OBLinux brings the same polished GNOME desktop to two proven Linux foundations: Arch Linux and Debian. The OBLinux experience is the same on both. The difference is underneath, in how software is delivered and how you keep your system up to date.
An edition is OBLinux built on a particular Linux foundation. The foundation provides the core system, the package manager and the stream of updates. OBLinux provides the desktop, the defaults, the look and the installer. Both editions are first-class OBLinux releases.
Built on
OBLinux Arch
Current software, delivered continuously.
OBLinux Arch is built on Arch Linux, a rolling-release distribution. There are no major version upgrades to plan for: new kernels, drivers, GNOME releases and applications arrive as regular updates, usually soon after their developers release them.
Rolling release: your system stays current through regular updates instead of periodic upgrades
Recent Linux kernels, graphics drivers, GNOME releases and applications
Software managed with pacman, Arch’s package manager, plus Flatpak with Flathub
Access to the wider Arch ecosystem, including the Arch User Repository (AUR) through paru
A signed OBLinux package repository, with optional Chaotic-AUR access
Good to know: Because updates arrive continuously, OBLinux Arch asks for a more hands-on approach: update regularly and glance at project announcements before large updates.
Built on
OBLinux Debian
A dependable base that changes on your schedule.
OBLinux Debian is built on Debian stable, one of the longest-running Linux distributions. Each Debian stable release keeps the same core software for its whole life and receives security and bug fixes, so the system behaves the same way from one month to the next.
Built on Debian stable, the official stable release of Debian
A conservative release model focused on reliability and predictability
Security and bug fixes delivered through normal Debian updates
Software managed with APT, Debian’s package manager
Fewer underlying platform changes between major releases
Good to know: Software versions are chosen when a Debian release is made and are then kept steady, so some applications will be older than on a rolling-release system. That is a deliberate trade-off for stability.
Side by side
The main differences at a glance. Neither is better overall; they suit different preferences.
Comparison of OBLinux Arch and OBLinux Debian
Attribute
OBLinux Arch
OBLinux Debian
Foundation
Arch Linux
Debian stable
Release model
Rolling release: continuous updates, no version upgrades
Stable releases: a new major version about every two years
Package manager
pacman (plus paru and Flatpak)
APT
Software versions
Very current, close to the latest upstream releases
Stability-focused, versions held steady for the life of a release
Updates
Frequent, and can include new versions of core software
Mostly security and bug fixes
Maintenance
More active: update regularly and keep an eye on announcements
Lower-touch: fewer changes to review
Best suited for
People who want current software and enjoy staying up to date
People who value predictability and a system that changes slowly
Foundation
OBLinux Arch
Arch Linux
OBLinux Debian
Debian stable
Release model
OBLinux Arch
Rolling release: continuous updates, no version upgrades
OBLinux Debian
Stable releases: a new major version about every two years
Package manager
OBLinux Arch
pacman (plus paru and Flatpak)
OBLinux Debian
APT
Software versions
OBLinux Arch
Very current, close to the latest upstream releases
OBLinux Debian
Stability-focused, versions held steady for the life of a release
Updates
OBLinux Arch
Frequent, and can include new versions of core software
OBLinux Debian
Mostly security and bug fixes
Maintenance
OBLinux Arch
More active: update regularly and keep an eye on announcements
OBLinux Debian
Lower-touch: fewer changes to review
Best suited for
OBLinux Arch
People who want current software and enjoy staying up to date
OBLinux Debian
People who value predictability and a system that changes slowly
What both editions share
Whichever edition you choose, you get OBLinux: the same desktop, the same look and the same installation experience.
The GNOME desktop
Both editions ship the GNOME desktop, set up with OBLinux defaults, so the everyday experience looks and works the same.
The OBLinux look
OBLinux wallpapers, icons and one consistent visual identity, from the boot and login screens to the desktop.
Ready from the first boot
Firefox (Firefox ESR on Debian) and the Ptyxis terminal are installed and ready, with no setup required.
A friendly terminal
When you do open a terminal: Zsh with the Starship prompt and Fastfetch, configured out of the box.
Try it, then install
Start a live session from the USB drive to try OBLinux first, then install with the same graphical installer on both editions.
One place for help
The same step-by-step installation guide and project announcements, with every ISO published alongside a SHA256 checksum.
Which edition should I choose?
Think about how you want to look after your computer, not which foundation is more popular.
Choose OBLinux Arch if…
You want the newest software, kernels and drivers
You like the rolling-release model
You are comfortable applying updates regularly
You want access to the Arch ecosystem, including the AUR
Choose OBLinux Debian if…
You put stability and predictability first
You prefer a traditional release lifecycle
You want fewer underlying changes to your system
You prefer the Debian and APT ecosystem
Still not sure? There is no wrong choice. Both editions start a live session from the USB drive, so you can try OBLinux before installing anything.
Ready to get started?
Download OBLinux 26.3.0, then follow the installation guide. Both editions install the same way.
