The 4 best Debian Linux derivatives to check out
The Debian Linux operating system is one of the oldest Linux distributions in history. It’s highly influential and used as a base in some of the most famous Linux operating systems.
Due to how influential Debian is, many derivatives have come on the scene over the years. These spin-offs of Debian borrow the core philosophy of the project but add in a twist, such as a focus on security, ease of use, etc. There are a whole lot of Debian Linux spinoffs out there. It is because of this that, we’ve decided to list off the best ones. So, here are the four best Debian derivatives to check out!
1. Ubuntu
Ubuntu Linux, the most famous Debian derivative (based on Debian Testing), is a modern Linux operating system that updates frequently. It is backed by Canonical LTD, a UK based company, and is widely known for its easy to use driver installation tool, wide software availability, and customized Ubuntu “flavors” that showcase all of the prominent Linux desktop environments, such as XFCE4, LXQt, Budgie, Gnome Shell, Mate, and KDE Plasma 5.
It’s no secret that the Ubuntu operating system is the most popular Linux distribution in the world (for consumers anyway). If you’ve tried Debian and found that you dislike some aspects to it, this distribution is the perfect derivative to move to.
Download – Ubuntu
To download the latest version of Ubuntu Linux, or, the Long Term Support release of the operating system, if you prefer something more stable, head over to Ubuntu.com. Once you’ve made it to the official website, look for the “Desktop” button and select it.
On the Ubuntu desktop page, you’ll see information on the different downloads for Ubuntu. Choose the one that you’d like to use to start the download.
It should be noted that on Ubuntu.com, you’ll be able to grab the standard, vanilla Ubuntu desktop release. However, this isn’t the only place you can download Ubuntu, because each dedicated spin (Ubuntu Mate, Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Kylin Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu Studio, and Kubuntu) have their pages as well.
Due to the fact that there are so many releases of Ubuntu available for download, here’s a quick list of links. Click on any of the links below, and you’ll find information on each flavor!
2. PureOS
PureOS, based on Debian Testing, is a Linux distribution that heavily focuses on the open source philosophy and the privacy of its users.
Unlike other Debian offshoots, PureOS doesn’t provide OS images sporting different desktop interfaces. Instead, their main offering is Gnome Shell and the Gnome 3 desktop environment.
The PureOS operating system offers up Debian in a beautiful, modern skin with some excellent privacy and open source-conscious features, making it an excellent addition to this list.
Download – PureOS
The PureOS operating system is downloadable via the official PureOS website. To get a copy of this Linux distribution for yourself, head to pureos.net, look for the “Downloads” page and click on it.
After selecting the “Downloads” page, you’ll be taken to a new page where you can grab the latest release of PureOS in ISO format. Additionally, on this page, the developers explain the system requirements necessary to run PureOS, and how to make a bootable USB drive.
3. SolydXK
SolydXK (technically SolydX and SolydK) is an operating system based on Debian Linux. Its primary objective is to provide a sleek, modern spin on Linux with an emphasis on program stability. They’re so strict that they will often exclude apps that break this rule.
The SolydXK operating system comes in two flavors: X and K. The X stands for XFCE and is considered to be the lighter, slimmer edition, while K (KDE Plasma) is the fancy, eye-candy release.
One of the primary reasons that users go with Debian is stability; they know that when they use it, everything will work no matter what. SolydXK proudly adopts this mentality, and as a result, it’s one of the truest Debian derivatives out there.
Download – SolydXK
As mentioned earlier, the SolydXK operating system comes in two different releases: SolydX (XFCE) and SolydK (KDE). To use either of these operating systems, you’ll need to visit their website. Then, select the “Downloads” link at the top.
On the “Downloads” page, the SolydXK developers outline where to get an ISO release of their operating system. In addition to this, they also list how to make a bootable USB from the command-line, which is handy.
4. antiX
AntiX is a light Debian-based operating system for older computers. It comes with a custom, antiX Magic desktop environment that promises to be much lighter than traditional desktop environments.
The OS forgoes the traditional Systemd init system which many users might find annoying. Still, the lack of Systemd helps antiX speed past a lot of others light Debian derivatives.
This operating system has many goals, but the biggest one is to provide an operating system that is stable and can revive older, aging computers. So, if you have an aging PC and are looking to try out a new Linux OS, check out antiX!
Download – antiX
The antiX Linux distribution is available for download in ISO form online. To get your hands on the OS, head over to the antixlinux.com website, and click on the “Download” button on the page.
After selecting “Download,” you’ll be presented with a massive list of mirror links sorted by country. Look through the list and grab the release from the mirror that is closest to the country you live in.
Conclusion
Debian is an excellent operating system, but some may find it difficult to use, due to it’s dated installer, old technologies, and a slow update schedule. If you’ve been itching to try out Debian, but have been put off by these facts about the operating system, try out one of these fantastic derivatives instead!
