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
