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+<html>
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+<head>
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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 15400 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 450 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 1649 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 1649 volunteer package maintainers are working on over 15400 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
+15400 packages</a></code> and runs on <code><a
+href="http://www.debian.org/ports/">11 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 3.1.3, 25 April 2006<br>
+<br>
+Authors are listed at <a href="ch-faqinfo.en.html#s-authors">Debian FAQ Authors</a><br>
+<br>
+</address>
+<hr>
+
+</body>
+
+</html>
+