Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SparkyLinux VS Debian

Compare SparkyLinux VS Debian and see what are their differences

SparkyLinux logo SparkyLinux

The project page of SparkyLinux distribution

Debian logo Debian

Debian is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.
  • SparkyLinux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-01-09
  • Debian Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-12

SparkyLinux features and specs

  • Lightweight
    SparkyLinux is designed to be lightweight, making it well-suited for older hardware and systems with limited resources.
  • Diverse editions
    Offers multiple editions, including Minimal, GameOver, Multimedia, and more, allowing users to choose one that best suits their needs.
  • Rolling release
    Uses a rolling release model, providing users with access to the latest software updates without needing to wait for a new version release.
  • Debian-based
    Being based on Debian, it inherits a strong stability, large community support, and access to a vast number of packages.
  • Customizable
    Highly customizable, enabling users to adjust the system to their preferences and needs easily.

Possible disadvantages of SparkyLinux

  • Limited documentation
    Compared to larger distributions, it may have limited documentation and community support resources available.
  • Potential stability issues
    As a rolling release distribution, it may occasionally face stability issues with new software updates.
  • Learning curve
    May have a steeper learning curve for users who are unfamiliar with Debian-based systems or new to Linux in general.
  • Less mainstream
    Not as widely used as some other Linux distributions, which may result in fewer third-party resources or tutorials.

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.

SparkyLinux videos

SparkyLinux - Fast, User Friendly and Brilliant

More videos:

  • Review - SparkyLinux - Fast and Lightweight Debian

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 SparkyLinux and Debian)
Operating Systems
14 14%
86% 86
Linux
14 14%
86% 86
Linux Distribution
8 8%
92% 92
OS & Utilities
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 SparkyLinux and Debian

SparkyLinux Reviews

13 Best Linux distros for gaming in 2022
Overall, if you’re an avid gamer inclined towards playing games on an emulator, it’s a game over once you install the SparkyLinux – Gameover edition.
Best Linux Distro for Gaming
SparkyLinux is a lightweight Linux distro with a special release for gaming – the GameOver Edition. It’s based on Debian Stable and it uses the Xfce DE. Similar to GamePack, it’s a distro with a lot of games and emulators pre-installed. If you prefer a lightweight Linux gaming distro that you can also use as a daily driver, this might be a good choice for you.
Source: linuxstans.com

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 seems to be a lot more popular than SparkyLinux. While we know about 66 links to Debian, we've tracked only 2 mentions of SparkyLinux. 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.

SparkyLinux mentions (2)

  • GamerOS Renamed to ChimeraOS
    Https://sparkylinux.org/ that one I guess. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • will kubntu be faster on my laptop than windows 7?
    Go with Debian or one in its derivative, sparkylinux is a good one, I would pick the 5.14 LXqt iso. Source: about 4 years ago

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: about 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 SparkyLinux and Debian, you can also consider the following products

Garuda Linux - Garuda Linux is an appealing Arch Linux based Distro with BTRFS (modern filesystem), Linux-zen kernel, auto snapshots, gaming edition and a lot more bleeding edge features..

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

Anarchy Linux - A distro that helps setting up a Archlinux system.

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.

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

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