Could you recommend me Debian?

[Zdravko]

I am new to this OS. Ubuntu seemed nice to me for a few years. Then I tried Fedora - there I didn't like the squeezed repos. Maybe it is time for something new. Should I try Debian? What is it in fact? I have always heard that it is more "conservative" Unix. Is it good for a student willing to study OS? Does it support hardware well?

[LaRoza]

Debian stable isn't probably what you want.

(Think: Older and lighter Ubuntu)

It isn't as up to date as Ubuntu, so will not support hardware as easily as more recently developments.

[Zdravko]

Okay, so I will stay with Ubuntu.
Now the question is - Ubuntu or Kubuntu?

[notwen]

Unless you're alright w/ using older packages/libraries, you may want to try Debian Sid (http://www.debian.org/CD/)(unstable) or Sidux (http://sidux.com/Article303.html) before trying regular old Debian. I run Etch for my file server and I personally think it's a bit dated for daily usage to my liking(Ubuntu spoils you to a degree). Depending on how comfortable you are w/ Linux, you may want to look into Arch (http://www.archlinux.org/) or Foresight (http://www.foresightlinux.org/). You actually build your install to your liking.

[LaRoza]

Okay, so I will stay with Ubuntu.
Now the question is - Ubuntu or Kubuntu?

Ubuntu with kde-core installed.

[danpre]

I am new to this OS. Ubuntu seemed nice to me for a few years. Then I tried Fedora - there I didn't like the squeezed repos. Maybe it is time for something new. Should I try Debian? What is it in fact? I have always heard that it is more "conservative" Unix. Is it good for a student willing to study OS? Does it support hardware well?

Well, what do you really expect from OS?

Newest software and features?
Great visual effects like Compiz out of the box?

I'm a Ubuntu and KDE user since Ubuntu 5.04.
For a beginners Ubuntu is the best choice - one of the reason is this forum - thousands of helpful users.

I find Ubuntu great and I'm going to switch to Debian.

Why?

Ubuntu is developing and changing very fast - I don't need this - I prefer a stability. I always follow changes of Ubuntu version - so it means a changs of OS every six months

Why Debian: great documentation and similarity to Ubuntu (well, ubuntu comes from debian)

And I'm going to switch to Gnome from KDE - a just don't like this Vista look in KDE 4.0. And Gnome seems to be lighter.

So - Debian will be more difficult for you - so it means better :)
If you want to learn - take a hard way!

DANIeL

[zetetic]

Debian is not difficult at all, even for a newby.

If you want stability, speed and an always up to date system, install Debian Testing (Debian Lenny at the present).

[wesswei]

i remember when debian even left out desktop goodies and general user gui. now they are pretty much up to speed and it is easier for a newb.

[odiseo77]

Debian is not difficult at all, even for a newby.

If you want stability, speed and an always up to date system, install Debian Testing (Debian Lenny at the present).

+1 for Debian Testing. It's stable enough (ok, I've had a couple of issues during my 2 or 3 years being on the Debian testing branch, but it could have happened even with Ubuntu), has up-to-date software, etc.

I am new to this OS. Ubuntu seemed nice to me for a few years. Then I tried Fedora - there I didn't like the squeezed repos. Maybe it is time for something new. Should I try Debian? What is it in fact? I have always heard that it is more "conservative" Unix. Is it good for a student willing to study OS? Does it support hardware well?

Maybe Debian doesn't has as much hardware support as Ubuntu, but you can find *almost* everything you need for hardware on the repositories (and if you're willing to learn, reading howtos on installing drivers and stuff will be a great opportunity to do so).

[seanc7]

Debian isn't difficult. Since you've been using Ubuntu since 6.10, you should be very well versed with Linux and the CLI.

So using Debian should be no problem for you.

I recommend Debian testing (Lenny) as well for a desktop/laptop.

Use Etch for systems that need total stability.

[RedSquirrel]

http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-faq/