Debian (pronounced 1) is a computer operating system composed entirely of free and open source software. The primary form, Debian GNU/Linux, is a popular and influential Linux distribution. Debian is a multipurpose OS, which can be used as a desktop or server operating system.

Debian is known for strict adherence to the Unix and free software philosophies.

Prominent features of Debian are the APT package management system, its strict policies regarding its packages and the quality of its releases. These practices afford easy upgrades between releases and easy automated installation and removal of packages. Debian uses an open development and testing process. It is developed by volunteers from around the world and supported by donations through SPI, a non-profit umbrella organization for various free software projects.

The default install provides popular programs such as: OpenOffice.org, Iceweasel (a rebranding of Firefox), Evolution mail, CD/DVD writing programs, music and video players, image viewers and editors, and PDF viewers. A default installation requires only the first CD/DVD; the remaining discs, which span 4 DVDs and over 20 CDs, contain all 26,000+ extra programs and packages currently available. The preferred method of install is a net install CD, which includes only necessary software and downloads selected packages during the installation via Debian's package manager, APT.

History

Debian was first announced on 16 August 1993, by Ian Murdock, who was then a student at Purdue University. Murdock initially called the system the "Debian Linux Release". Previously, Softlanding Linux System had been the first Linux distribution compiled from various software packages, and was a popular basis for other distributions c. 1993-1994. The perceived poor maintenance and prevalence of bugs in SLS motivated Murdock to launch a new distribution.

In 1993 Murdock also released the Debian Manifesto, outlining his view for the new operating system. In it he called for the creation of a distribution to be maintained in an open manner, in the spirit of Linux and GNU. He formed the name "Debian" as a combination of the first name of his girlfriend (later wife, now ex-wife) Debra and his own first name. As such, Debian is pronounced as the corresponding syllables of these names in English: /ˈdɛbiən/ but other pronunciations are common in different parts of the world.

The Debian Project grew slowly at first and released the first 0.9x versions in 1994 and 1995. The first ports to other architectures were begun in 1995, and the first 1.x version of Debian was released in 1996. In 1996, Bruce Perens replaced Ian Murdock as the project leader. In the same year, fellow developer Ean Schuessler suggested that Debian establish a social contract with its users. He distilled the resulting discussion on Debian mailing lists into the Debian Social Contract and the Debian Free Software Guidelines, defining fundamental commitments for the development of the distribution. He also initiated the creation of the legal umbrella organization Software in the Public Interest.