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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Why is Debian always left out of the distro recommendations? (lemmy.zip)

submitted 4 days ago by UnfinishedProjects@lemmy.zip to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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I distro hopped for a bit before finally settling in Debian (because Debian was always mentioned as a distro good for servers, or stable machines that are ok with outdated software)

And while I get that Debian does have software that isn't as up to date, I've never felt that the software was that outdated. Before landing on Debian, I always ran into small hiccups that caused me issues as a new Linux user - but when I finally switched over to Debian, everything just worked! Especially now with Debian 13.

So my question is: why does Debian always get dismissed as inferior for everyday drivers, and instead mint, Ubuntu, or even Zorin get recommended? Is there something I am missing, or does it really just come down to people not wanting software that isn't "cutting edge" release?

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[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 12 points 4 days ago (26 children)

Debian is more like AOSP. It's a starting point. Super bare. More commonly used in servers and such.

[–] kylian0087@lemmy.dbzer0.com 14 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (7 children)

Also things tend to be older on Debian which isn't the fit for more gaming oriented systems. Due to optimization not being yet available and drivers for the latest hardware

[–] UnfinishedProjects@lemmy.zip 9 points 4 days ago (6 children)

Ah, ok - yeah I can definitely see how for gaming it might not be ideal. I've never thought Linux was all that smooth of a transition for gamers though, no matter what OS you're using - but I guess that heavily depends on the games you're playing.

[–] BillibusMaximus@sh.itjust.works 3 points 4 days ago

I guess that heavily depends on the games you're playing

I think this is the key thing.

If you're always buying the newest GPU to play the latest tech- envelope-pushing AAA title that requires the latest greatest driver, then you're probably not going to have a good time with gaming on Debian.

But some of us don't care about those types of games, or maybe in some cases we do but are willing to wait a while to play a particular title (hello Patient Gamers). In that case Debian is a nice, rock solid gaming platform.

Anecdotally, I probably do 85+% of my gaming on Debian (the rest being my steam deck). And it works fine for me because of the types of games I play and/or how long I tend to wait before getting new titles (giving Debian time to catch up).

It's definitely not for every gamer, but I don't think it's as unusable for gaming as people often suggest.

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