Debian operates as a stable and lightweight server system on countless public and private devices, either directly or through derivatives like Open Media Vault or Raspberry Pi OS. However, those seeking an attractive and beginner-friendly desktop won't immediately think of Debian as their first choice.
This perception stems from unmodified software, including desktop environments that always arrive as the original upstream from the manufacturer (such as Gnome or KDE). Added to this are Debian-specific characteristics that can confuse Linux beginners and even those switching from Ubuntu systems. The installer demands significantly more knowledge from users than Ubuntu or Mint. More fundamentally, the extremely conservative release model provides no kernel updates or functional software updates for two full years.
Setup with Small but Several Hurdles
Finding the Debian installation medium requires a minimum knowledge of Linux terminology. The website debian.org isn't difficult to locate, but simply clicking "Download" provides the net installer without a live system, which is unsuitable for preliminary testing with a desired desktop. The debian.org/distrib subpage turns much information into a confusing search game, particularly the redirect to worldwide "download mirrors".
Whilst it's understandable if newcomers don't load Debian with their preferred desktop here, this is usually correctable in the installer. The installer asks considerably more questions than Ubuntu. Most aren't critical: domain and proxy can simply be skipped; the root account, unfamiliar to many, is mandatory here; and for partitioning (with numerous specialities), one can manage well with the simple default settings, provided Debian is allowed to take over the storage device alone.
The question "Use a network mirror?" answered with "Yes" can correct potential download problems, as this then enables another "software selection". It's always advisable to choose the "Debian desktop environment" option and additionally select a desktop such as Gnome or KDE. Without a desktop, only the base system is present, but the system is headless. Without the "environment", the chosen desktop is present but without desktop software (browser, sound, CUPS, and NetworkManager may also be missing).
The Release Policy
Debian prioritises stability at the expense of currency. A new Debian version appears approximately every two years (currently Debian 13) and receives three years of support. During this runtime, only security updates are provided – the kernel and software (including the desktop) remain at the same level. Experienced users can circumvent this by incorporating backports sources, but by default, Debian software remains fixed for at least two years.
This is the opposite of Arch Linux's agile rolling model, and even Ubuntu is comparatively progressive with its bi-annual upgrades (point releases with kernel upgrades). Release upgrades after two years to the next higher version are technically provided but not automated. Users must replace the old release name (such as "bookworm") with the new one (such as "trixie") in the "/etc/apt/sources.list" file at every occurrence (at least three times) and then request an update with sudo apt full-upgrade.
This isn't particularly complex, but it differs from the click-through interface in an Ubuntu "Software Updater". Debian is well-suited to computers where new hardware components are unlikely for years. By "components", we mean critical candidates like graphics cards or CPUs that might require newer kernels or graphics libraries. Debian desktop users should also be comfortable missing two years of new features in applications like Gimp, VLC, or Gnome.
Debian Peculiarities
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Debian doesn't recognise "sudo" for simple account switching. For administrative tasks, one should switch to root using "su", whose password was defined during installation. Those wanting Ubuntu-like behaviour can install sudo (and visudo) in the root account:
apt install sudo
Afterwards, the main user can be added to the sudo group with usermod -aG sudo username. This leads to the next peculiarity: "usermod" and all typical admin commands appear to be missing. The background is a restrictive path specification: directories like "/sbin" or "/usr/sbin" with system administration tools aren't included in the standard path.
A command like "usermod" will therefore only function with the complete path specification "/sbin/usermod". For permanent operation, it's easier to supplement the PATH variable accordingly (export PATH=[…]:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin).
After a Debian installation, the line "deb cdrom […]" (the installation ISO image) often remains in the "/etc/apt/sources.list" file as a package source, which leads to errors with every apt command. This line must therefore be commented out or deleted.
Package Sources and Software
Such minor issues are easy to resolve but can initially confuse Ubuntu users considerably. Service configurations under Debian also tend to be somewhat more restrictive than under Ubuntu distributions. As package sources, Debian accepts only its own classic DEB sources by default: external PPAs aren't permitted. Snaps and Flatpaks can be retrofitted optionally, as everywhere, but aren't standard.
Desktop, Drivers, and Software
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The chosen desktop arrives in its original form, as with Arch. Debian supplies a few proprietary wallpapers but nothing more. Improvements are therefore necessary depending on the desktop – certainly more for Gnome than for KDE or XFCE. This isn't a fundamental disadvantage but presupposes familiarity with desktop extensions, desktop settings, and themes, and a willingness to undertake such customisations personally.
Regarding proprietary drivers and firmware, Debian has relaxed its formerly restrictive stance, so "nonfree" sources are now automatically permitted. GPU drivers (such as "nvidia-driver"), graphics libraries (such as "mesa-utils"), or codecs (such as "ffmpeg") can therefore be installed directly or are already considered during installation.
Software and kernels are only reasonably current in brand-new Debian versions and remain at this level. Also typical of conservative software is the use of Firefox ESR as the standard browser, which exceptionally does receive function updates, but only once a year.
Debian-Related Alternatives
Unquestionably, compared with Ubuntu and similar distributions, Debian requires a series of manual interventions for setting up the system and desktop. Compared with Arch Linux, however, the effort remains limited. Those who nevertheless wish to avoid these interventions but want rock-solid Debian can switch to derivatives such as MX Linux (with XFCE) or Q4OS (with KDE).
The Debian derivative that guarantees maximum Ubuntu proximity is the Mint variant Linux Mint LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition).
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Debian remains an excellent choice for servers and experienced Linux users who value stability over cutting-edge features. Its conservative release model ensures reliability but may frustrate desktop users wanting the latest software. Ubuntu, by contrast, offers a more polished out-of-box experience with regular updates, making it better suited for Linux newcomers and desktop users.
Key Differences at a Glance:
- Debian: Conservative two-year release cycle, original upstream software, requires manual configuration
- Ubuntu: Bi-annual releases with point updates, polished desktop experience, automated updates
- Stability: Debian prioritises stability; Ubuntu balances stability with currency
- Desktop: Debian delivers unmodified desktops; Ubuntu provides customised, user-friendly environments
- Software Updates: Debian freezes for two years; Ubuntu provides kernel and software updates throughout lifecycle
- Installer: Debian requires more technical knowledge; Ubuntu offers simplified installation
- Target Users: Debian suits servers and experienced users; Ubuntu targets desktop users and beginners
- Derivatives: Both have excellent derivatives (MX Linux, LMDE for Debian; Mint, Pop!_OS for Ubuntu)
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Debian if: You want maximum stability, run a server, are comfortable with manual configuration, prefer unmodified upstream software, and don't need the latest features.
Choose Ubuntu if: You want a polished desktop experience, prefer automated updates, are new to Linux, need current hardware support, or want the latest software features.
Ultimately, both distributions are excellent choices built on solid foundations. Your decision should reflect your technical expertise, hardware requirements, and whether you prioritise stability or currency in your Linux experience.
