It’s been almost two years since I last wrote about my operating system of choice, so I think it’s time to revisit the topic. With a new Debian release on the horizon in a few months, now feels like the perfect moment to share why Debian remains my favorite Linux distribution.

I’ve been using Linux exclusively on my computers since 2019, and for the past three years, Debian has been my daily driver. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various distributions, including Linux Mint, Ubuntu (and its MATE variant), Devuan (a Debian-based distro without systemd¹), EndeavourOS, Fedora, and openSUSE. While each has its strengths, I can confidently say that Debian stands out as the most reliable, rock-solid, and versatile Linux distribution I’ve used. It’s nearly impossible to break—something I can’t say for some other distros. For example, manually installing fonts in the /usr/share/fonts/ folder on Linux Mint would often lead to issues, but Debian handles such tasks effortlessly. Whether I’m installing multiple desktop environments or tinkering with system configurations, Debian just works. It’s like the honey badger of operating systems: unshakable, focused, and always getting the job done.

Table of Content (expand)

• 1. From Testing to Stable
• 2. My Current Setup
• 3. Gaming on Debian is a pleasant experience
• 4. Why Debian Stands Out
• 4.1. Unnecessary controversies
• 5. Final Thoughts
• 6. Notes

From Testing to Stable

I’ve been using Debian as my main OS since December 2021. Initially, I ran Debian’s Testing, which was surprisingly stable and issue-free. However, over the past three months, I’ve switched to Debian Stable (currently version 12, codenamed Bookworm, which I wrote about before). While Testing is great for those who want newer software, I realized I don’t always need the latest versions of every application. For instance, I’m writing this article in LibreOffice 7.4, even though version 25.2 is available at the moment. The stability and reliability of Debian Stable far outweigh the allure of cutting-edge updates for me.

That said, I understand why some users might shy away from Debian due to its slower release cycle, and run to cutting-edge distributions (meaning, distros with very updated packages) such as Arch, Fedora, and Void Linux. Debian’s new stable² versions come out roughly every two years, which means packages can lag behind those in more frequently updated distributions like Arch or Fedora. However, Debian offers several solutions to bridge this gap:

• Flatpaks³ and AppImages: These are perfect for applications that require newer versions. I use Flatpaks for apps like Parabolic, Bottles, and Scribus, and AppImages for tools like Calibre and Obsidian.
• Debian Backports⁴: This repository allows you to install newer versions of specific packages without leaving the stable branch. I occasionally use Backports for updating the Linux kernel, as Debian Stable typically sticks to long-term support (LTS) versions.
• Debian Testing: For those who want a more up-to-date experience, Debian Testing is an excellent middle ground. It’s still more stable than many other rolling-release distributions I’ve tried.

For my needs, a combination of Debian Stable, Flatpaks, and AppImages works perfectly. It gives me the best of both worlds: a rock-solid base with access to the latest software when needed.

My Current Setup

On my main computer, I rely on a mix of native Debian packages, Flatpaks, and AppImages for my daily tasks. On rare occasion I might use Backports, but it is usually only if I want to install newer Linux kernel, since Debian Bookworm only follows and installs long-term servicing support (LTS) kernel 6.1 versions.

Here’s a snapshot of my core applications:
- Native Packages: Firefox (for personal use), Brave (for work), Signal for messaging, LibreOffice Writer for writing, Audacious for listening to music, Steam for gaming, Grsync for file syncing between my computer and my Synology NAS, Filezilla for accessing my website, and Darktable for photo manipulation.
- Flatpaks: Parabolic, Bottles (for running Ubisoft and Epic games), Scribus for desktop publishing, Bitwarden, GPU Screen Recorder, Foliate for organizing and reading digital documents and books, and Gear Lever for managing AppImages.
- AppImages: Calibre, Kdenlive and Olive for video editing, Obsidian for note-taking, Teams for work-related online communication, Xournal++ for PDF manipulation.

My Debian desktop with Xfce DE, Firefox, Terminal, and Thunar file manager.

Gaming on Debian is a pleasant experience

Gaming on Linux, especially on Debian, has come a long way in the past few years, even it is difficult to find news about it online. When I first switched to Linux in 2019, only a handful of games worked natively. Thanks to Steam’s Proton project⁵, the landscape has changed dramatically. I currently have 373 games on Steam, with 224 confirmed to work on Linux. I’m still testing the remaining 67, but the compatibility list keeps growing.

Some of the games I’m currently playing include Life is Strange 2, Europa Universalis IV, Cities: Skylines 2, Far Cry 5 (co-op), The Forest (co-op), and Generation Zero (co-op). Other Linux-compatible titles in my library include Alien: Isolation, GTA V, Portal 2, Civilization VI, Euro Truck Simulator 2, Desperados III, Frostpunk, Imperator: Rome, No Man’s Sky, Dying Light, and the Tomb Raider series. The progress made in Linux gaming is nothing short of remarkable, and Debian handles it all with ease.

My Steam client runs a lot of games in Debian without any issues.

Why Debian Stands Out

Beyond its technical merits, Debian’s philosophy resonates deeply with me. The project is committed to creating a free operating system—free as in freedom and free of charge. This ethos is reflected in Debian’s Social Contract and Code of Conduct, which emphasize respect, collaboration, and transparency. Key points include:
- Debian will remain 100% free.
- The project will give back to the free software community.
- Problems will not be hidden; transparency is a priority.
- Users and free software come first.

These principles align with my belief in the importance of open-source software and community-driven development. However, I do have concerns about the increasing influence of ideological agendas within the FOSS community, including Debian. While I appreciate Debian’s commitment to inclusivity, I believe the project should remain focused on technical excellence and meritocracy rather than becoming entangled in divisive ideological debates.

Unnecessary controversies

For example, I’ve noticed a growing trend in the FOSS community—unfortunately, Debian included—toward pushing DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives that prioritize identity over merit. I worry that an overemphasis on ideology could detract from the technical goals that make Debian such a great project. This is not unique to Debian; other projects like NixOS, Red Hat, and openSUSE have also embraced similar initiatives, sometimes at the expense of their core missions. Once a company or a project prioritizes ideological over meritocratic values, it will demise itself into oblivion, and I don’t want this to happen to Debian, a courageous and altruistic project that is very much dependent on focusing on attracting skilled and smart people, and not necessarily underrepresented individuals.

That said, Debian has managed to strike a relatively balanced approach so far. It hasn’t gone as far as some projects, like the GNOME Foundation, which recently hired a “professional shaman” as its Executive Director—a move that, in my opinion, undermines the credibility of the project. And some openSUSE representatives have been calling anyone who doesn't want to flag the LGBTQ flag "a rotten flesh".

I truly hope Debian avoids falling into this kind of pitfall and continues to prioritize technical excellence and community collaboration over ideological conformity.

Final Thoughts

After more than five years of using Linux and exploring countless distributions, I always find myself returning to Debian. Whether I’m tempted to try Void Linux, Devuan, or some obscure distro, Debian remains my steadfast companion. It’s forgiving, reliable, and stays out of my way, allowing me to focus on what matters most: getting things done.

Debian may not be perfect for everyone, but for me, it’s the ideal balance of stability, flexibility, and freedom. As I continue to explore the ever-evolving world of Linux, I’m confident that Debian will remain my go-to operating system for the foreseeable future. And honestly, that’s not a bad deal at all.

Notes