FreeBSD Documentation Portal (original) (raw)

Welcome to the world of FreeBSD! In this section, we provide a comprehensive overview of what FreeBSD is, its origins, goals, use cases, and the community behind it.

Discover the reasons behind its name, learn how to contribute to this project, and explore the rich ecosystem of FreeBSD within the context of open-source operating systems.

1.1. What is FreeBSD?

FreeBSD is a versatile and open-source UNIX®-like operating system known for its exceptional stability, security, and performance. Developed by a dedicated community of volunteers, it’s based on the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) UNIX operating system.

FreeBSD offers a powerful and customizable environment suitable for a wide range of applications, from servers and embedded systems to desktops and networking equipment. Its commitment to open source principles ensures a transparent and collaborative development process, making FreeBSD a trusted choice for those seeking a reliable and highly adaptable operating system.

1.2. Why is it called FreeBSD?

The name "FreeBSD" stems from its roots in the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) UNIX operating system, renowned for its contributions to the world of open-source software. The "Free" in FreeBSD signifies its commitment to the principles of free and open-source software, which grant users the freedom to study, modify, and distribute the code.

It is worth pointing out that the word "free" is being used in two ways here: one meaning "at no cost" and the other meaning "do whatever you like".

1.3. What is the goal of the FreeBSD Project?

The FreeBSD Project has a clear and unwavering goal: to provide a high-quality, open-source UNIX-like operating system that excels in terms of performance, security, and stability.

It aims to offer a versatile platform suitable for a wide range of computing needs, from servers and workstations to embedded systems and beyond. FreeBSD is developed with a strong commitment to open source principles, fostering a collaborative environment where contributions from a global community of developers help shape and refine the operating system. This dedication to quality, freedom, and reliability is what sets FreeBSD apart and drives its ongoing success as an open-source project.

1.4. What uses cases is FreeBSD good for?

FreeBSD is a versatile operating system that excels in various use cases. It is particularly well-suited for server environments, where its stability and performance make it a popular choice for web hosting, databases, and networking applications. FreeBSD’s robust security features also position it as a strong candidate for firewall and security appliance deployments. Beyond servers, FreeBSD can be tailored to function in specialized environments, including embedded systems and game console devices. Its adaptability, reliability, and open-source nature make FreeBSD a compelling choice for a wide range of computing needs.

1.5. Who is responsible for FreeBSD?

FreeBSD is a community-driven open-source project with a decentralized structure. Its development and maintenance are carried out by a global community of dedicated volunteers, developers, and organizations who collaborate to enhance and expand the operating system.

The key decisions concerning the FreeBSD project, such as the overall direction of the project or who is allowed to add code to the source tree, are made by an elected Core Team of nine people.

This collaborative and community-driven approach has been fundamental to FreeBSD’s success and longevity as a reliable and robust UNIX-like operating system.

1.6. How can I contribute to FreeBSD? What can I do to help?

We accept all types of contributions: documentation, code, and even art. See the article on Contributing to FreeBSD for specific advice on how to do this.

And thanks for the thought!

1.7. Does the FreeBSD license have any restrictions?

FreeBSD is distributed under the BSD License, which is known for its permissive nature.

This license places very few restrictions on how you can use FreeBSD:

The license means you are free to modify, distribute, and even sell FreeBSD without being required to release your modifications as open source. However, there are some minimal conditions, such as retaining the original copyright notice and disclaimers when distributing FreeBSD. Overall, the BSD License provides a high degree of freedom and flexibility, making FreeBSD an attractive choice for a wide range of applications and projects.

1.8. Can FreeBSD replace my current operating system?

For many users and administrators, yes. But this question is not quite that cut-and-dried.

FreeBSD is a powerful and versatile operating system that can replace or coexist with many other operating systems, depending on users and administrators specific needs. However, whether FreeBSD can replace your current operating system depends on factors such as your hardware, software requirements, and familiarity with FreeBSD.

While it offers a robust and feature-rich alternative, it’s essential to evaluate your specific use case and compatibility requirements before making the switch.

If an application is only available on one operating system, that operating system cannot just be replaced.

Users migrating to FreeBSD from another UNIX-like environment will find FreeBSD to be similar. Non-UNIX users, like Windows® users, should expect to invest some additional time learning the UNIX way of doing things.

Yes, FreeBSD is well-suited for running popular open source software. Its compatibility with a wide range of applications and libraries makes it a favorable choice for those looking to deploy and use open source software packages. FreeBSD provides a robust and stable environment that supports various programming languages, databases, web servers, and other software commonly used in the open source community. Its ports and packages system simplifies the installation and management of such software, ensuring that users can easily access and run their favorite open source tools and applications on FreeBSD with minimal hassle.

1.10. How can I install software in FreeBSD?

FreeBSD offers multiple methods for software installation. One of the most common methods involves using the built-in pkg(8) package manager, which simplifies the process by fetching and installing pre-built binary packages. Another approach is to compile and install software from source code using the ports(7) collection, providing a flexible and customizable way to install software.

FreeBSD’s documentation offer detailed guidance on both methods, ensuring that users can easily expand their system’s capabilities with the software they need.

1.11. What are the differences between FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and other open source BSD operating systems?

FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD and DragonFly BSD are all part of the open source BSD family, sharing common UNIX-like foundations, but each has its own distinct focus and priorities. These differences reflect the unique goals of each project, and while they share similarities, their specific strengths and emphases cater to different use cases and preferences within the BSD ecosystem.

1.12. Is FreeBSD a Linux® distribution?

No, FreeBSD is not a Linux distribution.

While both FreeBSD and Linux are UNIX-like operating systems and share many similarities, they have distinct kernels. Linux uses the Linux kernel, whereas FreeBSD uses the FreeBSD kernel, which is based on the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) UNIX operating system.

FreeBSD and Linux each have their own unique development communities, release cycles, and system architectures, making them separate and independent operating systems.

FreeBSD provides its own set of advantages, including a different licensing model, system design, and userland utilities compared to Linux distributions.

1.13. Is it possible to run Linux programs on FreeBSD?

Yes, FreeBSD provides a compatibility layer known as linuxulator (linux(4)), allowing many Linux programs to function on FreeBSD. This feature facilitates the execution of a broad spectrum of Linux binaries without the necessity of a dedicated Linux environment.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that numerous widely used open-source software have native FreeBSD versions available through the ports and packages system.