Debian 13 issue?
Debian 13 issue?
When setting up Debian 13, the process you described will encrypt all partitions by default. It doesn’t just affect the main data partition; it also applies to swap and boot partitions. The default swap size is usually set automatically, so changing it manually might not be necessary unless you have specific needs. I see a Reddit thread that discusses this for Debian 12 with encryption, but I’m not sure if it applies directly to Debian 13. You might want to double-check the documentation or consider following similar steps carefully.
I disable the swap partition and I swap to file, because: - I never let my drives get 100% full, so there is always plenty of space for the swap file... reserving drive space just for the swap partition is a waste IMO. - Also if your data partition is encrypted, swapping to file = also encrypted. Don't have the time right now to check out the video and your other questions, hopefully someone else will chime in.
It fully utilizes the disk for installing the operating system. This method enhances security and provides a swap space. As I strongly support this approach, simply boot the drive, wait for the desktop to load, then press "Install" and respond to a few prompts. Connect to the internet when asked, create your coffee, and once you're back, the process will complete—unless your system is very old like a 386 or 8086. The installer handles everything smoothly without requiring changes, even with multiple users who can be added before installation. If you already run another OS, typically Windows, you'll get a dual-boot option during setup. After restarting, you'll need to refresh the system. This gives you time to relax and enjoy your coffee while it finishes—usually within 15 to 20 minutes, even on slower connections.
Assume you're choosing the encrypted version and it's ready to use. Now I'm curious—do you still require an internet connection when using the Debian 13.0.0-amd64-DVD-1.iso? It’s designed for offline installation, right? That file is about 3.7GB and should contain everything you need. Regarding your desktop experience, there seems to be a blank screen that feels quite limited. You’ll have to navigate through some menus by clicking on specific buttons in the top-left corner, then scrolling down to access programs. The interface doesn’t look very intuitive from what I’ve seen in the videos.
You don't need an internet connection to set up Debian, as it will function immediately once installed. However, certain hardware limitations might restrict access or reduce capabilities. All updates after downloading the ISO will be handled online. You can open your file manager, drag the folder's icon to the Desktop, or right-click and select 'Create Desktop Link' under 'Send To'. This keeps the folder in its default spot without making it a subfolder of the main Desktop. These steps also apply to files and frequently used programs. Since I mainly use six apps, I've kept the icons on the panel for a tidier look.
It provides everything required to set up the system along with many standard applications. It excludes some niche programs, which will be added later once you have an internet connection. ~edit: https://www.debian.org/mirror/size This page explains the total software available in Debian archives for each architecture. If you aim to cover every possible program for amd64 (x86_64) alone, the size would reach 634 GB. However, it makes sense not to pack all of that into the first download or DVD, as the necessary advanced tools differ significantly from person to person.
The final arrangement is visible at 2:00 in the video. The initial two sections (ESP and /boot) remain unprotected, which is typical and not a concern. The third section is an encrypted LVM container holding one 17GB volume for swap, with the remainder reserved for the root filesystem. Regarding partition structure, keeping just a single large data partition isn't ideal. It's recommended to split the root directory from user data (such as /home). I'm puzzled why the installer doesn't do this automatically. The choice depends on your needs. If you require hibernation, ensure you have ample swap space to accommodate all memory. The default size is usually sufficient. Without hibernation and with enough RAM, swap can often be omitted entirely. You might also consider zram—a compressed memory area that mimics virtual swap—useful across systems regardless of RAM capacity. For instance, with 8 GiB RAM (4 GiB used), once memory exceeds that, unused pages shift to zram and compress instantly. This is typically quicker than traditional swapping. As mentioned earlier, you can also opt for a swap file. Generally, three common setups exist: physical swap partitions, encrypted LVM volumes, or swap files. Option (1) offers strong protection but limited flexibility; changing physical drives is cumbersome, especially with encrypted partitions. It demands extra setup to encrypt dynamically. Option (2) is the standard today—seen in the video you shared. If LVM is encrypted, it indirectly benefits. Swap remains a regular LVM volume, making resizing simple. Option (3) exists but carries risks: file corruption can affect swap, and using COW files requires specific configurations like Btrfs. Personally, I avoid hibernate unless necessary, as having substantial swap space feels wasteful. On a 2TB drive, I allocate more than needed, relying on Zram for compression. I keep a few GiB of swap backed by Zram to handle RAM exhaustion. You can combine swap spaces—like a small LVM volume for immediate buffer and a larger swap file when required. Hibernate limits resumption to one location; spread it across multiple files if needed. Remember, shortcuts and widgets work well with most desktop environments (Gnome, KDE, Xfce, etc.), though some may need layout adjustments.
I’ll stick with LXQt for its clean, classic Windows feel. I’ll install GNOME and a few others, then test them. I’m not sure I’ll go with GNOME—it seems too modern or touch-friendly. Switching between interfaces should be handled via the command line. For partitions, I’ll follow the default setup from the guided setup.
It increases the difficulty for beginners. How large should each section be at least? What happens if I make it too small and run out of room later? It’s a good habit, but without experience figuring out the right size and handling mistakes, a single partition is safer. Those familiar with the setup can easily adjust it to suit their needs.