The new Devuan 6.0 "Excalibur" release is now available for download and Presents itself as an option focused on those who want to keep their system independent of systemdBuilding on the work of Debian, This fork maintains compatibility with its ecosystem. while offering a different philosophy in the start-up and management of services.
In this version, the project emphasizes the so-called It begins with freedom.That is, the possibility of choosing between alternative starting systemsIn addition, it updates the package set and kernel, with a selection that fits desktops, thin servers, and embedded devices.
Main new features of Devuan 6.0
Devuan 6.0 is based on Debian 13 and adopts the Linux 6.12 LTS kernel, a combination that provides long-term stability along with recent userspace updates. The goal is to maintain the Debian experience, but without incorporating systemd as a default dependency in the system.
Init freedom
The defining characteristic of the project is allowing the user to choose how their system starts; a single startup process and services are not imposed. In this edition, you can choose to SysVinit, OpenRC or RunitSelecting the one that best suits your preferences or technical requirements.
- SysVinit: classic and widely tested in Unix environments.
- OpenRC: oriented towards simplicity and parallelization from the start.
- Runit: stands out for its speed and supervision of services.
Desktop environments
The default environment in Devuan 6.0 is XfceA lightweight and stable choice that fits modest, general-purpose computers. Those who prefer can install other alternatives such as Cinnamon, KDE, LXQt, LXDE, or MATE, always maintaining the systemd-free approach.
Architectures and support
Compatibility covers AMD64, ARM64, ARMEL, ARMHF and PPC64ELThis version covers both 64-bit computers and the ARM platforms commonly found in small devices and servers. However, it does not include support for RISC-V, a significant omission for those who value this emerging architecture.
Availability and download of Devuan 6.0
Installation images and live media are available from the project's official website, which also details installation and verification options. You can get Devuan 6.0 "Excalibur" at Devuan.org and choose the variant that best suits your use case.
Based on Debian 13, kernel 6.12 LTS and the option to choose between SysVinit, OpenRC or Runit, Devuan 6.0 "Excalibur" combines continuity and flexibility in a package that maintains compatibility with much of the Debian ecosystem, but with a clear proposal for those who prefer systems without systemd.