What Debian should I download?

[Fixman]

Okay, here (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=626997) you convinced me to install Debian. But what branch should I install? Please note that I prefer having pretty actualized software.

Also, I ask the following two questions:

What is the best thing that Debian has and Ubuntu hasn't?
What is the best thing that Ubuntu has that Debian hasn't?

[SunnyRabbiera]

both testing and unstable should do you, there is a way to use the unstable repositories in testing and vice versa (though its risky either way)
I only suggest those two as they do offer more up to date software then the stable version (though you can also use the unstable and testing repos in that too, also at great risk)
My biggest gripe with debian is of course getting stuff like codecs and flash to work, its a bit rougher around the edges over there.

[kalosaurusrex]

Before I answer I want to ask several questions;

What do you plan on using the system for?

What would you rate your linux experience to be?

:)

A

[zippy028]

If you have a decent internet connection you can download the business card iso at this (http://www.debian.org/CD/netinst/)location. The business card image does a network install but it gives you the option to choose which branch you would like to install from I.E. testing,stable,unstable. You have to enter expert at the boot prompt when the disc boots to get the option to choose the different branches though. If you do not it will install "Etch" or stable. You can also opt for KDE simply enter at boot prompt tasks="standard, kde-desktop"I believe the quotes are required in the KDE example. If not the installer will probably tell you. If you enter "expertgui" you will get the graphical installer. I do not see a need for it as the standard installer is pretty much the same as the installer Ubuntu uses. If you do not do the network/business card install and want KDE you will have to get either the 4.0 DVD or download the KDE disc here (http://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/4.0_r1/i386/iso-cd/)

[g2g591]

if you're pretty experianced and willing to do a little hackery and digging around I'd say unstable (but with testing repos too, so some packages like adept won't break) and expertgui is the installer of choice (more choices)
(and go KDE!)

[Ozeuss]

the best is to download stable, and then change the sources to whatever you want. That's because etch's installer is, well... more stable.

[sicknor]

I usually download the stable release , after that i just add the unstable and testing repositories
pico /etc/apt/sources,list
example :)

deb http://ftp.uk.debian.org/debian testing main contrib non-free
deb http://ftp.uk.debian.org/debian unstable main contrib non-free
than just run
apt-get dist-upgrade
and your system is up to date . Sid always worked fine with me , never had problems with "unstable" packages.

[angryfirelord]

If you're a newbie to Debian, I would stick with Stable and get used it first. Then, you can play around with Testing or Unstable.

Be careful though when you do decide to upgrade. Watch for any packages that might get removed. Sometimes incomplete dependencies may cause you to loose something important, such as openoffice. (although the Debian devs are good about fixing that within the next day or two)

Otherwise, Debian's a joy to use!

[kellemes]

I think "testing" is much more stable as Ubuntu has ever been..
Personally I'd use "testing" and get individual packages from other branches based on your needs and wishes.
But whatever branch you choose, it's pretty cool and gives you GNU/Linux at it's best.

[kerry_s]

Okay, here (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=626997) you convinced me to install Debian. But what branch should I install? Please note that I prefer having pretty actualized software.

Also, I ask the following two questions:

What is the best thing that Debian has and Ubuntu hasn't?
What is the best thing that Ubuntu has that Debian hasn't?


start with xfce4, till ya learn the ropes-> http://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/4.0_r1/i386/iso-cd/debian-40r1-i386-xfce-CD-1.iso

after that the net installer can get you what ever you want your system to be, a custom install is the way to go-> http://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/4.0_r1/i386/iso-cd/debian-40r1-i386-businesscard.iso