DesktopLinux: Debian Tops Poll, Project leader Bdale Garbee Discusses Surge in Interest

“DesktopLinux.com’s 2002 poll closed on January 1st with Debian
edging out Mandrake in the last two months of year. The results,
while not quite ‘scientific,’ certainly reinforced the growing
interest in Desktop Linux distributions. Users were passionate in
supporting their favorite distribution.

“As the largest volunteer-based distribution provider that many
regard as having the best bug tracking system, Debian found itself
as the basis of several variants in the latter part of the year
including Knoppix, Libranet GNU/Linux, LindowsOS, and Xandros. In
November, a desktop initiative, the Debian Desktop Subproject
launched with Colin Walters leading up efforts. But that is not
Debian’s only focus as projects for kids (DebianJr), Education
(Debian Edu), as well as many localization programs such as one for
Japan (DebianJP), and much more. Specialized versions of Debian are
even found for mobile devices such as the Sharp Zaurus.

“DesktopLinux.com talked to Bdale Garbee, Project Leader for
Debian and got his impressions during a year that Debian saw
commercial products based on it reach the market…”

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