On the DVD
On the DVD

FreeBSD 12.2 and GhostBSD
So you think you know open source? Just the fact that you are reading this page means that what you probably know is Linux. This month, the DVD provides a glimpse into another corner of open source – the world of BSD. Like Linux, BSD varieties are free operating systems that are Unix descendants. However, they are released under the permissive BSD licenses rather than the copyleft licenses that dominate Linux. You will also find many other differences, despite the similar underlying structures.
FreeBSD 12.2 (64-bit)
First released in 1992, FreeBSD is the most popular version of BSD, especially for servers. Those coming from Linux will find many details different, such as the device naming system, as well as many commands and applications. More importantly, FreeBSD has never passed through a popularity phase like the one that drove Linux to develop mature desktop environments – although some mature BSD environments are available today. Instead, FreeBSD more resembles Linux in its hobbyist days. For instance, FreeBSD's install is a text-based series of questions with no hardware auto-detection. Furthermore, no desktop environment is installed, although users can add one later.
FreeBSD's assumption is that users have the knowledge or interest to work with FreeBSD until their systems are configured to their liking. Installation is unlikely to produce a working desktop system in 15 minutes. Instead, users should be ready to refer repeatedly to the FreeBSD documentation (https://www.freebsd.org/docs.html) and to fetch desired applications from websites. The reward for this effort will be greater knowledge of Unix-like systems – as well as the satisfaction that comes with doing it yourself.
GhostBSD (64-bit)
An off-shoot of TrueOS, GhostBSD is a prominent attempt to make FreeBSD more accessible to new users. GhostBSD's installer is graphical, like modern Linux installers, offering more choices for users and installing the MATE desktop with a minimum of effort. The default install also includes many familiar applications like LibreOffice, Firefox, and GTK technologies such as Rhythmbox and Shotwell.
More importantly, GhostBSD supports users with an installation forum (https://forums.ghostbsd.org/viewforum.php?f=59) and its still-in-development installation guide (https://wiki.ghostbsd.org/index.php/Installation_Guide). The project's web page also includes portions of the directory tree for those who wish to study it.
GhostBSD is suitable for those who want to explore FreeBSD, but want to spend less time on installation. Most of what you learn from exploring GhostBSD specifically should apply to FreeBSD in general.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
News
-
Mageia 8 is Now Available with Linux 5.10 LTS
The latest release of Mageia includes improved graphics support for both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
GNOME 40 Beta has been Released
Anyone looking to test the beta for the upcoming GNOME 40 release can now do so.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 4.2 has Arrived
The latest stable version of OpenMandriva has been released and offers the newest KDE desktop and ARM support.
-
Thunderbird 78 is being ported to Ubuntu 20.04
The Ubuntu developers have made the decision to port the latest release of Thunderbird to the LTS version of the platform.
-
Elementary OS is Bringing Multi-Touch Gestures to the OS
User-friendly Linux distribution, elementary OS, is working to make using the fan-favorite platform even better for laptops.
-
Decade-Old Sudo Flaw Discovered
A vulnerability has been discovered in the Linux sudo command that’s been hiding in plain sight.
-
Another New Linux Laptop has Arrived
Slimbook has released a monster of a Linux gaming laptop.
-
Mozilla VPN Now Available for Linux
The promised subscription-based VPN service from Mozilla is now available for the Linux platform.
-
Wayland and New App Menu Coming to KDE
The 2021 roadmap for the KDE desktop environment includes some exciting features and improvements.
-
Deepin 20.1 has Arrived
Debian-based Deepin 20.1 has been released with some interesting new features.