Debian GNU/Linux Distribution

Debian GNU/Linux is an complete Operating System based on the Linux kernel(there are also other platforms available).

It is developed in an open way by volunteers all over the world.

Debian (from Wikipedia)


DEBIAN DISTRIBUTION PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS

These documents describe Debian philosophy.

Debian Manifiesto
Debian Social Contract - Describes Debian Goals.
Debian Free Software Guidelines - Requirements software has to accomplish to be accepted as Debian Free Software.



Debian currently provides over 26000 software packages, and targets eleven hardware architectures.

Ubuntu distro and others like Damn Small Linux, Knoppix, Xandros, etc are Debian based distributions.


DEVELOPMENT PROCEDURE

Debian has three main branches: unstable (sid), testing and stable.

The stable one is suited for server environments. Packages at this version are frozen, and there are only security updates. (Debian Security Faq)

Usually newer software package versions are added to the unstable branch. If no serious bugs are found, after some time, the package migrate to testing branch (its dependencies also have to be in the testing branch).

Stable branch regularly receive security updates. Using Debian Sid (unstable) means that you have the latest package versions at the cost of stability and security.


Debian repositories are separated into several categories:

• main
contains the main Debian repository.


• contrib
contains software deployed under a free license but with non-free dependencies.


• non-free
software that does not adhere to Debian free software guidelines.

DEBIAN PACKAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

APT (Advanced Packaging Tool) is the Debian Package Management System. It is a user interface to some libraries that deal with software installation.

It comprises a set of tools. e.g: apt-get, apt-cache, apt-cdrom, ...

APT tracks dependency problems, performing installation and removing of packages in the most suitable order. When you install a package APT automatically installs all required dependencies. APT allows installing packages via network.

Apt, Aptitude, Dpkg Reference Article.



DEBIAN PACKAGE DEVELOPMENT

Documentation about creating and maintaining Debian packages.

Developer manuals

Debian New Mantainers' Guide


OTHER DEBIAN RELATED LINKS

Debian Wiki

Debian Reference (debian.org)

Debian FAQ

Getting support for Debian GNU/Linux.

Debian package list

Debian Forums

Debian Administration


IRC

#debian irc channel at irc.gnu.org server.