Disentangling the Debian derivatives: Which should you use?
So although Debian and Ubuntu use the same native packaging format , and have much the same commands and the same configuration files in the same places, they remain significantly different. Ubuntu is generally more current, while Debian is based on older releases of its various components. Both include a choice of desktops, but the Ubuntu ones tend to be more customized and polished, whereas Debian's versions are generally similar to their upstream versions.
If you try to install Ubuntu programs or drivers on Debian, or add Ubuntu repositories to Debian, the installation may fail or the new programs may not work – because they require specific versions of Ubuntu components, or elements that Ubuntu includes but Debian does not. Ubuntu boot media are live images which boot to a desktop, while Debian just boots into the installation program – there's no way to"try before you buy" and experiment with different desktops, except installing the whole OS. Ubuntu is more plug-and-play – boot the computer from the installation medium, hit"Install," give it a name and a password, click"yes" a few times, and you're good to go.
All this means that even today's polished, easier Debian is still more intimidating to beginners, and tends to require more expertise from its users. Which, of course, has opened up the opportunity for external developers to offer their own improved Debian experience.Just as Ubuntu is largely"plug and play," much the same applies to its many, both official and unofficial. Of these, Linux Mint is probably the highest-profile.