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Debian VS Rocky Linux

Compare Debian VS Rocky Linux and see what are their differences

Debian logo Debian

Debian is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.

Rocky Linux logo Rocky Linux

A new enterprise ready OS to carry the torch after the recent CentOS announcement.
  • Debian Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-12
  • Rocky Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-06

Debian features and specs

  • Stability
    Debian is known for its rock-solid stability, making it a preferred choice for servers and critical systems that require long-term reliability.
  • Package Availability
    Debian offers a vast repository of packages, ensuring that you have access to a wide range of software and tools without needing third-party sources.
  • Security
    Debian has a strong focus on security with timely updates and a dedicated security team, providing a secure environment for users.
  • Community Support
    Debian has a large and active community, providing extensive support through forums, mailing lists, and comprehensive documentation.
  • Flexibility
    Debian is highly configurable and supports multiple architectures, allowing it to be used on various hardware platforms and for diverse use cases.
  • Free and Open Source
    Debian adheres strictly to the principles of free software, ensuring that users have freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software.
  • Long-Term Support (LTS)
    Debian provides long-term support for its stable releases, making it a suitable option for systems that require extended maintenance.

Possible disadvantages of Debian

  • Older Software Versions
    Due to its focus on stability, Debian tends to use older, well-tested versions of software, which may lack some of the latest features and updates.
  • Complex Installation Process
    The installation process for Debian can be complex and intimidating for new users compared to more user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu.
  • Slower Release Cycle
    Debian has a slower release cycle which may result in longer wait times for new features, updates, and support for newer hardware.
  • Resource-Intensive Configuration
    Setting up and configuring Debian can be resource-intensive and time-consuming, particularly for users who are not familiar with its system.
  • Less Focus on Desktop Experience
    Debian's strong focus on stability and server use means that desktop users might find it less polished and user-friendly compared to distributions specifically tailored for desktop environments.

Rocky Linux features and specs

  • Community-Driven Development
    Rocky Linux is led by a community-driven development model, ensuring that decisions are made in the interest of users rather than influenced by corporate interests.
  • Enterprise-Grade Stability
    Designed as a downstream, binary-compatible release of RHEL, Rocky Linux provides the same level of stability and reliability expected from enterprise-grade operating systems.
  • Long-Term Support
    Rocky Linux offers long-term support, ensuring continuous updates and security patches, which are crucial for enterprise environments.
  • Compatibility with RHEL
    Rocky Linux maintains binary compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, allowing easy migration for users who need a reliable and stable RHEL alternative.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source operating system, Rocky Linux provides transparency and the ability for anyone to audit, modify, or contribute to the code base.

Possible disadvantages of Rocky Linux

  • Younger Ecosystem
    Being relatively new compared to other enterprise Linux distributions, Rocky Linux has a smaller ecosystem and community, which may affect the availability of community resources and support.
  • Transition Challenges
    Organizations moving from CentOS or other Linux distributions may face challenges during the transition, especially if they rely on specific applications or scripts tied to their previous OS environment.
  • Limited Vendor Support
    Some enterprise software vendors may not officially support Rocky Linux, potentially complicating its use in certain enterprise environments where vendor support is crucial.

Debian videos

Debian 10 "Buster" Full Review and My Thoughts

More videos:

  • Review - Debian 10 Review (GNOME)
  • Review - Debian 10 "Buster" Review! Excited for THIS

Rocky Linux videos

Rocky Linux Review

More videos:

  • Review - Rocky Linux 8.3 RC Installation & how it came to be
  • Review - Rocky Linux 8.4 Review | DistroDelves S3:E2

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Debian and Rocky Linux)
Operating Systems
82 82%
18% 18
Linux
80 80%
20% 20
Linux Distribution
81 81%
19% 19
Distributions
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Debian and Rocky Linux

Debian Reviews

10 Most Popular Linux Distros of the Year 2023
Currently, Debian runs the FreeBSD kernel or Linux kernel. Debian was developed by many volunteers who are managing this operating system amazingly. The significant advantage of Debian is its vast software support. Learn – Install Debian 12 Bullseye on VirtualBox
Top 5 Secure Operating Systems for Privacy and Anonymity
The Debian Project adheres to a rigorous set of principles, the Debian Social Contract. It outlines its relationship with the community and underlines its dedication to delivering a free and secure high-quality operating system. This contract and the Debian Free Software Guidelines ensure that the software within Debian's repositories respects your privacy and freedom.
Finding the Best Linux Distro for Your Organization
Debian has a Testing branch, similar to a beta version, it is an intermediary stage between Debian's unstable and stable branches. The Testing branch is intended for users who want a balance between access to newer software and a relatively stable system. Debian Testing gets new features and fixes before the stable Debian release, allowing users who are comfortable...
The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Debian is what Ubuntu is based on, making it one of the oldest Linux distributions. It was released and developed in 1993. For a long time, the abundance of software packages for Debian was unsurpassed and it is still notable. Commercial programs are easy to install. Installation, maintenance and usage are intuitive and not particularly difficult for both Windows and Mac...
Source: www.ionos.com
6 Best Free Alternatives to Windows for Advanced Users
Debian OS also offers a different variant for users to choose from and made the rolling release option available.
Source: techcult.com

Rocky Linux Reviews

Finding the Best Linux Distro for Your Organization
Rocky Linux is a community-driven, enterprise-grade Linux distro designed to serve as a free and open alternative to CentOS Linux. It was created in response to the EOL announcement for CentOS. With a promise of bug-for-bug compatible to RHEL, Rocky Linux aims to provide a stable, reliable, and compatible platform for organizations and users who were previously relying on...
The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
The same applies to Rocky Linux, which is binary-compatible with RHEL. Rocky Linux is suitable for cloud and HPC and has only been available since 2021. Secure Boot provides the necessary security and stability.
Source: www.ionos.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Debian might be a bit more popular than Rocky Linux. We know about 66 links to it since March 2021 and only 49 links to Rocky Linux. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Debian mentions (66)

  • Coding on a Chromebook
    The terminal is actually a Debian terminal. Debian is a version (distribution) of Linux, so if you've used it or Ubuntu before, you'll be very familiar with the commands. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Can I contribute to a redesign of the Debian website?
    Can't figure out debian.org? Then you probably won't figure out the distribution either. The website is perfectly fine, if you know how to read and think. They have mainly been focusing on making Debian stable, so it's more about reading manuals than expecting user-friendliness from it. There's loads of userfriendly-focused linux distributions out there. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Your guide to Debian iso downloads
    Https://debian.org/ has a huge DOWNLOAD button. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • where all the isos are? (broken links)
    Links on the debian.org doesn't work. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Debian 12 froze. How to diagnose ?
    Https://debian.org/ download the iso, dd to a pendrive and reinstall... Source: about 2 years ago
View more

Rocky Linux mentions (49)

  • CentOS Linux 7 will reach EOL on Sunday
    Some people have actually had good luck with Oracle Linux but that’s very much an individual (or corporate) choice to consider. Aside from that, Rocky Linux also seems like a great choice for many: https://rockylinux.org/ Some also say that AlmaLinux is pretty good: https://almalinux.org/ Personally, I found RPM distros to be quite stable but have largely moved over to Ubuntu LTS for servers (technically Debian... - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago
  • June 30th, 2024, will bring the End of Life (EOL) of CentOS Linux
    Rocky Linux is a fine successor to CentOS and was created by the original founder of CentOS, Gregory Kurtzer. https://rockylinux.org/ https://rockylinux.org/about/ If you need enterprise support RHEL tends to be a default choice. If you cannot afford RHEL or do not need enterprise support, Rocky Linux fills the role that CentOS once did. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • free download
    Also you can use Rocky Linux, it's very close! https://rockylinux.org/. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • [Rant] On the stability of a Linux desktop
    Arch Linux is pretty solid on my end, gnome is a little buggy, nothing like fedora but if you're like my mother and don't want to set anything up I get it. There is Rocky linux if you want a RHEL experience and don't need the latest packages. I don't like Ubuntu but you could go that route. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Which Linux version should I instal for Houdini and nuke usage
    If you run into anny problems ask chat gpt. Https://rockylinux.org/. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Debian and Rocky Linux, you can also consider the following products

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

AlmaLinux - An open-source RHEL fork built by the team at CloudLinux, inspired by the community.

Linux Mint - Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people.

Fedora - Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

Arch Linux - You've reached the website for Arch Linux, a lightweight and flexible Linux® distribution that tries to Keep It Simple. Currently we have official packages optimized for the x86-64 architecture.

Manjaro - Manjaro Linux is a linux distribution which is based on arch linux. It uses the PACMAN package manager.