Switching from Ubuntu to Debian...

[flipjargendy]

After using Ubuntu for about two and a half years or so (my mind doesn't do time well) I am thinking of going back to Debian. I'm sure Debian has changed quite a bit but I am not sure how much.

Does anyone think it would be pointless now, since Ubuntu is Debian based? I know there are differences but I'm not sure what type of gap there is between the two these days.

Thanks

[robotichead]

i use debian, i have used ubuntu once (version 6.4), and i must admit. Debian has changed a little, but its not as easy as Ubuntu.

i used a ubuntu live cd yesterday (version 7.something), and it automatically picked up my USB wireless modem... and i just spent a day in debian installing the drivers for it...

to tell you the truth, i havent used ubuntu that long enough to come up with a good answer to this...

[bidi]

I've used both Debian and Ubuntu for almost 2 years now (on 2 different computers). Debian is still my favorite so far! I use Debian Testing, which allows me to keep the system constantly updated, which is better than actually having to download a complete distro every few months. Debian Testing is also tons more stable than Ubuntu's most stable release, but this come with slightly outdated packages whenever a new Ubuntu release is made (a few months later Debian Testing will catch up and even pass Ubuntu). Overall, Debian, if installed with the "Desktop" option, will give you at least the same software that installed with Ubuntu.

However, like the previous poster mentioned, Ubuntu does have more out-of-the-box support for certain things like wireless (I don't mind since this stuff is usually just and apt-get away in Debian).

[carlosponti]

I liked playing with Debian. especially the install from network option. its a pretty nifty way of installing. my only complaint in the past is that the release cycle is so slow that if you want or need certain new features than you are in for a wait unless you run the unstable branch. Debian Etch was pretty impressive.

[flipjargendy]

...like the previous poster mentioned, Ubuntu does have more out-of-the-box support...

I agree, that is what got me into Ubuntu. I do think that Ubuntu has a few bugs in it and always has. From what I've seen it seems like it will be consistently buggy. Maybe in 7.10 the distro will have been around long enough to get most of the bugs worked out but I know I liked Debian before. I just got a little lazy for a while.

...the install from network option. its a pretty nifty way of installing...

I've always liked the net install. I thought that was a great idea. You download the packages on the ISO anyway, why not download and install at the same time!

my only complaint in the past is that the release cycle is so slow that if you want or need certain new features than you are in for a wait unless you run the unstable branch...

I don't think I'll be too worried about this but I am curious, has Debian updated the version of GNOME yet? I know Ubuntu is waiting to implement it until the next stable release, Gusty Gibbon (I think).

[Robdkino]

On Ubuntu 7.10 and as a newbie could not ask for a painless transisition from the rubbish called XP
It picked up everything I needed and appears incredibly stable and strong
My other expereinece is with Red Hat at work and this is lovely
New convert!

[carlosponti]

I don't think I'll be too worried about this but I am curious, has Debian updated the version of GNOME yet? I know Ubuntu is waiting to implement it until the next stable release, Gusty Gibbon (I think).

not sure if debian has updated gnome ubuntu gutsy which was released this last week is on 2.20 which i believe is the most up to date version. Debian Etch is using 2.14 which is only a couple of versions behind. thats not really that bad and if you wanted the most recent version there might be a way to update it.

[flipjargendy]

Well, I've burned a Debian Net Install CD... I'll be starting the change over sometime soon. It's nice to have a server now. I'll just back up everything by switching which computer has the needed data on it. Woohoo!