Hey there guys, I hereby bring to you a new series of blogs that will be totally based on different Linux distros. From the time that I have been using Linux in the partition to the time that I completely removed Windows and migrated entirely to Linux, I have been a huge fan. I can’t wait to share my knowledge and experience with you guys.

Debian Linux

Debian is a free and open-source GNU/Linux operating system based on the Linux kernel. It came out in August of 1993. Debian has access to over 50000 packages in online repositories; you may also download free or paid software and install it on Debian. APT is the front-end package management, whereas monolithic is the kernel type. Debian’s installer is modular and generic in nature. The developer community offers adequate assistance for problem fixes, and there is a clear path from defect fixing to patch posting.

Arch Linux

Arch is a general-purpose GNU/Linux distribution for x86-64 processors. It’s straightforward and doesn’t make any extra changes or additions. It avoids fixes that aren’t supported by upstream. Users must configure their systems using the shell editor instead of using GUI setup software. Arch keeps stable release versions until there are no more package breaks. The init system, contemporary file systems, LVM2 are all included in Arch.

Differences between Debian and Arch Linux

Debian

  1. Any architecture, x86, ARM, MIPS, etc support Debian.
  2. Software management uses synaptic.
  3. Largest Linux distro with over 50000 packages.
  4. Good for beginners.
  5. Good documentation.
  6. The main focus is stability.
  7. Software updates mean a completely new version that has to be upgraded.
  8. Does not implement any KISS principle.
  9. While installing Debian-based Linux, some important packages come pre-installed.
  10. The default package manager in Debian-based distros is “apt”.

Arch

  1. Implements only x86 architecture.
  2. Binary source code has to be downloaded and installed manually.
  3. Doesn’t have many packages.
  4. Not beginner-friendly.
  5. Good wiki.
  6. Stability is a key point but people download it mostly for experiments.
  7. Updates come in the same version of the distro.
  8. Uses a KISS principle.
  9. While installing Arch, no packages come pre-installed.
  10. The main package manager in Arch-based distros is “pacman”.

Key take-aways

  1. Debian-based distros are beginner-friendly as compared to Arch-based distros.
  2. Arch is more customizable than Debian.
  3. Arch can be considered a log with which you have to make your own home and Debian can be considered to be the pre-built home.
  4. Debian works more or less in the same way as any Windows OS as compared to Arch.
Arch Linux
Debian Linux

Conclusion

If a user is migrating after being a long-time user of Windows, it is highly advisable to use a Debian-based Distro like Ubuntu with a Long Term Support. But, if someone is distro-hopping frequently and has already grasped Linux to some extent, Arch would be the best for them as it can be customized as required. Readers can consider reading this blog to enhance their knowledge.