So the Debian project, home of Debian GNU/Linux and other great software distributions, has turned 18. That’s impressive for a free software project (the GNU project itself is only 27), and makes Debian the oldest extant distribution except for Slackware (which is just one month older).
Debian wasn’t my first introduction to the world of free software and GNU/Linux, but it was the one that stuck. Debian was good enough for me to ditch Windows for over five years ago (after a few years of dual-booting), and it’s only improved since then. Other distributions have come along since, but I’ve tried many and none match Debian’s vast collection of high quality-assured free software.
Debian’s focus on freedom is commendable, especially while still supporting people who want to use proprietary software, and avoiding the knee-jerk refusal to encourage proprietary creators towards freedom. Its support of as wide a range of architectures and kernels as possible is impressive. All this against a background of a democratic, community-driven volunteer project. For those of us interested in international community organisation, in projects pursuing ethical goals working with commercial organisations, and in co-operative enterprises where the contributors have equal say in the direction of the project, Debian stands as a great example of good practice and high-quality results.
So thanks to the entire Debian community, some of whom I’m happy to call friends, for the hard work they’ve put in over the last 18 years. While I’ve never been a Debian developer, I’ve spent a lot of time supporting users on IRC, and met lovely people like 
resiak that way. I’ll go on using, supporting and advocating Debian, and look forward to the 21st birthday!
