
Debian 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.
Debian GNU/Linux is primarily suited to daily desktop use, study, web browsing and productivity; servers, virtual machines and self-hosted services; experienced Linux users who want detailed control over the system. Before choosing it, compare the current release lifecycle with the length of support required for the machine. This distribution is based on independent, which influences package formats, repositories and much of the available documentation. The best choice depends on hardware support, preferred software, update policy and the amount of system administration the user wants to perform.
Read the release notes and installation guide before downloading. Select an image that matches the processor architecture and intended use: desktop, server, live media, virtual machine or another published edition. Test Wi-Fi, graphics, audio, storage and suspend from live media when that option is available. Back up important files before repartitioning, encryption changes or dual-boot installation. For production deployment, verify application compatibility, upgrade paths, backup restoration and the project security-support policy in a non-production environment first. Download from an official project page or mirror, compare the published SHA-256 checksum, and verify a signed checksum when the project provides one. After installation, apply updates before adding third-party repositories or drivers.
Desktop installation figures with swap enabled. A no-desktop installation can use 512 MB RAM and 4 GB disk.
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