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Would Ubuntu Lose Its Dominance, If the Debian Installer Was Easier?
Is a smoother Debian Installer the key to dethroning Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is one of the most used Linux distros. But since Ubuntu is based on Debian, does that make Debian so fundamentally influential and popular?
I’ve used Ubuntu for the longest time but transitioned to Debian in early 2024. All my servers and VMs now run Debian. Everything.
Debian’s stability and performance are legendary. It works very well, and I love it.
However, the Debian installer has long been its Achilles’ heel. For newcomers even downloading the Debian ISO image can be daunting. In contrast, Ubuntu seems to have all its ducks in a row.
When you get to the installation, you encounter a less polished and more technical process compared to Ubuntu’s streamlined approach.
Debian’s installer gives you more options and decisions, which can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with Linux systems. While this flexibility is appreciated by experienced users, it can be a significant barrier for newcomers.
