On the DVD
64-bit
FreeBSD, Linux's close cousin, is a Unix-like system that shares many of the same applications. The main difference is that much of FreeBSD is released under a permissive license, while most of Linux is released under a share-alike license. As you use FreeBSD, you will also discover differences in the directory hierarchy, device names, and other system details. FreeBSD, the most popular member of the so-called BSD family, is also related to NetBSD, DragonFly BSD, and OpenBSD.
Unlike Linux, FreeBSD develops not only its kernel, but also its own utilities and hardware devices. Consequently, most of its release notes are more technical than those of a typical Linux distribution, detailing new functions, options, and hardware support, rather than new application features or desktop cosmetics. See https://www.freebsd.org/releases/13.1R/relnotes/ for more information.
FreeBSD is more likely to appeal to expert Linux users, who can appreciate its unique structure and way of doing things. However, for anyone who wonders what lies behind the much bandied expression "Unix-like operating systems," installing FreeBSD is an ideal way to satisfy you curiosity.
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
![Learn More](https://www.linux-magazine.com/var/linux_magazin/storage/images/media/linux-magazine-eng-us/images/misc/learn-more/834592-1-eng-US/Learn-More_medium.png)
News
-
NVIDIA Released Driver for Upcoming NVIDIA 560 GPU for Linux
Not only has NVIDIA released the driver for its upcoming CPU series, it's the first release that defaults to using open-source GPU kernel modules.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 24.07 Released
If you’re into rolling release Linux distributions, OpenMandriva ROME has a new snapshot with a new kernel.
-
Kernel 6.10 Available for General Usage
Linus Torvalds has released the 6.10 kernel and it includes significant performance increases for Intel Core hybrid systems and more.
-
TUXEDO Computers Releases InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen9 Laptop
Sporting either AMD or Intel CPUs, the TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro 14 is an extremely compact, lightweight, sturdy powerhouse.
-
Google Extends Support for Linux Kernels Used for Android
Because the LTS Linux kernel releases are so important to Android, Google has decided to extend the support period beyond that offered by the kernel development team.
-
Linux Mint 22 Stable Delayed
If you're anxious about getting your hands on the stable release of Linux Mint 22, it looks as if you're going to have to wait a bit longer.
-
Nitrux 3.5.1 Available for Install
The latest version of the immutable, systemd-free distribution includes an updated kernel and NVIDIA driver.
-
Debian 12.6 Released with Plenty of Bug Fixes and Updates
The sixth update to Debian "Bookworm" is all about security mitigations and making adjustments for some "serious problems."
-
Canonical Offers 12-Year LTS for Open Source Docker Images
Canonical is expanding its LTS offering to reach beyond the DEB packages with a new distro-less Docker image.
-
Plasma Desktop 6.1 Released with Several Enhancements
If you're a fan of Plasma Desktop, you should be excited about this new point release.