Debian GNU/Linux -- The Universal Operating System

Introduction
About This Disc
Installing
Last-Minute Notes
Installing software using Apt
CD/DVD Manufacturers
More Information
Browse This Disc

+ +

+ Introduction +

+ +

An operating system is the set of basic programs and + utilities that make your computer run. At the core of an + operating system is the kernel. The kernel is the most + fundamental program on the computer, which does all the basic + housekeeping and lets you start other programs. Debian is + kernel independent. It currently uses the Linux kernel but work is in + progress to provide Debian for other kernels, using the Hurd. Most + of the basic operating system tools come from the GNU project; hence the name + GNU/Linux.

+ +

Debian is available for various kinds of computers + (“architectures”), like “IBM-compatible” PCs (i386), + Compaq's Alpha, Sun's Sparc, Motorola/IBM's + PowerPC, and (Strong)ARM processors. Check the + ports page for more + information.

+ +

+ About This Disc +

+ +

This disc is labeled + Debian GNU/Linux testing "Lenny" - Official RC i386 BC Binary-1 20081104-23:45 + . + It contains programs ("binaries") for `i386' computers.

This disc is a business card image. It contains only the + installer and will download the base system and the remaining packages from + the network.

The Release Notes for "lenny" are available on the + Debian web + site.

+ +

+ Installing +

+ +

Because Debian is a complete Operating System, the + installation procedure may seem a bit unusual. You can install + Debian GNU/Linux either alongside your current OS, or as + the only OS on your computer.

An Installation Guide for this disc is available from + the + Debian web site.

Programs and other files that are needed for the installation can be + found on this disc under + /tools/ + and /install/floppy/ +

+ +

For the impatient ones: you can start the installation program easily by + booting off this disc. Note that not all (esp. older) systems support + this.

+ +

You can also examine the /install/ + directory; you might be able to start the installation system directly + from there.

+ + +

+ Last-Minute Notes +

+ +

You should keep in mind that this is an unofficial disc of the Debian + system. This means that all sorts of bugs may be present anywhere in the + system. Please report any bugs you find to the person that gave you this + disc, not Debian.

+ +

+ Installing software using Apt +

+ +

After installing or upgrading, Debian's packaging system can + use CDs, DVDs, local collections, or networked servers (FTP, + HTTP) to automatically install software from (.deb + packages). This is done preferably with the ‘apt’ and + ‘aptitude’ programs.

+ +

You can install packages from the commandline using + apt-get. For example, if you want to install the + packages ‘commprog’ and ‘maxgame’, you can give the + command:

+ +

+ apt-get install commprog maxgame +

+ +

Note that you don't have to enter the complete path, or the + ‘.deb’ extension. ‘Apt’ will figure this out + itself.

+ +

Or use aptitude for a full screen interactive selection of + available Debian packages.

+ +

+ CD/DVD Manufacturers +

+ +

You are completely free to manufacture and re-distribute CDs/DVDs of the + Debian GNU/Linux Operating System, like this one. There is no charge from + us (but of course donations are always welcome).

+ +

For all needed information and contact addresses, please + refer to:

+ +

+ http://www.debian.org/CD/ +

+ +

+ More Information +

+ + +

There is much more information present on this disc. Besides + the already mentioned installation and upgrading procedures, + this is the most interesting:

+ +

+ + +

Also on the Internet are many resources. To name a few:

+ +

+ + +

+ See the Debian contact page + for information on contacting us.

+ Welcome to the exciting world of +

+ Introduction +

+ About This Disc +

+ Installing +

+ Last-Minute Notes +

+ Installing software using Apt +

+ CD/DVD Manufacturers +

+ More Information +