Ubuntu and Linux Mint are great for new users, but I'm not a new user. I'm not trying to be snobby, and I don't think I'm better than anyone else; I just have different needs than most people. I don't want polish. I want to see and work with the guts of my operating system, because I like to be in total control of my computing experience. I don't like my hand to be held. I'm not extreme about this. I like user-friendly things as long as they don't get in my way, or cover up what I want to see. Debian makes everything as easy as possible without getting in my way, holding my hand, or hiding the details.

I also value different things than most people. I don't want the latest bells and whistles, pretty graphics, or fancy features. I want stability and commitment. I hate when vendors take liberties with my computing experience for their own nefarious ends. I hate bugs, crashes, upheavels, insecurity, and having my privacy disrespected. Linux in general tends to be refreshingly free from many of these, but Debian takes it all a step further.

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