Hey folks! I'm making the switch to Linux for privacy and control over my system, and while I'm keeping Windows in a VirtualBox for any must-have software, I'm currently torn between Debian and Arch. I've tried both and got Arch set up to my liking, but I found Debian to be a quicker alternative for my family's needs, who aren't as tech-savvy. I appreciate Debian's stability, but I want to know—beyond the ability to brag about using Arch, what will I actually miss out on by going with Debian?
5 Answers
Honestly, if you need a system that runs well but doesn't require constant tinkering, Debian is perfect. You'll get security updates still, and while you might lose out on cutting-edge packages on Debian, it sounds like you value stability more.
If you don't mind older packages, Debian Trixie is up-to-date enough and offers rock-solid stability. Just remember, Arch has more frequent updates, which can break things, while Debian is about long-term reliability. It’s really about what you need!
Right, and as long as your current hardware is supported, you should be golden!
AUR is really beneficial on Arch for quick installations of software, but you can still find most major applications for Debian. If you ever feel restricted, don't hesitate to backport or compile from source occasionally!
That's a great point! Debian does offer flexibility if you want to go that route.
You might miss the ability to drop "I use Arch, by the way" in convos! But seriously, if you're using it for everyday tasks, like the ones you mentioned, you won't lose much. Debian's solid for stability, and it'll serve your family's needs just fine.
Yeah, I think the everyday user won't notice much if everything works as intended.
That's what I figured! Stability is key for my family.
In terms of actual usability, not much! Just be prepared for slightly older packages and a different package manager. But as someone who has used both distros, you'll still have a great experience with Debian, especially for family usage.
You hit the nail on the head. And installing stuff on Debian is just as efficient once you get used to the package manager!
Exactly! Plus, you can always use Flatpaks for newer software if you really need it.