Puppy Linux is designed for speed and efficiency, making it ideal for older hardware, while Debian is known for its stability and extensive software repository, catering to a wide range of use cases from servers to desktops.
Debian
Pros:
Stability and reliability
Large software repository
Strong community support
Debian package management system (APT)
Regular security updates
Cons:
Can be resource-intensive for older hardware
Longer release cycles
Initial setup may be complex for beginners
Puppy Linux
Pros:
Lightweight and fast
User-friendly interface
Customizable
Compatible with older hardware
Includes a variety of applications out-of-the-box
Cons:
Limited software repository compared to Debian
Less suitable for advanced users
May lack some features found in larger distributions