The latest version of Debian, Debian 13 “Trixie”, introduces a host of improvements, new features, and expanded support for modern architectures. With over 59,551 packages, this release updates 72% of the programs from its predecessor, Bookworm, while officially ending support for some configurations like 32-bit systems.
Here’s an overview of the most notable features and changes in Debian 13.
Supported Architectures
Debian 13 extends its compatibility to modern architectures, including:
- 32-bit PC (i386) and 64-bit PC (amd64).
- 64-bit ARM (arm64).
- ARM EABI (armel) and ARMv7 (armhf).
- MIPS little-endian (mipsel) and MIPS64 little-endian (mips64el).
- 64-bit little-endian PowerPC (ppc64el).
- IBM System z (s390x).
A significant addition is Secure Boot support for ARM64, allowing for more secure booting on UEFI-capable ARM devices.
Repository Changes
Debian 13 introduces a new repository area called non-free-firmware, which separates non-free firmware from other non-free packages. This change stems from a 2022 Debian General Resolution, allowing the inclusion of non-free firmware in official installation media to better support hardware requiring such firmware.
The separation ensures cleaner installations, enabling systems to be built with only the main and non-free-firmware repositories, without needing contrib or non-free.
Desktop Environments and Applications
Debian 13 updates popular desktop environments, offering the latest versions for a wide range of users:
- GNOME 43.
- KDE Plasma 5.27.
- LXDE 11.
- LXQt 1.2.0.
- MATE 1.26.
- Xfce 4.18.
Productivity suites and key applications have also been updated:
- LibreOffice upgraded to version 7.4.
- GnuCash now at version 4.13.
Major Software Updates
Debian 13 brings significant updates to core software packages, ensuring better performance and modern features. Key updates include:
| Package | Version in Bookworm (12) | Version in Trixie (13) |
|---|---|---|
| Apache | 2.4.54 | 2.4.57 |
| Bash | 5.1 | 5.2.15 |
| GNU Compiler | 10.2 | 12.2 |
| OpenJDK | 11 | 17 |
| Python 3 | 3.9.2 | 3.11.2 |
| Systemd | 247 | 252 |
Other notable updates include Linux kernel 6.11, OpenSSL 3.0.8, and PHP 8.2.
Debian Med and Debian Astro
Debian Med
Debian 13 introduces additional packages in medicine and life sciences. The new shiny-server package simplifies the deployment of scientific web applications using R.
Debian Astro
Debian Astro updates its tools for astronomers with new packages like:
- astap and planetary-system-stacker for image stacking.
- Enhanced support for the INDI protocol.
- Updated Python libraries for astrophysics, including python3-extinction and python3-sncosmo.
Enhanced Documentation and Translations
Debian 13 includes an expanded collection of translated man pages in languages like Czech, Danish, Greek, Russian, and Ukrainian. To configure your system’s locale for man pages, you can use the following command:
sudo dpkg-reconfigure localesKey Highlights
- Secure Boot for ARM64: Secure Boot support returns for ARM64 systems with UEFI, enhancing security for modern hardware.
- Goodbye i386: Debian officially ends support for 32-bit systems in this release.
- Streamlined Repository Management: The introduction of the non-free-firmware repository simplifies installations requiring proprietary firmware.
How to Download
Debian 13 is available for download on the official website. Installation images are offered for amd64 and arm64 architectures.
Conclusion
Debian 13 “Trixie” solidifies its reputation as a robust and reliable operating system. With improved hardware support, updated software ecosystems, and enhanced security features, this release is a testament to Debian’s commitment to innovation and reliability, making it ideal for both servers and Linux enthusiasts.
