Devian vs redhat
The diference is the filosophy not the OS, both are linux of course, but redhat it's a comercian company and the try to get a distribution with the lates hardware support (video cards, scanners, USB, etc) and applications because they need this to keep the "normal" user happy.
In the case of Debian, they are not hurry, the don't mind to use kernel version 2.2.x, (redhat use 2.4, and even in the future release from debian they say that is not good to use 2.4).
The question is why??? In debian and some other distribution, they look for stability, security, and spend months before a release, even nearly a year because the want a secure and good system. Of course, they are solvin in hours every security bug.
So you need to decide, do you want lates versions and all graphic and windows like tools or you want simple, quick, and robust system?? it's on you!!
By the way I use debian on my servers, but mandraque on workstations, when people say that they don't want to learn... I prefer spend my time on other things... that working as linux teacher. 8)
Tapa