gLinux is a Linux distribution based on Debian used internally at Google. Google builds its system from the source code of the packages and introduces own changes. gLinux replaces the Ubuntu-based distribution Goobuntu that was previously used.
Moving from Ubuntu 14.04 LTS to Debian 10 Buster
Once Google opted Ubuntu LTS for stability. Now it is moving to Debian testing branch for timely testing the packages. But it is not clear why Google decided to switch to Debian from Ubuntu.
How does Google plan to move to Debian Testing? The current Debian Testing release is upcoming Debian 10 Buster. Google has developed an internal tool to migrate the existing systems from Ubuntu 14.04 LTS to Debian 10 Buster. Project leader Margarita claimed in the Debconf talk that tool was tested to be working fine.
Google also plans to send the changes to Debian Upstream and hence contributing to its development.
If you are thinking that you can get your hands on either of Goobuntu or gLinux, you’ll have to get a job at Google. It is an internal project of Google and is not accessible to the general public.
Overall, it is a good news for Debian, especially if they get changes to upstream. Cannot say the same for Ubuntu though.
