The major difference between the Debian distribution and other Linux distributions that are currently available is its open development model. This is not, however, the only difference between Debian and the other distributions.

The second, equally important difference, is Debian’s strict adherence to the “Free Software” ideal. It is quite impressive, when you think about it, that this distribution is composed of freely redistributable software, complete with source code. Now, most other distributions also supply source code and these same programs, but they will also put packages into their distributions that can not be redistributed under certain conditions, without any concern for the legal problems that they deliver to their customer. Users of the Debian distribution can be assured that what they find in that distribution will have no constraints on the free distribution and modification of that software, leaving them free to build “value added” systems from this Distribution without fear that they will find themselves in court for misuse of someone else’s intellectual property.
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This article describes the process of installing and running Firebird on Ubuntu Linux. Like the Debian GNU/Linux distribution it is based on, installing software with Ubuntu (or Kubuntu) is very straightforward and Firebird is no exception. This guide is based on Ubuntu 6.10 “Edgy Eft”. The version of Firebird packaged with Ubuntu “Edgy Eft” is 1.5.3.4870-10 but is labelled “firebirdsql2?. Since its inception, Ubuntu has followed a strict six-month release cycle so this may change with the “Feisty Fawn” release in April 2007.
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