Skip to content

TechRepublic

  • Top Products Lists
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Big Data
  • Tech Jobs
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Top Products Lists
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Big Data
  • Tech Jobs
  • See All Topics
  • Sponsored
  • Newsletters
  • Forums
  • Resource Library
TechRepublic Premium
Join / Sign In
Open source

Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

By Nick Heath August 20, 2018, 8:35 AM PDT

Image
1
of 13

Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

Debian's descendants

Image: J A Watson /ZDNet

Debian's descendants

The Linux-based OS Debian is 25 years old, and during its lifetime this child of the 90s has spawned its own family of operating systems.

Debian derivatives come in all shapes and sizes, from user-friendly Linux Mint to the macOS replacement Elementary OS to the privacy-centric Tails.

This gallery rounds up some of the most notable and popular Debian derivatives, as highlighted by The Debian Project and DistroWatch.

Image: J A Watson /ZDNet
ytrjj1l.png
ytrjj1l.png
Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

Elementary OS

Image: ElementaryOS

Elementary OS

What is it? Elementary OS aims to be a simple-to-use, good looking and fast replacement for Windows and macOS, offering an app store full of productivity, office and entertainment apps.

What’s it like? TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen praised an early version of the OS for being a user-friendly and high performing OS that took the right design cues from Apple’s desktops, while also questioning its use of a niche browser that was incompatible with Google’s G Suite.

How to get it: The OS is available to download here.

Image: ElementaryOS
Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

Raspbian

Image: Nick Heath / TechRepublic

Raspbian

What is it? Raspbian is the official OS for the Raspberry Pi, the $35 credit card sized computer for software and hardware developers.

What’s it like? Raspbian has been repeatedly updated since 2012 to make it easier to use and better looking.

Shipping with web browsing, office and programming software, the OS strikes a great balance between welcoming novice users and packing tools for power users.

How to get it: The OS is available for the Pi here or via the NOOBS installer, and for x86 PCs here.

Image: Nick Heath / TechRepublic
tailsboum.png
tailsboum.png
Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

Tails

Tails

What is it? Tails is privacy-centric OS designed for those who want to evade tracking as much as possible.

What’s it like? Tails can be run from a DVD or USB stick and its designers say it will “leave no trace on the computer you are using”, will attempt to anonymise internet use via the Tor network, and will encrypt your files, emails and instant messaging.

How to get it: You can download and install Tails here.

frame2.jpg
frame2.jpg
Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

MX Linux

Image: MX Community

MX Linux

What is it? An OS designed to balance ease of use and performance, while bundling everyday software.

What’s it like? MX Linux is highly rated on DistroWatch for its stability and software support. According to one user, “it has just worked on every machine I ever installed it on”.

How to get it: Available to download here.

Image: MX Community
linuxmint.png
linuxmint.png
Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

Linux Mint

Image: Linux Mint

Linux Mint

What is it: Designed to rival any modern desktop OS, Linux Mint aims to be responsive and simple for new users to grasp, while also boasting a broad selection of software out of the box.

What’s it like: Earlier this year ZDNet’s Steven Vaughan-Nichols described Linux Mint 19 as “the best desktop. Period”, praising its traditional windows desktop as a “true pleasure to use” that runs “faster and snappier than ever”.

How to get it: Available to download here.

Image: Linux Mint
opensource.png
opensource.png
Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

Zorin OS

Image: Zorin Group

Zorin OS

What is it? Another OS designed to ease the transition from Windows or macOS, Zorin OS’ customisable looks allow it to mimic the user’s desktop of choice.

What’s it like? Ease of use is the name of the game, with Zorin OS bundling a range of office, productivity and entertainment software, as well as PlayOnLinux software that allows users to install Windows apps.

TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen described an earlier release of Zorin OS as “a very solid distribution for new users”, only lacking guides on how install Windows software.

How to get it: Available from here.

Image: Zorin Group
sdrmenu.png
sdrmenu.png
Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

Kali Linux

Image: Offensive Security

Kali Linux

What is it? A toolbox for security professionals to test system and network defences.

What’s it like? The OS bundles hundreds of penetration testing and security auditing programs, and is designed to allow sysadmins and security professionals to probe systems for weaknesses.

Not only does it run on traditional x86 PCs, but also Arm-based devices like the Raspberry Pi. Reviews state that while it is not aimed at the average user, it excels at its stated aim of security and penetration testing.

How to get it: Available to download here.

Image: Offensive Security
antixlinux.png
antixlinux.png
Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

antiX

Image: antiX Linux / runwiththedolphin / YouTube

antiX

What is it? Designed to be a lightweight OS capable of running well, even on very old computers, and booting to a desktop from a USB stick within just over 10 seconds.

What’s it like? While the base OS is relatively compact, antiX is customizable, with users able to install a wide range of software packages. Reviews on DistroWatch praise its balance between speed, features and ability to work with a minimum of tweaking.

How to get it: Available to download here.

Image: antiX Linux / runwiththedolphin / YouTube
linuxlite.png
linuxlite.png
Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

Linux Lite

Image: Linux Lite / Riba Linux / YouTube

Linux Lite

What is it? An OS that aims to make the transition from Windows to Linux as painless as possible by bundling familiar office and entertainment software into a familiar windowed desktop.

What’s it like? Reviews on DistroWatch praise its ease-of-use, the fact it just works out of the box, and the snappy and responsive feel of the KDE Plasma desktop.

How to get it: Available to download here.

Image: Linux Lite / Riba Linux / YouTube
endlessos.png
endlessos.png
Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

Endless OS

Image: Endless

Endless OS

What is it? Designed to bundle together all the apps a user needs into an OS that mimics the simplicity of a smartphone OS.

What’s it like? The OS features more than 100 free apps, covering basic everyday office, work and home needs, including an offline version of Wikipedia. According to TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen, the simple design of the OS is suited to a wide range of displays, even a television.

How to get it: Available to download here.

Image: Endless
grml.png
grml.png
Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

Grml

Image: GRML Live Linux

Grml

What is it? Designed to run from a USB or DVD, Grml is designed to help rescue and repair computers.

What’s it like? The OS bundles software packages to help sysadmins install, deploy, and rescue systems, with reviews on DistroWatch suggesting it’s designed for experienced users.

How to get it: Available to download here.

Image: GRML Live Linux
pureos.png
pureos.png
Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

PureOS

Image: Purism

PureOS

What is it? A privacy and security-focused OS designed not to scare away the average user.

What’s it like? TechRepublic’s Jack Wallen praises PureOS for shipping with the “best free/libre privacy and security software and apps”. PureOS bundles the Tor browser, the Duck Duck Go search engine, EFF Privacy Badger, and HTTPS: Everywhere, into its default web browser, PureBrowser and provide tools for easily encrypting the OS and its data.

This security doesn’t come at the expense of usability, according to Wallen, as the GNOME 3 desktop will be familiar to any seasoned computer users.

How to get it: PureOS is available here.

Image: Purism
  • Open source
  • Software
  • Account Information

    Share with Your Friends

    Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems

    Your email has been sent

Share: Looking for a new OS? Try these Debian Linux-based systems
Image of Nick Heath
By Nick Heath
Nick Heath is a computer science student and was formerly a journalist at TechRepublic and ZDNet.
  • Account Information

    Contact Nick Heath

    Your message has been sent

  • |
  • See all of Nick's content

TechRepublic Premium

  • TechRepublic Premium

    Power Checklist: Building Your Disaster Recovery Plan

    Natural and man-made disasters can jeopardize the operations and future of any company today. Hurricanes, earthquakes and terrorist or cyberattacks are just a few examples of potentially crippling threats. As a result, the development of a disaster recovery plan is a must to ensure ongoing business processes in the wake of a crisis situation. This ...

    Published:  September 21, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT Modified:  September 22, 2023, 8:00 AM EDT Read More See more TechRepublic Premium articles
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Hiring Kit: Project Manager

    Keeping all the various moving parts of a business running smoothly and on time requires a well-organized individual who can see the final goal of a project, develop a path to reach that goal and communicate the path that must be followed to all the individuals and teams working to bring that final goal to ...

    Published:  September 20, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT Modified:  September 21, 2023, 12:00 PM EDT Read More See more TechRepublic Premium articles
  • TechRepublic Premium

    SSL Certificate Best Practices Policy

    SSL certificates are essential for encrypting traffic between systems such as clients, which access servers via web browsers or applications that communicate with remote systems. Certificates protect client and server data, commonly involving confidential information such as credit card details or social security numbers. The purpose of this SSL Certificate Best Practices Policy from TechRepublic ...

    Published:  September 20, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT Modified:  September 21, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT Read More See more TechRepublic Premium articles
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Mobile Device Computing Policy

    Mobile devices are a way of life in both the consumer and business realms — and business interests must be protected where the two converge. This policy from TechRepublic Premium provides guidelines for the safe and productive use of mobile devices (laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, etc.) by employees. It includes stipulations for company and employee-owned ...

    Published:  September 20, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT Modified:  September 21, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT Read More See more TechRepublic Premium articles

Services

  • About Us
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Site Help & Feedback
  • FAQ
  • Advertise
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • Careers

Explore

  • Downloads
  • TechRepublic Forums
  • Meet the Team
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Resource Library
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • TechRepublic
  • TechRepublic on Twitter
  • TechRepublic on Facebook
  • TechRepublic on LinkedIn
  • TechRepublic on Flipboard
© 2023 TechnologyAdvice. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Property of TechnologyAdvice