Why Debian

Debian is the best Linux distribution because it has the widest choice of software available for it. Debian runs on a wider range of hardware than other distributions, patches are rapidly available and free, and Debian has a well-deserved reputation for stability and security. Since Debian isn't a corporation it cannot be purchased by a rival or go bankrupt. Why isn't Debian installed more often? Because most sellers of Linux systems are focussed on the hardware, they want an easy, generic installation for all customers. They select distributions like Redhat and Novell, which are easier to install but more expensive to maintain, because they will be doing the installation, but not the maintenance. Here at Colorado Linux Systems, we are focussed on software instead of hardware, and we would rather have easy maintenance than installation.

Computer users are an amazingly diverse group, and their computers should reflect that diversity. It is inefficient and insecure to install packages that will not be used, and it is quite time-consuming to build needed packages from source, we'd prefer they be included in the distribution. We ask our customers to tell us how they plan to use the server, so we can customize their software for that use, instead of pre-installing all sorts of irrelevant services on the new system.

With Debian, the distribution includes about 30GB of packages per architecture, and another 27GB of sources. This is one reason nobody installs the entire distribution. Redhat Enterprise includes about 5GB of software if you install it all. Debian is more difficult to install, especially for the uninitiated, but with Colorado Linux Systems, you don't have to worry about that. We have been installing and customizing Linux since 1994, and have been installing Debian since 2003.

Some people may prefer Ubuntu to Debian, which is fine, but not for a server. Server applications like sendmail are only included in Ubuntu as part of the "universe" which means Debian packages, and they do not get regular security updates. Ubuntu comes with no root account and has no services enabled by default, so it is necessary for the administrator to enable and configure each service. This is a great opportunity for Canonical to sell support contracts, but not so great for the purchaser of the system. Debian doesn't sell support contracts and has no reason to encourage their purchase.