Choose two or three systems and compare consistent, editorially reviewed information.
| Feature | iDeal OS Emerald | Ubuntu | Debian GNU/Linux |
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | 2026.09.20 | 26.04.1 LTS | 13.7 |
| Base | mx-linux | debian | independent |
| Family | debian | ubuntu | debian |
| System type | linux distribution | linux distribution | linux distribution |
| Release model | stable | lts | stable |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64,arm64,ppc64le,s390x | amd64,arm64,armhf,ppc64el,riscv64,s390x |
| Desktop | KDE Plasma | GNOME | Not applicable or user selected |
| Use cases | desktop, privacy | desktop, server, beginner, enterprise | desktop, server, advanced |
| Available images | desktop | desktop, server | minimal, desktop |
| Editorial review | 2026-11-09 | 2026-09-03 | 2026-09-03 |
iDeal OS Emerald is an MX Linux and Debian-based KDE Plasma desktop respin with project-selected privacy, security and everyday-use defaults. Release 4.4 follows MX Linux 25.2 and Debian 13.6 and introduces a signed project APT repository.
View downloads Official websiteUbuntu is a Debian-derived distribution developed by Canonical and its community for desktops, servers, cloud platforms and containers. Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS Resolute Raccoon is the current long-term-support desktop release and receives five years of standard security maintenance.
View downloads Official websiteDebian is an independent community distribution known for stability, an extensive package archive and support for several hardware architectures. Debian 13.6 Trixie is the current stable point release and is suitable for desktops, servers, containers and infrastructure.
View downloads Official website