Debian 13 Introduction
Welcome to the world of Debian! If you're new to Linux or want to learn about Debian 13's new features, this article will provide you with a comprehensive introduction.
What is Debian?
Debian is a completely volunteer-maintained free operating system. It's renowned worldwide for its stability, security, and powerful package management system.
💡 Beginner Tip
Linux is an operating system similar to Windows or macOS, but it's completely free and open-source. Debian is one of many Linux "distributions" (different versions).
Debian's Core Philosophy
- Free Software: All software is open-source, you can freely use, modify, and distribute it
- Stability First: New features are only added after thorough testing
- Community Driven: Maintained and developed by volunteers worldwide
New Features in Debian 13
Debian 13 (codenamed: Trixie) brings many exciting new features:
🚀 System Improvements
- Linux Kernel 6.12: Better hardware support and performance optimization
- RISC-V Architecture Support: Official support for 64-bit RISC-V (riscv64) architecture
- ARM64 Security Enhancements: Support for PAC/BTI security features
- Improved Installer: More user-friendly installation experience
- HTTP Boot Support: Support for UEFI HTTP Boot
🖥️ Desktop Environment Updates
- GNOME 43: Modern user interface with improved user experience
- KDE Plasma 5.27: Feature-rich desktop environment
- Xfce 4.18: Lightweight but fully functional
- MATE 1.26: Traditional desktop experience
- LXQt 1.2.0: Lightweight Qt desktop environment
📦 Software Package Updates
| Software | Version | Key Improvements |
|---|---|---|
| Linux Kernel | 6.12 | Better hardware support and performance |
| LibreOffice | 7.4+ | Improved document compatibility |
| Python | 3.13 | Faster execution speed and new features |
| GCC | 14.2 | Latest compiler support |
| GNOME | 43 | Modern desktop environment |
| KDE Plasma | 5.27 | Feature-rich desktop experience |
Why Choose Debian?
✅ Advantages
🔒 Superior Stability
Debian's "stable" release is thoroughly tested over time, rarely experiencing system crashes or software issues.
🛡️ Secure and Reliable
Has a dedicated security team that promptly fixes security vulnerabilities.
📦 Rich Software Repository
Official repositories contain over 50,000 software packages, covering almost all needs.
💰 Completely Free
No fees required, and no ads or tracking software.
⚠️ Considerations
Learning Curve
If you're new to Linux, it may take some time to adapt.
Software Versions
For stability, some software may not be the latest version.
Debian vs Other Systems
vs Windows
| Feature | Debian | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Cost | Completely Free | License Required |
| 🔒 Security | Rare Viruses | Antivirus Needed |
| 🎨 Customization | Highly Customizable | Limited Options |
| 🎮 Gaming | Partial Support | Full Support |
| 📚 Learning Difficulty | Medium | Lower |
vs macOS
| Feature | Debian | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Cost | Free | Requires Mac Purchase |
| 🔧 Hardware | Various Hardware | Apple Hardware Only |
| 🛠️ Open Source | Fully Open Source | Partially Closed |
| 🎨 Interface | Multiple Choices | Unified Interface |
Suitable Use Cases for Debian
👨💻 Developers
- Rich development tools
- Stable runtime environment
- Powerful command-line tools
🏢 Server Administrators
- Long-term stable operation
- Low resource usage
- Powerful networking tools
🎓 Learners
- Understanding Linux system principles
- Learning open-source software
- Improving computer skills
🏠 Regular Users
- Free office software
- Secure web browsing
- Ad-free experience
System Requirements
Before installing Debian 13, ensure your computer meets the following requirements:
🖥️ Minimum Configuration
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor
- Memory: 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
- Storage: 25 GB available disk space
- Graphics: Support for 1024x768 resolution
💪 Recommended Configuration
- Processor: Dual-core 2 GHz or faster
- Memory: 8 GB RAM or more
- Storage: 50 GB SSD drive
- Graphics: Hardware-accelerated dedicated graphics card
⚠️ Important Reminder
Be sure to backup important data before installation! Although you can keep your existing system for dual-boot installation, backup is always a wise choice.
Next Steps
Now that you understand the basics of Debian 13, you can continue learning:
- Check System Requirements - Confirm your hardware compatibility
- Download Installation Images - Get the latest Debian 13 images
- Create Bootable Media - Prepare installation media
If you have any questions, please check our FAQ or join our community discussion.
Ready to start your Debian journey? View Installation Guide Now →