Within the Linux ecosystem we can find a great variety of different distributions. Some of them are well known and are usually the first choices for users. Ubuntu or Linux Mint are two examples of these, two distros intended for general use and that do not require much previous experience. But then there are other distros that, although they are less widespread, have a much more specific use and can help us work better and enjoy Linux much more. Two examples of these can be Debian or Kali Linux.
Debian: the general distro for everything
Although Debian as such is not one of the most widespread distros, it is one of the fundamental pillars of the entire Linux ecosystem. Most of the distributions that we can find and download are based on it: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, even Kali. This is one of the most stable and robust distributions that we can find in every way, and although it may not be as intuitive as Ubuntu, it is also an excellent entry point to this ecosystem.
This distro uses a GNOME desktop by default and has a wide variety of programs to be able to start working with it from the first moment. We can find a stable version, with periodic updates, and the “testing” version, of continuous development, with a Rolling Release update system.
Kali Linux: the distro for power-users
If we are advanced users, surely the most common distros fall short. Luckily, there are other much more advanced distributions that allow us to take full advantage of the potential of Linux, such as Kali.
Kali Linux is a distro that, although it uses Debian as a base , it is almost nothing like it. While Debian is a distro for everything, with a very low learning curve, Kali is a system designed, above all, for advanced users.
This distro comes standard with an XFCE desktop , although we can also choose other different desktop environments depending on our preferences or needs. It even has a “Windows 10 mode” that very well imitates the appearance of Microsoft‘s operating system, designed not to arouse suspicion when we use this system in public.
Kali has hundreds of applications installed by default. But the vast majority of these programs are intended for advanced users, to perform security practices and audits of networks and systems.
Which of the two systems should I install?
Knowing the two systems already above, the question is, which of the two is better, and which one should I install?
It depends on the use that we are going to make of the computer, and on the previous knowledge that we have. If we are users without much experience, that we are taking the first steps within Linux and that we are going to make general use of the system, the best option is Debian . This system is much easier to use and configure, and we will not have unnecessary tools installed as standard that, most likely, give us more problems than they solve. Even if we are advanced users, Debian is still an excellent option, since everything that Kali offers can be installed by adding its repositories.
However, if we are advanced users, and we are interested in computer security and networks , Kali Linux is a must-have. One of the most advanced distros in this sense, with a wide variety of tools installed by default so as not to miss anything and to be able to work with absolute comfort.