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Contents

1 Definitions and overview

1

1.1

What is Debian GNU/Linux?

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1

1.2

OK, now I know what Debian is. . . what is Linux?!

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2

1.3

What is this new  Hurd  thing?

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3

1.4

What is the difference between Debian GNU/Linux and other Linux distribu 

tions? Why should I choose Debian over some other distribution?

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3

1.5

How does the Debian project fit in or compare with the Free Software Founda 

tion's GNU project?

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4

1.6

How does one pronounce Debian and what does this word mean?

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4

2 Getting and installing Debian GNU/Linux

5

2.1

What is the latest version of Debian?

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5

2.2

Are there package upgrades in `stable'?

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5

2.3

Where/how can I get the Debian installation disks?

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6

2.4

How do I install the Debian from CD ROMs?

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6

2.5

I have my own CD writer, are there CD images available somewhere?

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6

2.6

Can I install it from a pile of floppy disks?

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7

2.7

Can I get and install Debian directly from a remote Internet site?

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7

3 Compatibility issues

9

3.1

On what hardware architectures/systems does Debian GNU/Linux run?

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9

3.2

How compatible is Debian with other distributions of Linux?

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3.3

How source code compatible is Debian with other Unix systems?

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3.4

Can I use Debian packages ( .deb  files) on my Red Hat/Slackware/. . . Linux

system? Can I use Red Hat packages ( .rpm  files) on my Debian GNU/Linux

system?

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