Debian
Debian GNU/Linux is one of the oldest Linux[1] distributions around. Some things that make it somewhat unique:
- Debian supports many architectures. Of course, the big names such as x86 and ARM (32- and 64-bit for both), but also lesser-known ones.
- Debian is completely self-organizing by volunteer developers. There is no corporate ownership. The organization that holds its assets, Software in the Public Interest[2], is also volunteer-controlled.
- Debian has a strong social contract[3] which emphasizes things like remaining 100% Free Software[4]. The Debian Free Software Guidlines[5] set stringent limits on what may be part of the distribution.
- An explicit goal of Debian is to be a base from which other distributions can build. There are many, many of those. You have probably heard of some such as Ubuntu.
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Links to this note
- Live Migrating from Raspberry Pi OS Bullseye to Debian Bookworm[6]
I've been getting annoyed with Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian) for years now. It's a fork of Debian[7], but manages to omit some of the most useful things. So I've decided to migrate all of my Pis to run pure Debian. These are my reasons:
- Consider Security First[8]
I write this in the context of my decision to ditch Raspberry Pi OS and move everything I possibly can, including my Raspberry Pi[9] devices, to Debian[10]. I will write about that later.
- The Grumpy Cricket[11]
****The Grumpy Cricket (And Other Enormous Creatures)**** is a lighthearted interactive fiction game by John Goerzen[12].
- Using Gensio and Ser2net[13]
gensio[14] and the related ser2net[15] are generic tools for communication.
- How to Run an Internet Kermit Server[16]
This page will describe how to run an Internet Kermit[17] server, like the quux.org Kermit Server[18] that was featured in my article Try the Last Internet Kermit Server[19].
- Ideas for NNCP Projects[20]
I sometimes see people read about NNCP[21] and wonder "This sounds great! But... what can I do with it?" This page aims to answer those questions.
- Maintaining NNCP[22]
The care and feeding of an NNCP[23] installation.
- Termux[24]
Termux is a package that brings several things to Android[25]:
- Installing Debian Backports on Raspberry Pi[26]
This page is intended to describe how to run Debian[27]'s backports[28] on a Raspberry Pi[29] running Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian).
- Tools for Communicating Offline and in Difficult Circumstances[30]
When things are difficult -- maybe there's been a disaster, or an invasion (this page is being written in 2022 just after Russia invaded Ukraine), or maybe you're just backpacking off the grid -- there are tools that can help you keep in touch, or move your data around. This page aims to survey some of them, roughly in order from easiest to more complex.
- ZFS on Linux[31]
This is about running ZFS[32] on Linux[33] and Debian[34].
- Software and Operating Systems[35]
- How This Site Is Built[36]
This site is built for modern clients using Small Technology[37]. It is served from static files, which are themselves small. It should make no references to any resources from other servers, which helps protect the Privacy[38] of visitors.
- Raspberry Pi[39]
One of several single-board computers. The Raspberry Pi is an ARM computer that typically sells for less than $50. Generally is runs a derivative of Debian[40].
- Old and Small Technology[41]
Old technology is any tech that's, well... old.
- Linux[42]
The world's most popular Free Software[43] operating system, the foundation of Debian[44], and foundation of much of today's Internet.
- Free Software[45]
"Free (as in freedom) Software" is all about giving you back control of your digital life.
- Software in the Public Interest[46]
Software in the Public Interest, Inc., is the primary legal parent organization of Debian[47]. It is a nonprofit.
- John Goerzen's Publications[48]
Here is information on papers, documentation, and publications written by John Goerzen[49].
- John Goerzen's Software[50]
This page gives you references to software by John Goerzen[51].
- John Goerzen[52]
I am a programmer, manager, hobbyist, advocate, volunteer, dad, and nature lover. I live out on an old farmstead in rural Kansas[53] that once belonged to my grandparents. The nearest paved road is about 3 miles away, and the nearest town (population 600) is 7 miles away. I have three incredible children, which I might occasionally mention on my blog[54].
More on www.complete.org
(c) 2022-2024 John Goerzen