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authorDaniel Baumann <daniel@debian.org>2007-09-23 10:05:12 +0200
committerDaniel Baumann <daniel@debian.org>2011-03-09 18:19:41 +0100
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-<meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
-
-<title>The Debian GNU/Linux FAQ - Definitions and overview</title>
-
-</head>
-
-<body>
-
-<p><a name="ch-basic_defs"></a></p>
-<hr>
-
-<p>
-[ <a href="index.en.html">previous</a> ]
-[ <a href="index.en.html#contents">Contents</a> ]
-[ 1 ]
-[ <a href="ch-getting.en.html">2</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-compat.en.html">3</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-software.en.html">4</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-ftparchives.en.html">5</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-pkg_basics.en.html">6</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-pkgtools.en.html">7</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-uptodate.en.html">8</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-kernel.en.html">9</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-customizing.en.html">10</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-support.en.html">11</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-contributing.en.html">12</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-redistrib.en.html">13</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-nexttime.en.html">14</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-faqinfo.en.html">15</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-getting.en.html">next</a> ]
-</p>
-
-<hr>
-
-<h1>
-The Debian GNU/Linux FAQ
-<br>Chapter 1 - Definitions and overview
-</h1>
-
-<hr>
-
-<h2><a name="s-whatisfaq"></a>1.1 What is this FAQ?</h2>
-
-<p>
-This document gives frequently asked questions (with their answers!) about the
-Debian distribution (Debian GNU/Linux and others) and about the Debian project.
-If applicable, pointers to other documentation will be given: we won't quote
-large parts of external documentation in this document. You'll find out that
-some answers assume some knowledge of Unix-like operating systems. We'll try
-to assume as little prior knowledge as possible: answers to general beginners
-questions will be kept simple.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-If you can't find what you're looking for in this FAQ, be sure to check out <a
-href="ch-support.en.html#s-debiandocs">What other documentation exists on and
-for a Debian system?, Section 11.1</a>. If even that doesn't help, refer to <a
-href="ch-faqinfo.en.html#s-feedback">Feedback, Section 15.2</a>.
-</p>
-
-<hr>
-
-<h2><a name="s-whatisdebian"></a>1.2 What is Debian GNU/Linux?</h2>
-
-<p>
-Debian GNU/Linux is a particular <em>distribution</em> of the Linux operating
-system, and numerous packages that run on it.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-In principle, users could obtain the Linux kernel via the Internet or from
-elsewhere, and compile it themselves. They could then obtain source code for
-many applications in the same way, compile the programs, then install them into
-their systems. For complicated programs, this process can be not only
-time-consuming but error-prone. To avoid it, users often choose to obtain the
-operating system and the application packages from one of the Linux
-distributors. What distinguishes the various Linux distributors are the
-software, protocols, and practices they use for packaging, installing, and
-tracking applications packages on users' systems, combined with installation
-and maintenance tools, documentation, and other services.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-Debian GNU/Linux is the result of a volunteer effort to create a free,
-high-quality Unix-compatible operating system, complete with a suite of
-applications. The idea of a free Unix-like system originates from the GNU
-project, and many of the applications that make Debian GNU/Linux so useful were
-developed by the GNU project.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-For Debian, free has the GNUish meaning (see the <code><a
-href="http://www.debian.org/social_contract#guidelines">Debian Free Software
-Guidelines</a></code>). When we speak of free software, we are referring to
-freedom, not price. Free software means that you have the freedom to
-distribute copies of free software, that you receive source code or can get it
-if you want it, that you can change the software or use pieces of it in new
-free programs; and that you know you can do these things.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-The Debian Project was created by Ian Murdock in 1993, initially under the
-sponsorship of the Free Software Foundation's GNU project. Today, Debian's
-developers think of it as a direct descendent of the GNU project.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-Debian GNU/Linux is:
-</p>
-<ul>
-<li>
-<p>
-<strong>full featured</strong>: Debian includes more than 18347 software
-packages at present. Users can select which packages to install; Debian
-provides a tool for this purpose. You can find a list and descriptions of the
-packages currently available in Debian at any of the Debian <code><a
-href="http://www.debian.org/distrib/ftplist">mirror sites</a></code>.
-</p>
-</li>
-</ul>
-<ul>
-<li>
-<p>
-<strong>free to use and redistribute</strong>: There is no consortium
-membership or payment required to participate in its distribution and
-development. All packages that are formally part of Debian GNU/Linux are free
-to redistribute, usually under terms specified by the GNU General Public
-License.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-The Debian FTP archives also carry approximately 444 software packages (in the
-<samp>non-free</samp> and <samp>contrib</samp> sections), which are
-distributable under specific terms included with each package.
-</p>
-</li>
-</ul>
-<ul>
-<li>
-<p>
-<strong>dynamic</strong>: With about 1950 volunteers constantly contributing
-new and improved code, Debian is evolving rapidly. New releases are planned to
-be made every several months, and the FTP archives are updated daily.
-</p>
-</li>
-</ul>
-
-<p>
-Although Debian GNU/Linux itself is free software, it is a base upon which
-value-added Linux distributions can be built. By providing a reliable,
-full-featured base system, Debian provides Linux users with increased
-compatibility, and allows Linux distribution creators to eliminate duplication
-of effort and focus on the things that make their distribution special. See <a
-href="ch-redistrib.en.html#s-childistro">I am making a special Linux
-distribution for a &quot;vertical market&quot;. Can I use Debian GNU/Linux for
-the guts of a Linux system and add my own applications on top of it?, Section
-13.3</a> for more information.
-</p>
-
-<hr>
-
-<h2><a name="s-linux"></a>1.3 OK, now I know what Debian is... what is Linux?!</h2>
-
-<p>
-In short, Linux is the kernel of a Unix-like operating system. It was
-originally designed for 386 (and better) PCs; today Linux also runs on a dozen
-of other systems. Linux is written by Linus Torvalds and many computer
-scientists around the world.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-Besides its kernel, a &quot;Linux&quot; system usually has:
-</p>
-<ul>
-<li>
-<p>
-a file system that follows the Linux Filesystem Hierarchy Standard <code><a
-href="http://www.pathname.com/fhs/">http://www.pathname.com/fhs/</a></code>.
-</p>
-</li>
-</ul>
-<ul>
-<li>
-<p>
-a wide range of Unix utilities, many of which have been developed by the GNU
-project and the Free Software Foundation.
-</p>
-</li>
-</ul>
-
-<p>
-The combination of the Linux kernel, the file system, the GNU and FSF
-utilities, and the other utilities are designed to achieve compliance with the
-POSIX (IEEE 1003.1) standard; see <a href="ch-compat.en.html#s-otherunices">How
-source code compatible is Debian with other Unix systems?, Section 3.3</a>.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-For more information about Linux, see Michael K. Johnson's <code><a
-href="ftp://ibiblio.org/pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO/INFO-SHEET">Linux Information
-Sheet</a></code> and <code><a
-href="ftp://ibiblio.org/pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO/META-FAQ">Meta-FAQ</a></code>.
-</p>
-
-<hr>
-
-<h2><a name="s-non-linux"></a>1.4 Does Debian just do GNU/Linux?</h2>
-
-<p>
-Currently, Debian is only available for Linux, but with Debian GNU/Hurd and
-Debian on BSD kernels, we have started to offer non-Linux-based OSes as a
-development, server and desktop platform, too. However, these non-linux ports
-are not officially released yet.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-The oldest porting effort is Debian GNU/Hurd.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-The Hurd is a set of servers running on top of the GNU Mach microkernel.
-Together they build the base for the GNU operating system.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-Please see <code><a
-href="http://www.gnu.org/software/hurd/">http://www.gnu.org/software/hurd/</a></code>
-for more information about the GNU/Hurd in general, and <code><a
-href="http://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/">http://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/</a></code>
-for more information about Debian GNU/Hurd.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-A second effort is the port to a BSD kernel. People are working with both the
-NetBSD and the FreeBSD kernels.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-See <code><a
-href="http://www.debian.org/ports/#nonlinux">http://www.debian.org/ports/#nonlinux</a></code>
-for more information about these non-linux ports.
-</p>
-
-<hr>
-
-<h2><a name="s-difference"></a>1.5 What is the difference between Debian GNU/Linux and other Linux distributions? Why should I choose Debian over some other distribution?</h2>
-
-<p>
-These key features distinguish Debian from other Linux distributions:
-</p>
-<dl>
-<dt>Freedom:</dt>
-<dd>
-<p>
-As stated in the <code><a href="http://www.debian.org/social_contract">Debian
-Social Contract</a></code>, Debian will remain 100% free. Debian is very
-strict about shipping truly free software. The guidelines used to determine if
-a work is &quot;free&quot; are provided in <code><a
-href="http://www.debian.org/social_contract#guidelines">The Debian Free
-Software</a></code>.
-</p>
-</dd>
-</dl>
-<dl>
-<dt>The Debian package maintenance system:</dt>
-<dd>
-<p>
-The entire system, or any individual component of it, can be upgraded in place
-without reformatting, without losing custom configuration files, and (in most
-cases) without rebooting the system. Most Linux distributions available today
-have some kind of package maintenance system; the Debian package maintenance
-system is unique and particularly robust (see <a
-href="ch-pkg_basics.en.html">Basics of the Debian package management system,
-Chapter 6</a>).
-</p>
-</dd>
-</dl>
-<dl>
-<dt>Open development:</dt>
-<dd>
-<p>
-Whereas other Linux distributions are developed by individuals, small, closed
-groups, or commercial vendors, Debian is the only major Linux distribution that
-is being developed cooperatively by many individuals through the Internet, in
-the same spirit as Linux and other free software.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-More than 1950 volunteer package maintainers are working on over 18347 packages
-and improving Debian GNU/Linux. The Debian developers contribute to the
-project not by writing new applications (in most cases), but by packaging
-existing software according to the standards of the project, by communicating
-bug reports to upstream developers, and by providing user support. See also
-additional information on how to become a contributor in <a
-href="ch-contributing.en.html#s-contrib">How can I become a Debian software
-developer?, Section 12.1</a>.
-</p>
-</dd>
-</dl>
-<dl>
-<dt>The Universal Operating System:</dt>
-<dd>
-<p>
-Debian comes with <code><a href="http://packages.debian.org/stable/">more than
-18347 packages</a></code> and runs on <code><a
-href="http://www.debian.org/ports/">10 architectures</a></code>. This is far
-more than is available for any other GNU/Linux distribution. See <a
-href="ch-software.en.html#s-apps">What types of applications and development
-software are available for Debian GNU/Linux?, Section 4.1</a> for an overview
-of the provided software and see <a href="ch-compat.en.html#s-arches">On what
-hardware architectures/systems does Debian GNU/Linux run?, Section 3.1</a> for
-a description of the supported hardware platforms.
-</p>
-</dd>
-</dl>
-<dl>
-<dt>The Bug Tracking System:</dt>
-<dd>
-<p>
-The geographical dispersion of the Debian developers required sophisticated
-tools and quick communication of bugs and bug-fixes to accelerate the
-development of the system. Users are encouraged to send bugs in a formal
-style, which are quickly accessible by WWW archives or via e-mail. See
-additional information in this FAQ on the management of the bug log in <a
-href="ch-support.en.html#s-buglogs">Are there logs of known bugs?, Section
-11.4</a>.
-</p>
-</dd>
-</dl>
-<dl>
-<dt>The Debian Policy:</dt>
-<dd>
-<p>
-Debian has an extensive specification of our standards of quality, the Debian
-Policy. This document defines the qualities and standards to which we hold
-Debian packages.
-</p>
-</dd>
-</dl>
-
-<p>
-For additional information about this, please see our web page about <code><a
-href="http://www.debian.org/intro/why_debian">reasons to choose
-Debian</a></code>.
-</p>
-
-<hr>
-
-<h2><a name="s-gnu"></a>1.6 How does the Debian project fit in or compare with the Free Software Foundation's GNU project?</h2>
-
-<p>
-The Debian system builds on the ideals of free software first championed by the
-<code><a href="http://www.gnu.org/">Free Software Foundation</a></code> and in
-particular by <code><a href="http://www.stallman.org/">Richard
-Stallman</a></code>. FSF's powerful system development tools, utilities, and
-applications are also a key part of the Debian system.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-The Debian Project is a separate entity from the FSF, however we communicate
-regularly and cooperate on various projects. The FSF explicitly requested that
-we call our system &quot;Debian GNU/Linux&quot;, and we are happy to comply
-with that request.
-</p>
-
-<p>
-The FSF's long-standing objective is to develop a new operating system called
-GNU, based on <code><a
-href="http://www.gnu.org/software/hurd/">Hurd</a></code>. Debian is working
-with FSF on this system, called <code><a
-href="http://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/">Debian GNU/Hurd</a></code>.
-</p>
-
-<hr>
-
-<h2><a name="s-pronunciation"></a>1.7 How does one pronounce Debian and what does this word mean?</h2>
-
-<p>
-The project name is pronounced Deb'-ee-en, with a short e in Deb, and emphasis
-on the first syllable. This word is a contraction of the names of Debra and
-Ian Murdock, who founded the project. (Dictionaries seem to offer some
-ambiguity in the pronunciation of Ian (!), but Ian prefers ee'-en.)
-</p>
-
-<hr>
-
-<p>
-[ <a href="index.en.html">previous</a> ]
-[ <a href="index.en.html#contents">Contents</a> ]
-[ 1 ]
-[ <a href="ch-getting.en.html">2</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-compat.en.html">3</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-software.en.html">4</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-ftparchives.en.html">5</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-pkg_basics.en.html">6</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-pkgtools.en.html">7</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-uptodate.en.html">8</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-kernel.en.html">9</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-customizing.en.html">10</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-support.en.html">11</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-contributing.en.html">12</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-redistrib.en.html">13</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-nexttime.en.html">14</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-faqinfo.en.html">15</a> ]
-[ <a href="ch-getting.en.html">next</a> ]
-</p>
-
-<hr>
-
-<p>
-The Debian GNU/Linux FAQ
-</p>
-
-<address>
-version 3.1.5, 17 January 2007<br>
-<br>
-Authors are listed at <a href="ch-faqinfo.en.html#s-authors">Debian FAQ Authors</a><br>
-<br>
-</address>
-<hr>
-
-</body>
-
-</html>
-