After waiting for so long (close to 2 years), Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 code named Debian Etch has been taken out of development cycle and is given the stable tag. A couple of months back, I had tried out Debian Etch while it was still in the testing stage and my impression of it was very good - what, with most up to date versions of popular and most used software packages and a pretty graphical installer to boot.
Some of the new features in Debian 4.0 are as follows :
- A fully integrated installation process with out of the box support for encrypted partitions.
- Graphical installer for those with enough memory for their PC
- Use of secure apt to enhance security while installing software (Read more on apt-get usage).
- Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 now runs on even AMD64 and Intel EM64T (amd64) apart from 9 other architectures.
- Now can be installed from various installation media such as DVDs, CDs, USB sticks and floppies, or from the network.
- Support for multi-architecture installation disks.
Those who are using an earlier version of Debian need just do an
# apt-get updateand an
# apt-get dist-upgrade... to move their Debian distribution to the latest version.
Another important news especially for people administering Debian servers is that the Debian team has also updated the official Debian 3.1 version to include some much needed security fixes. The official Debian website has the full press release regarding Debian 4.0.
