Devuan GNU+Linux
Devuan GNU+Linux is a fork of Debian created to keep the choice of init system in users’ hands. It provides a stable Debian experience without systemd, using sysvinit by default with OpenRC and runit available, and continues to track Debian releases so upgrading is seamless. Devuan champions “Init Freedom” — portability, diversity and freedom of choice at the heart of the system.
Key Features
- systemd-free — based on Debian but without systemd or its lock-in, keeping the system portable and unencumbered
- Choice of init systems — sysvinit by default, with OpenRC and runit available and simple to switch to
- Debian compatibility — tracks Debian stable releases with a seamless dist-upgrade path
- eudev — Gentoo’s fork of udev, usable without systemd
- Multiple desktops — Xfce by default, with Cinnamon, KDE, LXQt, LXDE and MATE as alternatives
- Wide architecture support — amd64, arm64, armel, armhf and ppc64el
- Community-run — an independent project supported by its own infrastructure, packages and bug tracking
Why Use Devuan?
Devuan is for anyone who values keeping the init system open and independent. It gives you all the benefits of Debian’s stability and huge software ecosystem while preserving the freedom to run a classic, simple init system.
Use Cases
- Sysadmins and enthusiasts who prefer sysvinit, OpenRC or runit over systemd
- Users migrating from Debian who want a systemd-free alternative
- Servers and desktops that prize simplicity, portability and minimalism
Platform
Linux · x86-64 · ARM (arm64, armel, armhf) · ppc64el
Licence
Free and open source. The distribution and its bundled software are released under the GPL and other OSI-approved licences.