Operating System Comparison
This page provides a detailed comparison of Debian 13 with other mainstream operating systems to help you make the best choice for your needs.
🐧 Linux Distribution Comparison
Overview Comparison Table
| Feature | Debian 13 | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | RHEL 9 | CentOS Stream 9 | Arch Linux | Fedora 39 |
|---|
| Release Model | Stable | LTS + Standard | Enterprise | Rolling | Rolling | Biannual |
| Package Mgmt | APT/dpkg | APT/dpkg | DNF/RPM | DNF/RPM | Pacman | DNF/RPM |
| Default DE | GNOME | GNOME | GNOME | None | None | GNOME |
| Architectures | Many | Many | x86_64 | x86_64 | Many | Many |
| Support Cycle | 5+ years | 5 years (LTS) | 10 years | Continuous | Continuous | 13 months |
| # of Packages | 50,000+ | 40,000+ | 8,000+ | 8,000+ | 15,000+ | 20,000+ |
| Learning Curve | Medium | Easy | Medium | Medium | Hard | Medium |
| Corp. Support | Community | Canonical | Red Hat | Community | Community | Red Hat |
Detailed Analysis
🔷 Debian 13 vs Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
- Debian's Strengths: Purer open-source philosophy, extreme stability, lighter default installation.
- Ubuntu's Strengths: Newer packages, better support for third-party proprietary software and drivers, more active desktop community.
- Recommendation: Debian is preferred for servers and developers seeking stability; desktop users and beginners might start with Ubuntu.
🔴 Debian 13 vs RHEL 9 / CentOS Stream 9
- Debian's Strengths: Completely free, community-driven, huge number of packages, flexible configuration.
- RHEL/CentOS's Strengths: Enterprise-grade support and services, top-tier security with SELinux, numerous commercial software certifications.
- Recommendation: Choose RHEL for large enterprises needing commercial support; Debian is a cost-effective choice for SMEs, individual developers, and community projects.
⚫ Debian 13 vs Arch Linux
- Debian's Strengths: Stable and reliable, simple maintenance, clear release cycle.
- Arch Linux's Strengths: Rolling release (software is always up-to-date), highly customizable, excellent documentation (Arch Wiki).
- Recommendation: Use Debian for production environments where stability is paramount; choose Arch for tinkering, in-depth learning, and cutting-edge software.
🖥️ Comparison with Other OS
Debian 13 vs Windows 11
| Aspect | Debian 13 | Windows 11 |
|---|
| License Fee | Free | License purchase required |
| Hardware Req. | Low (from 512MB RAM) | High (from 4GB RAM, TPM 2.0) |
| Security | Excellent (open audit) | Good (closed source but frequent updates) |
| Software Eco. | Primarily open-source | Rich commercial software |
| Gaming Support | Via compatibility layer | Best native support |
| Customization | Extremely high | Medium |
- Recommendation: Debian is ideal for developers, sysadmins, and privacy-conscious users; Windows is preferred for office work, design, and gaming.
Debian 13 vs macOS Sonoma
| Aspect | Debian 13 | macOS Sonoma |
|---|
| Hardware Lock-in | Runs on various hardware | Apple hardware only |
| Open Source | Fully open | Partially open |
| Terminal Env. | Excellent (multiple shells) | Good (Zsh) |
| Design Software | Limited | Rich (professional grade) |
| Price | Free | High hardware cost |
- Recommendation: Debian is a powerhouse for server development, operations, embedded systems, and cybersecurity; macOS is the top choice for mobile development and creative work (video, music, UI).
Need a more detailed scenario analysis? View Installation Guide → | Learn Basic Usage →
