Debian is a Linux-based operating system with a sizable community. This operating system was first introduced by a student from Purdue University, USA named Ian Murdock on August 16, 1993.
This operating system is now in high demand by many Linux users. One of the factors is that it is an open source operating system, like other Linux operating systems.
What is Debian?
Debian is an operating system that is freely available to users. Since it is open source, you can participate in the development of this operating system. This OS uses the Linux kernel as the basis of its operating system.
The operating system is the execution center of all programs on a computer or server. The kernel is the heart of the operating system. Its purpose is to manage all applications on the computer hardware. From memory management, processes to storage.
You can download various applications (software) for computers on Debian for free. From text editing, image, video, and video game applications.
The features in this operating system make it one of the top distros available today. For server problems, this operating system has also been widely used by well-known companies.
What are the Functions of Debian?
As an operating system, Debian has several functions, including:
As a Desktop Operating System
As explained earlier, you can use Debian as your desktop operating system. It can even replace other operating systems like Windows, for example.
This is because this operating system has made thousands of apps available for free. It's just how we customize it. Because of course the user interface will be different from the applications on other operating systems. Especially if the application provider is different.
An example of an application with the same function but different providers in two operating systems is Libre Office and Microsoft Office. Both have the same functionality, but the vendors are different, so the user interface between the two applications is also different.
As a Server
Like other Linux operating systems. You can also use Debian as a server. Be it a web server, DNS server, mail server, etc. Basically, you can use the Windows operating system as a server. Just like some other types of Linux distros.
One of the advantages of this operating system in terms of servers is that it does not require high hardware specifications. So that in terms of costs it will certainly be more efficient.
Debian server seems to deliver solid performance with tight security. In fact, each version can take up to two to three years to produce near-perfect results.
Well, those are the features of Debian. Surely you want to know more about this operating system, right? If so, let's take a look at the brief history of the operating system below.
What are the pros and cons of Debian?
Although its enthusiasts are not as big as other operating systems, Debian actually has many advantages. Here are the advantages of Debian:
- It has a fairly stable, lightweight and fast performance as a desktop operating system or server builder.
- It has many software packages with various functions that can meet the needs of different users.
- It has three repositories (stable, testing, unstable) so users can try even the latest version.
- It can be used on many different computers because it is supported by different hardware architectures.
- Can be used on laptops.
- Can be used to create a server.
- There is an upgrade system that allows users to download the latest version easily and simply.
- There are detailed and complete instructions.
Berikut kekurangan dari Debian:
- The development cycle is very slow and it can even take years before the latest version is released.
- The software used is usually an older version.
- A new software version actually has to pass security and stability testing requirements before it can be included in Debian, so it is considered very difficult.
- First-time installations often have their own difficulties, especially when it comes to configuration.
- Requires a large archive of at least 40-60 GB.
How to Download and Use
If Exabytes Friends have read this section, it's a sign that you're interested in using Debian.
Now, since this operating system is suitable for both beginners and experts, getting started is quite simple. Please follow some tips to get started below.
Download
As you know, Debian is free. Therefore, you can download it directly from the official website. As a suggestion, choose the latest series so that the functions are more up to date.
However, a paid version is also available. In the paid version you will receive a CD containing this software.
Installations
Download is complete, then install. Information dancing, you can install Debian on your desktop or set up as a server. Well, what's the difference?
For desktop means that your computer is running this operating system. Therefore, the entire operating display follows the format of this operating system.
Meanwhile, the server is the operating system on the server. That is, this operating system is responsible for the normal operation of all applications installed on the server-hosted website.
Well, what makes the operating system worthy of being a server is its performance, which is quite stable, safe and offers tens of thousands of applications that are able to meet various user needs.
Configuration
Next, configure this operating system. As you know, this operating system can be used as a host. One type of hosting commonly used by Debian is VPS.
The reason for this is that websites that use VPS are usually high-traffic sites and require skilled resources. Furthermore, this operating system can keep the performance of the VPS stable.
However, you must first configure a Debian VPS. This will make it easier for you to install the packages you need, and improve security.
It doesn't stop there, you can also run multiple websites on a single VPS server. The trick is to create a virtual server.
If you don't know, a virtual host is a method to add multiple domains with a single server IP address. In addition, virtual servers also provide storage space for users to access web content through a web browser.
Maximize Performance
Once the configuration is complete, you can optimize Debian's performance. The goal is for you to get more stable, secure, and optimal performance.
Ways to maximize the performance of this operating system, namely:
- Enhance server traffic security with SSL (Secure Socket Layer).
- Increase the reliability of your operating system server by installing an additional application, LEMP (Linux, Nginx, MariaDB, and PHP). Nginx to serve as a web server, MariaDB to create a server, and PHP to process dynamic content.
- Not only LEMP, improve Debian server performance with LAMP (Linux, Apache, MarioDB and PHP). Apache will speed up the processing of every request on the server.
- If you want to create a website on this operating system server, you can install WordPress. But before installing WordPress on Debian, make sure LAMP is installed first.
How Debian differs from Linux
Although they look similar, Debian and Linux are two different things. They are different operating systems. Debian uses Linux as its kernel. While Linux uses the Unix kernel.
Even so, both have their advantages. In summary, here's how Debian compares to Linux in terms of usage:
- Linux: Offers about 30,000 packages, suitable for beginners to large companies with management systems capable of developing their own systems.
- Debian: Offers approximately 51,000 plans suitable for casual and business users with limited hardware specifications and the need for a turnkey system.
