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Devuan GNU+Linux VS DistroWatch

Compare Devuan GNU+Linux VS DistroWatch and see what are their differences

Devuan GNU+Linux logo Devuan GNU+Linux

Debian without Systemd

DistroWatch logo DistroWatch

9 hours ago - It does include a proprietary software set optimized for business users, students, researchers and developers." A list of features and further details can be found in the company's release announcement.
  • Devuan GNU+Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-01-19
  • DistroWatch Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-26

Devuan GNU+Linux features and specs

  • Systemd-Free
    Devuan does not use systemd as its init system, which appeals to users who prefer alternative init systems like sysvinit due to systemd's complexity and perceived centralized control.
  • Stability
    Devuan aims to provide a stable and consistent operating environment by forking from Debian without using systemd, suitable for users who value stability over the latest features.
  • Compatibility
    Devuan maintains a high level of compatibility with Debian, allowing users to access a wide range of software packages available in the Debian repositories, minus those requiring systemd.
  • Privacy and Control
    By avoiding systemd, some users feel they have greater control over their system's processes, enhancing privacy and reducing potential data collection.

Possible disadvantages of Devuan GNU+Linux

  • Limited Software Support
    Some modern software packages that depend on systemd may not be available or function optimally on Devuan, potentially limiting choices for users requiring such software.
  • Smaller Community
    As a relatively niche distribution compared to Debian, Devuan has a smaller community, which may result in less community support and fewer resources or tutorials.
  • Delayed Updates
    Updates on Devuan may lag behind other distributions, as it takes time to ensure compatibility without systemd, which might affect users seeking the latest software features or security fixes.
  • Complex Migration
    Users migrating from systemd-based systems may face complexities or a steeper learning curve as they adapt to different init systems used in Devuan.

DistroWatch features and specs

  • Comprehensive Database
    DistroWatch provides a thorough list of active Linux distributions, which is helpful for users seeking to explore various options and find the right one for their needs.
  • Distribution Popularity Ranking
    The site features a page hit ranking system that gives an indication of the popularity of distributions, which can guide users toward more widely supported and updated options.
  • News and Updates
    Regularly updated news and release announcements keep users informed about the latest developments in the Linux and open-source software world.
  • Reviews and Summaries
    DistroWatch offers reviews and summaries for many distributions, providing insights into their strengths and weaknesses without needing to test each one individually.
  • User Resources
    The site includes links to official distribution sites, download mirrors, forums, and documentation, making it easier for users to find support and further information.

Possible disadvantages of DistroWatch

  • Popularity Metrics Limitations
    The page hit ranking may not accurately reflect a distribution's true popularity or quality, as it only counts page visits rather than usage metrics.
  • Overwhelming for Beginners
    Newcomers to Linux might find the vast array of distributions and information overwhelming and challenging to navigate without guidance.
  • Community-Driven Content
    Information and reviews on DistroWatch largely rely on community contributions, which can lead to variability in the quality and reliability of the content.
  • Niche Focus
    While DistroWatch is highly valuable for Linux enthusiasts, it has limited appeal to users not interested in open-source operating systems, narrowing its audience.
  • Outdated Information Risk
    Some distribution pages might not be frequently updated, leading to potential issues with outdated information or dead links.

Analysis of DistroWatch

Overall verdict

  • DistroWatch is generally considered a good resource for users interested in exploring the diverse world of Linux distributions. Its comprehensive database and news updates make it valuable for both new and experienced Linux users. However, the site should be used as a starting point for research, and users are encouraged to seek multiple sources to fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of each distribution.

Why this product is good

  • DistroWatch is a well-known website for tracking the popularity, releases, and news related to Linux distributions and other open-source operating systems. It provides insights into various Linux distributions, helping users make informed decisions about which distro might suit their needs. Additionally, it offers reviews, detailed information about each distribution, and a ranking system based on page hits, which can be indicative of a distribution's popularity or current interest levels.

Recommended for

    DistroWatch is recommended for anyone interested in learning about and comparing different Linux distributions, including newcomers to Linux, system administrators, hobbyists, and open-source enthusiasts. It is particularly useful for those who want to stay updated on new releases and trends within the Linux community.

Devuan GNU+Linux videos

Devuan GNU+Linux 3.0.0 overview | software freedom, your way

More videos:

  • Review - Devuan GNU+Linux presented at FSCONS 2016

DistroWatch videos

Measuring Distro Popularity And Why Distrowatch's Page Hit Rankings Suck.

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Choose Your Linux Distribution - Distrowatch.com
  • Review - Let's talk Distrowatch!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Devuan GNU+Linux and DistroWatch)
Linux Distribution
11 11%
89% 89
Linux
6 6%
94% 94
Operating Systems
13 13%
87% 87
Linux Distro
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, DistroWatch seems to be a lot more popular than Devuan GNU+Linux. While we know about 289 links to DistroWatch, we've tracked only 7 mentions of Devuan GNU+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.

Devuan GNU+Linux mentions (7)

  • Store birth date in systemd for age verification
    Hello, as always: imho. (!) idk the exact procedure which will apply to enter the birth-date on such a system, but if other comments are correct: just enter what you want! There will be no real possibility to tie this to anything "legal" / to "enforce" any "official" check of lets say your passport or other governmental id. And if in my personal opinion (!) the pretty crazy guy behind the systemd-project tries to... - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • User and Admin Documentation?
    I'm a new user with first install. Are there any user guides / admin guides available? I'm not seeing much documentation available at devuan.org -- maybe my eyes glaze over(?). Source: over 3 years ago
  • I removed Gnome and snapd from Ubuntu and it turns out the system underneath is reasonably lightweight with 130M ram and 2.8G disk usage.
    If Canonical spin a variant without systemd, possibly choosing Devuan as the base, it'll be great. Possibly, less resource hungry. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Trisquel GNU/Linux
    Trisquel's FAQ says: > Why should I use Trisquel instead of one of the better-known distributions? > There are literally hundreds of GNU/Linux distributions designed to fill every conceivable niche. Only a handful of them are entirely free software; Trisquel is one such distribution. ... But I disagree. Trisquel is based on ubuntu, and uses systemd. Not just as some optional init system you can remove -... - Source: Hacker News / over 4 years ago
  • Move from Ubuntu?
    If you're experienced, look at Devuan Chimaera. BTW, I always felt Gnome is the most productive work environment with that UI. I think Cinnamon may come close. Source: over 4 years ago
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DistroWatch mentions (289)

  • Show HN: I've built a nice home server OS
    Me, too! I first thought it was just clickbait, but then I realized it was the author's genuine thought, which is sad. I wonder why the popular Linux distro ranking site DistroWatch [0] is not called "OSWatch"! Well, I don't. The "OS" is CentOS, and NixOS is just branding. NixOS is a huge mod, yet it's still a distro! This is what Wikipedia says about NixOS: > NixOS is a Linux distribution built around the Nix... - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • How Linux Is Used in Real-World Data Engineering
    Linux is free and open source, which means anyone can view, modify, and share the code. It comes in many versions called distributions (or โ€œdistrosโ€), each tuned for different needs. If you want to explore whatโ€™s out there, DistroWatch is a good place to browse. - Source: dev.to / 4 months ago
  • The Weirdest Linux Distros That Shouldnโ€™t Exist (But Absolutely Do)
    DistroWatch: Linux distribution database. - Source: dev.to / 9 months ago
  • DevOps Setting
    I'm currently operating and developing on an International Business Machines (IBM) LeNovo ThinkPad in a GNU Not GNU (GNU) / Free Libre UNipleXed Information X11 Computing System (Linux) XForms Common Environment (XFCE) based Ubuntu (Xubuntu) distro with only free libre open source software (FLOSS) under combined open source licenses and ethical source licenses, specially the Do No Harm Hippocratical License and... - Source: dev.to / 11 months ago
  • By Default, Signal Doesn't Recall
    Maybe not, but also polishing of the Linux desktop has happened regardless of this. In fact, it is what drove SteamOS. Please refer to the items on [1] as literally the top 8 distros were developed for this explicit purpose (making Linux more user friendly). [0] We can determine it to be true or false. [1] https://distrowatch.com/. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Devuan GNU+Linux and DistroWatch, you can also consider the following products

Gentoo - The website of Gentoo, a flexible Linux or BSD distribution.

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

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

Puppy Linux - Home, overview and getting started with Puppy Linux, amazingly fast, fascinatingly complete and delightfully small Linux.โ€ŽWiki ยทย โ€ŽDownload latest Puppy Linux .

Void Linux - Void is a general purpose operating system, based on the monolithic Linux kernel.

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