Debian redefines itself with new release
For much of its history, Debian has been the major noncommercial, philosophically free distribution. Now, as Debian developers and users have deserted the distro for Ubuntu, does Debian have a purpose any more? Debian 4.0, which was released this week, represents a collective effort to answer that question. The philosophy behind the release is best summarized on the home page for the Debian on the Desktop subproject, which states, "We will do everything we can to make things very easy for the novice, while allowing the expert to tweak things."
In other words, instead of trying to compete directly with distros like Ubuntu for ease of use, Debian is experimenting with a different approach. While growing aware of the need to work with new users, it is also preserving some of the traditional do-it-yourself approach of free software by giving users the chance to learn more about their operating system should they choose. This philosophy shows in every aspect of Debian 4.0, from its install program to its desktop, software installation, security, and software management.
The attempt to strike a balance between different categories of users is most obvious in the installation program. The netinstall version that I used sets up a GNOME desktop, but CD images for KDE and Xfce are also available. Similarly, although the installer continues to default to the highly serviceable text mode that Debian has used for several years now, you can use the command installgui to use a graphical version of the program that runs directly from the framebuffer without the X Window System, or choose a technical or graphical expert mode. The GUIs even give a nod to reviewers by including a screenshot button in most windows whose output awaits you in /var/log when you log on the newly installed system.
None of the versions of the installer are as simply as Ubuntu's, but, in compensation, anyone who uses one can hardly help but come away with a stronger understanding of their system.
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