Debian operating system

Debian is a free and open-source operating system that has been developed and maintained by a global community of volunteers since its inception in 1993. Founded by Ian Murdock, the project was established with the goal of creating a distribution that embodies the principles of free software, as advocated by the GNU Project and the Free Software Foundation. The name 'Debian' is a portmanteau of Ian Murdock's first name and his then-girlfriend (later wife) Debra Lynn's name. Over the years, Debian has grown into one of the most influential Linux distributions, serving as the foundation for numerous other distributions, including Ubuntu. The Debian Project operates under a volunteer-based model, guided by its constitution and social contract, which emphasize openness, transparency, and the commitment to free software principles. The project is known for its rigorous release process, ensuring that each stable release is thoroughly tested and reliable. As of January 2026, Debian continues to be developed by a diverse community of contributors worldwide, with over 1,400 active contributors in the past year, resulting in more than 94,000 free packages. The project is sponsored by Software in the Public Interest, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides legal and financial support to Debian and other free software projects.