I love using Debian. I think it is so interesting that so many distros have been or currently are based on Debian. While I prefer vanillia Debian, I wanted to list all of the Debian based distros (non-Ubuntu) I know of and categorize them based on what makes them unique.

Ease of use:

Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) - Default for Windows refugees.
MX Linux - MXTools is cool.
Deepin - Beautiful, preconfigured DE.
Peppermint_OS – Lightweight, cloud integrated

Modern/Atomic (New Technologies):

Vanilla OS - Immutable, atomic updates, ability to run apps from Fedora/Arch via Apx. Friendly to new users.
Nitrux - Immutable, no systemd (OpenRC), heavy reliance on AppImage

Performance and/or Old Hardware:

Siduction - Based on Debian Sid. Rolling release, newest kernels.
antiX - No systemd, runs on a toaster (256MB RAM)
Sparky Linux - Debian testing w/better support for drivers/gaming.
BunsenLabs - minimalist OpenBox
Elive - Enlightenment desktop, high-end looks for 20 year old hardware.

Multimedia/Creative:

AV Linux (MX Edition) – Preconfigured w/low-latency kernel for audio production.
Neptune OS – Polished KDE with excellent media support.

Toolbox Distros:

Kali Linux / Parrot OS - Penetration tools preloaded, think hackerman.
Tails - Anonymity, amnesic, no trace
Whonix – Highly secure via dual-VM setup.
Proxmox VE - Server, machine host for VMs
OpenMediaVault – Turn old hardware into a NAS
Grml/Finnix/Knoppix - The "oh shit" buttons
Raspberry Pi OS - built for Pi's
VyOS – Router OS
BashCore - Ultra minimalist, stealth, CLI focused, live environment, zero branding.

Protest Distros:

Devuan - dislike for systemd
PureOS – FSF endorsed, 100% free software, privacy-focused

Global & Educational:

Endless OS – Designed for developing world for offline content.
Emmabuntüs – Reviving donated PCs for schools in Africa.

You could also consider Debian Pureblends, like Debian Med and Debian Edu.

Did I miss any? Please let me know, I will edit the list. Thank you!

#Debian #GNULinux #GNU #Linux #Privacy #SysAdmin #Tech #OpenSource #LMDE #LinuxMint #Mint #MXLinux #Deepin #PeppermintOS #antiX #SparkyLinux #BunsenLabs #Elive #AVLinux #NeptuneOS #KaliLinux #Kali #Tails #Whonix #Proxmox #OpenMediaVault #GRML #FINNIX #Knoppix #RaspberryPi #Pi #VyOS #Devuan #PureOS #Nitrux #EndlessOS #Emmabuntüs #Siduction #Bashcore #VanillaOS

I love using Debian. I think it is so interesting that so many distros have been or currently are based on Debian. While I prefer vanillia Debian, I wanted to list all of the Debian based distros (non-Ubuntu) I know of and categorize them based on what makes them unique.

Ease of use:

Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) - Default for Windows refugees.
MX Linux - MXTools is cool.
Deepin - Beautiful, preconfigured DE.
Peppermint_OS – Lightweight, cloud integrated

Modern/Atomic (New Technologies):

Vanilla OS - Immutable, atomic updates, ability to run apps from Fedora/Arch via Apx. Friendly to new users.
Nitrux - Immutable, no systemd (OpenRC), heavy reliance on AppImage

Performance and/or Old Hardware:

Siduction - Based on Debian Sid. Rolling release, newest kernels.
antiX - No systemd, runs on a toaster (256MB RAM)
Sparky Linux - Debian testing w/better support for drivers/gaming.
BunsenLabs - minimalist OpenBox
Elive - Enlightenment desktop, high-end looks for 20 year old hardware.

Multimedia/Creative:

AV Linux (MX Edition) – Preconfigured w/low-latency kernel for audio production.
Neptune OS – Polished KDE with excellent media support.

Toolbox Distros:

Kali Linux / Parrot OS - Penetration tools preloaded, think hackerman.
Tails - Anonymity, amnesic, no trace
Whonix – Highly secure via dual-VM setup.
Proxmox VE - Server, machine host for VMs
OpenMediaVault – Turn old hardware into a NAS
Grml/Finnix/Knoppix - The "oh shit" buttons
Raspberry Pi OS - built for Pi's
VyOS – Router OS
BashCore - Ultra minimalist, stealth, CLI focused, live environment, zero branding.

Protest Distros:

Devuan - dislike for systemd
PureOS – FSF endorsed, 100% free software, privacy-focused

Global & Educational:

Endless OS – Designed for developing world for offline content.
Emmabuntüs – Reviving donated PCs for schools in Africa.

You could also consider Debian Pureblends, like Debian Med and Debian Edu.

Did I miss any? Please let me know, I will edit the list. Thank you!

#Debian #GNULinux #GNU #Linux #Privacy #SysAdmin #Tech #OpenSource #LMDE #LinuxMint #Mint #MXLinux #Deepin #PeppermintOS #antiX #SparkyLinux #BunsenLabs #Elive #AVLinux #NeptuneOS #KaliLinux #Kali #Tails #Whonix #Proxmox #OpenMediaVault #GRML #FINNIX #Knoppix #RaspberryPi #Pi #VyOS #Devuan #PureOS #Nitrux #EndlessOS #Emmabuntüs #Siduction #Bashcore #VanillaOS

Someone close to me purchased a new computer just recently. His previous computer was Windows 10, which he liked. I warned him that Windows 11 was a different beast and he could expect a lot more spying, copilot in everything, less customization, and even ads in the start menu.

Apparently he agreed with me and he has started testing the Linux Mint Live Image today. He seems to like it. He said it was much easier to use than he expected and it is very fast.

It makes me smile that another person I know has found their way to Linux.

#GNULinux #GNU #Linux #LinuxMint #Microsoft #Windows #Windows10 #Windows11 #Privacy #noai #ai #Copilot