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

Does anyone know whether #Devuan is still actively maintained? I am trying to install a fresh system (Thinkpad T14s, 2.5 years old) and all the different install methods and media have different issues that prevent a clean install 🙄

#Debian #NoSystemD

In 2026, I want to change my OS. I'm hesitating between

• Arch
• Devuan
• Gentoo
• Guix and
• Void
  

Things to consider:

• I've already installed and used Arch some years ago; I'm considering Artix, excluding the s6 init (I'm not prepared for this one);
• gentoo and Guix are probably the most complex distros1
• Void is certainly the most comfortable choice.
• It's to install in real hardware: Intel i5-7400 3ghz, ssd 1to, 32gb ram, nvidia geforce 1060 3gb. Yes, I want to play light videogames sometimes Main purpose would be to learn Linux, Web, writing MarkDown and Org, zettlekasten organisation, etc...
  #linux #archlinux #ArtixLinux #devuan #gentoo #GuixSystem #voidlinux #emacs #doomemacs #vim #orgmode #orgroam #vim #HelixEditor #zettlekasten

1: complex ≠ complicated