Debian GNU/Linux Distribution

Debian is a free and open-source Linux distribution known for its commitment to free software principles, exceptional stability, and its role as the foundation for numerous other distributions including Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Kali Linux. Started by Ian Murdock in August 1993, Debian is developed by over 1,000 volunteer developers worldwide through the Debian Project, governed by a Project Leader elected annually and the Debian Constitution. Key features: dpkg and APT package management system using dpkg for installation and APT for dependency resolution, adopted by all Debian derivatives. Repository contains over 60,000 software packages across main, contrib, and non-free-firmware sections, the largest of any Linux distribution. Three branches: Stable (currently Debian 12 Bookworm, released June 2023) for production with extensive testing, Testing (Trixie, in development for Debian 13) as staging area, and Unstable (Sid) for cutting-edge packages. Debian Social Contract defines commitment to 100 percent free software via DFSG (Debian Free Software Guidelines). Supports over 20 hardware architectures including x86, x86_64, ARM, ARM64, MIPS, PowerPC, s390x, and RISC-V, making it the most portable distribution. Each stable release receives approximately 5 years of security updates through Debian Security Team and LTS team. In-place distribution upgrades between major releases without reinstallation, thoroughly tested. Installer offers text-based and graphical modes with LVM, RAID, full-disk encryption via LUKS, network installation, and automated preseed deployments. Foundation for Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Kali Linux, Parrot OS, Raspberry Pi OS, Tails, Devuan, and hundreds of derivatives.