Switch to debian?

[jlparsons]

I'm using Ubuntu 10.10 amd64 on my laptop, a Lenovo T410. I use a full encrypted disk and only really use openoffice and Firefox regularly. I use some window dressing like mint themes etc but otherwise it's just a standard Ubuntu system. As I'm using the system for work I value speed and stability very highly and was thinking about trying Debian. I've tried the live CD and it all works out of the box with the exception of the wifi but I'm sure I can get that to work. I'm sure I can get all my settings and appearances as I like them too.

My question is - am i likely to notice much benefit to changing over? Is it worth a complete reinstall?

[oz]

My question is - am i likely to notice much benefit to changing over? Is it worth a complete reinstall?

Hello and welcome to the forums!

I don't think you will notice huge benefits, but I personally prefer Debian so it would definitely be worth a complete reinstall for me. There are plenty of users that think just the opposite, so in the end it all boils down to what you like, meaning that you will probably have to do the new install and decide for yourself.

Good luck with it, either way, and do let us know what you went with.

[jlparsons]

Thanks Ozar. What do you prefer about Debian over Ubuntu, out of interest?

[oz]

Thanks Ozar. What do you prefer about Debian over Ubuntu, out of interest?

I prefer that packages and desktop environments be more vanilla, or generic in style, and the Ubuntu folks go in and customize things a bit more than what I like. I must admit that it's been a few years since I last installed Debian, so they might be doing the same now, but hopefully they aren't. I also like the businesscard netinstall option that Debian provides allowing me to install only a very minimal base system, then I install only those apps that I want/need on top of that, keeping the system lightweight, nice and tidy:

Debian -- Network install from a minimal CD

[elija]

Another option is LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition). All the minty goodness but based on Debian instead of Ubuntu.

[jlparsons]

Another option is LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition). All the minty goodness but based on Debian instead of Ubuntu.

I tried LMDE and was impressed, however I believe it is based on the testing and not stable version of debian? Will that make much difference?

[anchorschmidt]

Debian testing is rock solid as well. I've been using it and it's amazingly solid. The good part is that you get the lastest stable packages from the programs in the repositories so it's like a rolling release.

[hazel]

Ubuntu is based on Debian Unstable so Testing is more stable than that. Debian is more of a mainstream distribution, not so determinedly "user-friendly" as Ubuntu. And it's much less bloated.

[jlparsons]

hmmm... looking like a good move then. Am thinking install debian stable, get wireless working... Of course if I can't get it working as I want and I have to reinstall ubuntu it's yet more work but I can use aptoncd and a home folder backup to minimise the workload if that happens. I think I have a workplan for tomorrow!

Will let you know how it goes. Anyone have any more thoughts this evening before I bite the bullet?

[elija]

I tried LMDE and was impressed, however I believe it is based on the testing and not stable version of debian? Will that make much difference?

Stable means two things.

Stable: Solid, doesn't fall over
Stable: Unchanging

OK, Stable means three things

Stable: Solid, doesn't fall over
Stable: Unchanging
Stable: Housey for horses

(Enough with the Python ripoff!)

Debian stable is both solid and unchanging except for security updates etc. Debian testing is usually solid but the software changes far more often and is therefore more up to date.

Now to tempt fate: I've been using LMDE for a few months now and not had a single issue. And it is as fast as Debian.