Devuan GNU+Linux is an open-source and free computer operating system built on top of the Linux kernel and based on the popular Debian GNU/Linux distribution used by millions of users worldwide.
The main goal of the Devuan GNU+Linux operating system is to provide the Linux community with the init freedom they need in their daily lives by not using the systemd init daemon Debian GNU/Linux uses by default.
Instead, Devuan GNU+Linux uses the SysVinit init daemon, but users are free to install other init systems, such as OpenRC, runit, s6, or sinit (suckless init). While Devuan has its own package repository, it still mirrors the development of Debian GNU/Linux and relies on the apt and dpkg package management systems.
Uses the Xfce desktop environment by default
Devuan GNU+Linux uses the lightweight and actively developed Xfce desktop environment by default in its live desktop images, but it gives users the freedom to install alternative desktop environments like KDE Plasma, LXQt, Cinnamon, or MATE directly from its software repositories.
The live desktop images include a great collection of Open Source software, among which we can mention the LibreOffice office suite, Vim text editor, GIMP image editor, Firefox ESR web browser, Mutt email client, VLC media player, Synaptic package manager, Wicd network manager, and numerous of the Xfce utilities and apps.
Boot options and supported architectures
Devuan GNU+Linux’s live desktop/minimal and installation images are available for both 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (amd64) hardware architectures. Additionally, the distro comes with ports for the ARM64 (AArch64), Armel, and ARMhf hardware architectures are also available, and Devuan GNU+Linux also runs well on a wide range of virtualization software.
The live images offer users a few standard boot options, such as the ability to start the live session in case you just want to give the operating system a spin without installing it on your personal computer (default option), choose your favorite language, boot from RAM and eject the bootable medium, access the failsafe mode, or do a memory test using Memtest86+.
Bottom line
We find Devuan GNU+Linux a great GNU/Linux distribution for those who love using Debian but don’t like the systemd init system. Devuan GNU+Linux has a great community behind it where everyone is welcome to ask any question if they want to get started with Devuan. It’s a fast booting and powerful operating system that can be easily bent to your purposes.
