Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Haiku VS Debian

Compare Haiku VS Debian and see what are their differences

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Haiku logo Haiku

Haiku is an open source OS catered specifically to the needs of personal computing.

Debian logo Debian

Debian is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.
  • Haiku Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-30
  • Debian Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-12

Haiku features and specs

  • Speed
    Haiku is optimized for speed and efficiency, providing a responsive user experience with quick boot times and fast application launches.
  • Simplicity
    The operating system offers a clean and straightforward user interface, making it user-friendly and accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
  • Lightweight
    Haiku has low hardware requirements, making it suitable for older computers and devices with limited resources.
  • Unique Architecture
    Haiku is inspired by BeOS and maintains its unique architecture, which is attractive to developers and users with an interest in alternative operating systems.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source project, Haiku invites contributions from the community, promoting collaborative development and transparency.

Possible disadvantages of Haiku

  • Limited Software Availability
    Haiku has a smaller software repository compared to more popular operating systems, which can limit the availability of applications and tools.
  • Driver Support
    The operating system has limited driver support, which can result in compatibility issues with certain hardware components.
  • Niche User Base
    Haiku caters to a niche audience, which can result in a smaller community and less comprehensive support compared to mainstream operating systems.
  • Incomplete Features
    Some features of Haiku are still under development, and the operating system may lack certain functionalities that users expect from modern OSes.
  • Business Adoption
    Haiku is less likely to be adopted in professional and business environments due to its incomplete features and limited software support.

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.

Analysis of Haiku

Overall verdict

  • Haiku is a solid operating system for users interested in a minimalist, efficient, and alternative computing experience. While it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those reliant on software created for more mainstream operating systems, it excels in its niche. Its active community and ongoing development make it a project worth watching and potentially using for specific needs.

Why this product is good

  • Haiku is an open-source operating system that is designed to be fast, simple, and efficient, offering a unique user experience. It draws inspiration from the BeOS, focusing on personal computing with a clean and straightforward interface. The system is lightweight, boots quickly, and is responsive, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate simplicity and performance. Additionally, Haiku's open-source nature allows for community-driven development and customization.

Recommended for

  • Tech enthusiasts interested in alternative operating systems.
  • Developers looking for a platform focused on simplicity and efficiency.
  • Users nostalgic for the BeOS experience.

Haiku videos

Haiku OS - What Is It?

More videos:

  • Review - Haiku L Series Smart Fan Review: "Alexa, turn on the fan"
  • Review - Haiku Smart Ceiling Fan Review

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Haiku and Debian)
Linux
25 25%
75% 75
Operating Systems
22 22%
78% 78
Linux Distribution
17 17%
83% 83
Design Tools
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 Haiku and Debian

Haiku Reviews

We have no reviews of Haiku yet.
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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

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Debian should be more popular than Haiku. It has been mentiond 66 times since March 2021. 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.

Haiku mentions (10)

  • What do People here Think of QNX?
    If you go to osnews.com and do a search for QNX, you will find many articles that were written over the past 20 years that describe the features, and pros and cons of running QNX. I believe there was also an article that compared BeOS (reborn as Haiku OS, haiku-os.org) and QNX. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Eli5 How come LCARS never became a real operating system?
    I assume you know of https://haiku-os.org. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: What are great resources to catch up C++?
    I am in a similar position. I'm not using the very latest C++ features, but maybe this will be of use to you anyway? I decided to get started writing a native app for Haiku (http://haiku-os.org/), which you have to write in C++. So I loaded it up in a VM and started plugging away. I have always avoided CMake, but it's so popular these days that I decided to give in and get comfortable with it. Haiku is really... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: What Linux Distro to Install?
    {Yes - I know what I'm about to post is NOT "Linux" ...but if you're wanting to learn something new and/or have some nostalgia for the late-90s/early-00s, read on} I absolutely LOVED BeOS back in the day Though I understand why Apple chose to buy NeXT instead of Be in the 90s, I wish they'd bought both - NeXT to get Steve Jobs and NeXT's way of managing apps (where they're all self-contained... - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
  • Does parallels or vmware or UTM allow running older versions of mac OS (like Mojave) on am M1 Mac?
    I agree with this. I can also recommend trying out Haiku OS x86 version with UTM emulation (choose between 32-bit or 64-bit OS version), because it requires very little system resources. Haiku is working on an ARM port, but it’s not ready for real-world usage yet. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

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

What are some alternatives?

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

KolibriOS - KolibriOS is a tiny yet incredibly powerful and fast operating system.

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

Xubuntu - Xubuntu – Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Download XubuntuXubuntu – Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Feature Tour.

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.

DeLicate Linux - DeLicate Linux is a free and lightweight Linux Kernel-based operating system that is intended for computers comprising of very Low RAM.