Debian is seen as a solid Linux, and as a consequence has been used as a base for dozens of other Debian derivatives such as Ubuntu and Knoppix.

As a result of its strictly guarded policies, a new distribution release for Debian tends to occur every one to two years. The strategy policies used by the Debian Project for minimizing software bugs has allowed it to remain one of the most stable and secure Linux distributions.

Debian is known for its commitment to the Debian Social Contract which states that it will remain 100% free. Debian is currently the most significant distributor of Linux that is not a commercial entity.

Debian is a free operating system for your computer. The Debian Project began in 1993 and has grown over the years into an organization of around 890 Debian Developers.

RetroShare does not require installation. For Windows there is a portable version which can run on a usb stick. Linux users can compile the source then place it on a usb stick. For more information visit the official RetroShare site: http://retroshare.sourceforge.net

The RetroShare Chat Server provides a web page interface where new users can make "friends" with your chat server. Once keys have been exchanged they will be able to connect to the network and access the chat lobby.

RetroShare users become "friends" by exchanging PGP certificates (keys). Connections are then made using BitTorrent's Distributed Hash Table (DHT), a "Discovery" service in the F2F network or a Dynamic DNS service to locate your contacts.

The network is serverless which means without any dependencies on central servers or companies like Facebook, Yahoo!, MSN or Google. It's called a friend-to-friend (F2F) network where you connect directly and privately with your friends.

And in the end, I am confident you'll discover you can be a Linux user too!

You can "conquer the unknown" as you build your own installation with software to suit your needs. You'll become familiar with Linux "lingo" as you master backing-up and restoring your system.

You can explore Linux in a temporary environment called a "live session" where you will have the opportunity to learn about the operating system without being concerned about making a mistake.

If you've never tried Linux you can test run the operating system on your machine without having to make any changes to your computer.

At this time, businesses can securely hold group chat conferences and transmit documents with employees who work remotely. It's possible that RetroShare will provide video conferencing in the future.

Communities can have local "neighborhood" RetroShare networks for events, ride sharing, yard sales, lost & found, crime watches and services such as daycare, a singles scene or seniors outreach.

Organizations such as associations, clubs or groups can use RetroShare as a private "members only" network.

RetroShare can be used to chat and file share through a direct connection with your family and friends.

Notes are included which will show you how to:

The RetroShare Chat Server Live CD is a RetroShare Chat Server running on a customized Debian Wheezy GNU/Linux operating system from a live cd. The system features a LAMP software bundle to host your chat server's "Key Exchange" web page (more on that later).

This is experimental software. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. I or anyone else can not be held liable under any circumstances for damage to hardware or software, lost data, or other direct or indirect damage resulting from the use of this software. You are responsible for your own compliance with all applicable laws. If you plan to commercially use or distribute (and sell) the software, you have to acquire the necessary licenses and permissions from all software copyright holders of non-free software components, or remove these components before distributing the software.

Use of this software indicates your acceptance of the following agreement: