I've been using CentOS for years. I am tired of CentOS since most of the packages are dated. For instance, I've been trying this new app which requires more recent python and libcurl packages. Obviously I was forced to build python and curl in custom paths since the whole OS might be crippled if I updated the dated packages. I hate the idea of having multiple versions of the same package. I did notice that debian developers are more active and most of its packages are new. So it seems to me debian is a perfect choice for me...what do you think guys?!

While Debian is more up to date than centos, and has many more packages, you need to be aware that Debian release cycles are of the order of 2 years. There is of course the option of running testing which is kind of a rolling release, but coming from centos, stable is probably more likely to fit the bill.

Cheers,

Evo2.

once you know a RedHat and Debian derived system, almost all the others will feel comfortable to you, too. It's a good idea to be comfortable with both.

I feel both are of the same Kind. May be CentOS is little outdated that Debian . But in my view both are stable and good to use.

I read in some thread that Cent OS 5 = fedora 4 to 6 . and the next Cent OS release = Fedora 6 to 8. I am not sure how far that is true.

But compared to Cent OS Debian is little more new packages and also it has a large community support and lots of packages available.

It is more important , with which you are comfortable with. I use both because I am familiar with both yum and apt-get.

Debian is also stable and has more packages.

You have to be aware that installation and some configuration (firewall, etc.), name conventions are slightly different in Debian.

A quick check at Distrowatch shows the current Debian Stable is roughly comparable to Fedora 8-9, and CentOS 5.4 to Fedora 6. CentOS 6 will be out in the spring and probably comparable to Fedora 10 (according to what I read).

I'm looking for something more stable than Fedora, and I tried Debian last summer; the experiment only lasted a couple of weeks. If you can be patient until Easter, piforever, I'd stick with the old firm.

Thnx all for the advice. I've been using Debian 5 for a week or so, and honestly I liked what I saw... Yet I am looking forward to try CentOS 6 when it is released. But honestly, based on my experience with CentOS 5, I wonder how long it will take the developers to release 7? And what will be the status of Debian at that time? It could be the same story again...

Thnx all,

There are some differences between CentOS and Debian in name conventions, and in some configurations, for example firewall.