Debian (pronounced /ˈdɛbiən/) is a computer operating system composed entirely of freebe and open source software. The primary form, Debian GNU/Linux, is a popular and influential Linux distribution.[1] Debian is known for strict adherence to the Unix and free software philosophies as well as using open development and testing processes.[2] Debian can be used as a desktop as well as server operating system.
The Debian Project is governed by the Debian Constitution and the Social Contract which set out the governance structure of the project as well as explicitly stating that the goal of the project is the development of a free operating system.[3][4] Debian is developed by over one thousand volunteers from around the world and supported by donations through SPI,[5] a non-profit umbrella organization for various free software projects.[6]
Thus, the Debian Project is an independent decentralised organization; it is not backed by a company like other Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, openSUSE, Fedora, and Mandriva. The cost of developing Debian 4.0 etch, assuming paid programmers from a single organization and based on source lines of code, has been estimated to be close to US$13 billion.[7]
Many distributions are based on Debian, including Ubuntu, MEPIS, Dreamlinux, Damn Small Linux, Xandros, Knoppix, Linspire, sidux, Kanotix, and LinEx, among others.[8]
Debian is also known for an abundance of options. The current release, Debian etch, includes over eighteen thousand software packages for eleven computer architectures. These architectures range from the Intel/AMD 32-bit/64-bit architectures commonly found in personal computers to the ARM architecture commonly found in embedded systems and the IBM eServer zSeries mainframes.[9] Prominent features of Debian are the APT package management system, repositories with large numbers of packages, strict policies regarding packages, and the high quality of releases.[8] These practices allow easy upgrades between releases as well as automated installation and removal of packages.
The Debian standard install makes use of the GNOME desktop environment. It includes popular programs such as OpenOffice.org, Iceweasel (a rebranding of Firefox), Evolution mail, CD/DVD writing programs, music and video players, image viewers and editors, and PDF viewers. There are pre-selected sets of packages for KDE and Xfce as well, and each set fits on its own CD.[10] The remaining discs, which span four DVDs or over twenty CDs, contain all packages currently available and are not necessary for a standard install. Another install method is via a net install CD which is much smaller than a normal install CD/DVD. It contains only the bare essentials needed to start the installer and downloads the packages selected during installation via APT.[11] These CD/DVD images can be freely obtained by web download, BitTorrent, jigdo or buying them from online retailers
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