The Debian GNU/Linux operating system approaches Linux system administration differently than other popular Linux distributions, favoring text-based configuration mechanisms over graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Debian may appear simplistic and even slightly outdated, but it is actually very robust, scalable, and secure. Debian's open development cycle and strict quality control by the developers help Debian to constantly gain popularity, despite its reputation as an operating system just for professionals and hardcore computer hobbyists.

The Debian System introduces the concepts and techniques of the Debian operating system, explaining their usage and pitfalls, and illustrating the thinking behind each of the approaches. The book's goal is to give the reader enough insight into the workings of the Debian project and operating system so that they will understand the solutions that have evolved as part of the Debian system over the past decade. While targeted at the well-versed UNIX/Linux administrator, the book can also serve as an excellent resource alongside a standard Linux reference to quickly orient the reader to Debian's unique philosophy and structure. Co-published with Open Source Press, an independent publisher based in Munich that specializes in the field of free and open source software.

蝶变GNU/Linux操作系统处理Linux系统管理的方式与其他流行的Linux发行版不同，它更倾向于基于文本的配置机制而不是图形用户界面（GUI）。蝶变可能看起来很简单，甚至有点过时，但它实际上非常强大，可扩展，而且安全。Debian的开放开发周期和开发者的严格质量控制，帮助Debian不断获得普及，尽管它被誉为只适合专业人士和铁杆计算机爱好者的操作系统。

蝶变系统》介绍了蝶变操作系统的概念和技术，解释了它们的用法和陷阱，并说明了每一种方法背后的思考。本书的目标是让读者对Debian项目和操作系统的运作有足够的了解，这样他们就能理解在过去十年中作为Debian系统一部分发展起来的解决方案。本书以精通 UNIX/Linux 的管理员为对象，同时也可以作为标准 Linux 参考资料的绝佳资源，让读者快速了解 Debian 的独特理念和结构。本书与开源出版社联合出版，后者是一家位于慕尼黑的独立出版商，专门从事自由和开源软件领域的研究。