that isn't as up to date, I've never felt that the software was that outdated. Before landing on Debian, I always ran into small hiccups that caused me issues as a new Linux user - but when I finally switched over to Debian, everything just worked! Especially now with Debian 13.

So my question is: why does Debian always get dismissed as inferior for everyday drivers, and instead mint, Ubuntu, or even Zorin get recommended? Is there something I am missing, or does it really just come down to people not wanting software that isn't "cutting edge" release?

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[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 8 points 11 hours ago (2 children)

Debian is probably Thee most supported distro with the most packages available.

I'm not talking about availability. I'm talking about comes pre-installed so the user doesn't have to go out and find them to use basic functionality.

Debian is also among the absolute best among Linux desktop options, and actually quite popular.

I did not say it was not great or popular.

There's a reason Debian is still the most forked distro.

This is not the dunk you think it is...

[–] Buffalox@lemmy.world 3 points 11 hours ago* (last edited 11 hours ago) (1 children)

I’m talking about comes pre-installed

Apart from Steam not being a standard installed item, it is very feature full.
For 32 bit you also need to enable multi-arch.

But apart from gaming it is in no way bare and very very far from "super bare". Ans Steam is pretty easy to install.

I did not say it was not great or popular.

You wrote it was mostly for servers. Which although it is an excellent server distro, it is most definitely developed at least as much for desktop use.

This is not the dunk you think it is…

I don't think you really understand the implications.

[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 2 points 10 hours ago* (last edited 8 hours ago) (1 children)

Apart from Steam not being a standard installed item, it is very feature full.

I've just given you several examples of how it's not.

For 32 bit you also need to enable multi-arch.

Just making my point for me now.

You wrote it was mostly for servers

No I wrote that's it's more commonly used in servers.

I don't think you really understand the implications.

I don't think you do.

[–] caseyweederman@lemmy.ca 1 points 6 hours ago (1 children)

I think you're treating this like a pit fight.

[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 1 points 6 hours ago (1 children)

I dunno what that means. I gave what I felt like a very simple take and this person showed to argue with me, not the other way around.

[–] caseyweederman@lemmy.ca 0 points 6 hours ago

It looks like one of you is treating the other as a person deserving of respectful conversation.

[–] UnfinishedProjects@lemmy.zip 2 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

While I get what you mean about things being pre-installed for super new people to Linux/terminal. . . If it has a apt package, it's as easy as "sudo apt install xyz". Also, I thi k Debian comes with the synaptic package manager which makes it fairly easy to install as well. With that said though, I do see your point, as it's one more hurdle.

[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 1 points 10 hours ago

If it has a apt package, it's as easy as "sudo apt install xyz"

This is the kind of ignorant shit that relegates Linux to nerd circles. What do you do with this information? What is xyz, and exactly xyz because if you get a single letter wrong it does not work. Further the user has to already know what they want, which a new user will not.