Debian
Debian is a free operating system created by the Debian Project, an association of individuals.
What Debian is
Debian is a free operating system created by the Debian Project, an association of individuals. It is available for Linux-based computers and self-hosted installations, and its systems use either the Linux or FreeBSD kernel. Debian includes more than 70,000 packages managed with APT, along with utilities for managing packages across computers. Installation options include a live system with the Calamares installer and an installer that supports automated network installation. Supported processor architectures include amd64, i386, ARM variants, POWER, IBM System Z, and RISC-V. Alongside the stable release, Debian offers testing and unstable releases for users seeking newer software. Users can upgrade to a new release or update individual packages. Debian coordinates security advisories with other free software vendors, and many are published the day a vulnerability becomes public. Free Long Term Support extends stable releases to at least five years. Official cloud images are also available, and Debian can run in virtual machines or containers. Debian notes that hardware from companies that do not publish specifications may not work with GNU/Linux.
Good
- Includes more than 70,000 software packages
- APT manages packages and distribution upgrades
- Free Long Term Support lasts at least five years
- Offers stable, testing, and unstable releases
- Available as official cloud images
Watch out
- Some hardware may not work without published specifications
- Testing and unstable releases are less conservative choices
Who it suits
Debian suits users seeking a free operating system for personal computers or cloud virtual machines. Its range of architectures and deployment options also covers scientific, academic, public-sector, and other settings.
Verdict
Debian offers a broad package collection, multiple release choices, and long-term support for stable releases. Before installing, consider its warning about hardware from companies that do not publish specifications.
Plans and prices
From Debian's own pricing page, checked 30 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Debian | Free | Free operating system · official distribution packages are free to use and redistribute |
The facts
Each one read from Debian's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Automatic updates
- The unattended-upgrades package can keep a computer current with security and other updates automatically.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Cloud and virtualization
- Official cloud images are available for major cloud platforms, and Debian can also run in desktop virtual machines or containers.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Installer
- Debian offers a live system with the Calamares installer and an installer with options including automated network installation.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- Debian describes its uses across laptops, supercomputers, stock exchanges, automotive, academic, scientific, and public-sector settings.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Kernel support
- Debian systems currently use the Linux kernel or the FreeBSD kernel.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Long-term support
- Debian's free Long Term Support extends stable releases to at least five years; commercial Extended LTS covers a limited set of packages beyond five years.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Notable limitation
- Debian says hardware from companies that do not publish specifications may not work with GNU/Linux.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Release choices
- Alongside stable, Debian offers testing and unstable releases for users seeking newer software versions.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Security
- Debian coordinates security advisories with other free software vendors, and many advisories are published the same day a vulnerability becomes public.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Security formats
- Debian Security Advisories are CVE-compatible, and Debian publishes security information using OVAL.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Software collection
- Debian comes with over 70,000 packages, the APT package manager, and utilities for managing packages across computers.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Support channels
- Users can get help from Debian documentation, mailing lists, IRC, or hired consultants.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Supported architectures
- Debian supports architectures including amd64, i386, ARM variants, POWER, IBM System Z, and RISC-V.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Upgrade support
- Debian supports upgrades to a new release and updates to individual packages.checked 30 Sep 2026
- What it is
- Debian is a free operating system created by the Debian Project, an association of individuals.checked 30 Sep 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1993checked 28 Sep 2026
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