Red Hat tends to be faster in terms of producing new Fedora releases, but Debian usually beats Red Hat the rest of the time. In terms of package manager, there are also differences between the distros. Whilst Debian incorporates configuration into its package-installation process (therefore requiring its user to know more about its hardware), Red Hat uses automotive, hands-free installation. Its version 9 autodidacts almost all of the hardware and its user- centered gui makes it easy to install programs such as X, KDE and gnome.

In terms of installation, Red Hat has kickstart which simplifies the install process; this in manner of keeping with its user-centered pattern. Users simply complete a web form and receive a customized boot disk that will complete the necessary duties. The user can allow the machine to do its duty. The system partitions, installs, and configures all the files whilst all the user then has to do is type in his or her NIS password.

Debian's installation package, on the other hand, is lengthy and demands the continuous presence of the user. Its package configuration may not also perfectly interact with every system. Many find its installation process tedious and frustrating.

Debian, however, is more secure than Red Hat in that it monitors the files informing the user of those that are configuration and those that are simply data or executables. This affects its upgrading tasks where it allows the user to be involved in the upgrading configuration process.

More of the most successful distros are built on Debian rather than on red Hat since Debian, possesses a code that is easer to use. Its relatively tiny base system is far more suitable for custom distros, due to its flexibility aside from the fact that its distro-building tools are free. Communication and resources for building are part of public knowledge.

Other differences include the fact that Red Hat is...

Also, whilst Debian uses its own packages for package management, Red Hat (RHEL) uses RPM and Yum. IMHO Debian is extremely easy to maintain although some are frustrated by the lack of a pretty graphical installer and dislike the wizards. Those who are bothered by that find Red Hat to be user-friendly and accessible and like the fact that there is graphical interface for almost every task and activity in the distro.
As regards the software that the two different companies use, Red Hat uses rpm, whilst Debian uses apt-get. Some find apt-get more friendly whilst others disagree. It, generally, depends about the user and his or her habits and comfort level with computer.

In short, many find that Debian provides them with a better experience, but Red Hat on the other hand seems to be user-friendlier. Perhaps the more relative amateur would be better off with Red Hat due to its accessibility, greater user-friendliness, and lesser selection of packages that makes it easier for the user to choose and user. The more experienced user, however, may prefer Debian particularly if he has the time an inclination to perform the required reading (and there is a lot of it) that is necessary in order to understand and make best use of the program. Debian has a better and more uniform file system layout and more packages, whilst providing a continuously smooth upgrading experience.