Choosing a Linux Flavour

A recommendation on which flavour of Linux to run.

Linux Distributions
Pros of Debian
Cons of Debian
Pros of Ubuntu
Cons of Ubuntu

People often ask me which flavour of Linux they should install. In summary, choose Ubuntu if it's your first time. Once you are comfortable, install Debian the next time you need to install Linux.

I run Debian on my computers and servers.

Linux Distributions

(Interjection: it's technically called GNU/Linux)

When people refer to the "flavour of Linux" they are talking about a Linux distribution (distro). It mostly describes what software is distributed in its software repository.

"A typical Linux distribution comprises a Linux kernel, GNU tools and libraries, additional software, documentation, a window system, a window manager, and a desktop environment." Wikipedia

The major Linux distros are practically all the same. If you master one it's easy to pick up the others. The main differences you'll run into are which tools you use to install new software, and the desktop environment, which is what all the windows and buttons look like.

I recommend two Linux distros,