In 2014, the Debian project decided to replace the old init system with systemd, but a small group of developers resisted, forking Debian to start the systemd-free Devuan. We decided to take a look at Devuan 1.0.0, the first stable release.

When human error stumps the Debian package manager, familiar tools like apt-get, aptitude, and dpkg can help restore functionality.

Mate isn't just for Mint users. The DMDc project is Mate on top of Debian Testing.

Since the release of the final version, Samba 4 has become increasingly significant in IT practice; now it has found its way into Jessie, the next Debian release. We take a look at the new features.

The Debian Goodies collection offers a variety of time-tested scripts to help you manage Debian packages.

The powerful dpkg-reconfigure command can be used to reconfigure an entire installation. We show how to use it wisely.

The Smart Package Manager makes everyday tasks of handling RPM and DEB packages simple but has a full set of controls for experts.

The GNU project hasn't given up on the venerable Hurd project, and this long-running GNU Free OS project has recently received a burst of new energy with the release of a new Debian port.

The DVD attached to this issue brings you a pair of the world’s most popular Linux distributions. Mint 15 “Olivia” is the latest release from the ever-friendly Linux Mint, a desktop distro based on Debian and Ubuntu that keeps the emphasis on simplicity and ease of use. Mint tops the DistroWatch downloads list and describes itself as: “The 4th most popular home operating system after Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS, and Canonical’s Ubuntu.”