Debian Linux v12 Review

Linux Distro Intended for Stability

Discovery
I researched and watched YouTube Videos to determine what distros might be worth exploring. Debian was high on the list based on the recommendations found on multiple websites and on YouTube. Debian is well known for its stability at the expense of NOT having the latest features.

Installation
Downloaded the newest ISO file for Debian 12. Installed Debian on a Hyper-V virtual machine from ISO for a quick review and comparison with other distros.

Printer Driver
Debian auto detected the Brother Laser AIO printer on the network. No driver install was necessary. Printing simply worked. NOTE: I have NOT attempted to use the scanner.

WI-FI
This was not tested as I only installed Debian as a virtual machine.

Samba/SMB Support Updated 7/26/25
Samba allows Windows computers to interact with file shares and printers on a non-Windows server, making it a crucial tool for interoperability between different operating systems.

This feature works just as expected without any additional installation or configuration. The first time you connect to a shared network drive, it may take a second or two. I am assuming the system has to search for the shared device and folder the network. Then, you’ll need to enter a password for the network share. Once that’s done, you’re good to go. The connection will stay active until the computer is shut down. You can access the shared folder as much as you want without re-inputting a password.I like to bookmark the location within the file manager/file explorer so I don't need to type the network path. This will save you a little time.

Sudo Issue: Updated 7/26/25
The default installation of Debian doesn't grant SUDO access, preventing installation of ANYTHING. All of my attempts to gain SUDO access failed. As a new user of Linux, I almost gave up, thinking this distro was utterly useless. My attempts to gain SUDO access failed. Web searches were of little help to me as a novice Linux user. I tried again some time later and eventually found a website that explained it well enough in beginner terms that I was able to get past this issue. For this issue alone, I would NOT recommend Linux to a person just starting out on Linux.

Software Updated 7/26/25
Untested. I plan to revisit this issue when time allows.

Windows Hyper-V settings for Debian Updated 7/26/25
This section will be expanded soon!

I have noticed that using Linux within Hyper-V doesnt allow a person to change the screen resolution by simply expanding the Window or by changing it within Linux. However it is possible by making a modification within Grub. Contact Meyer computer for these instructions!

Overall Impression Of Debian v12
Setup was just as fast if not faster than a Windows 10 installation. However, the installation has a few questions that may be intimidating to novice users. I had a difficult time navigating the desktop as the default GNOME style desktop significantly different than Windows. In my opinion, the Debian desktop seems extremely clumsy and things are hard to find. Debian is not for a novice Linux user like myself.