"OpenBSD 4.1 has just been released. Federico Biancuzzi interviewed several developers to discuss some of the new features for networking, active porting efforts (landisk and UltraSPARC III), work on SMP, and the improvements in spam fighting." More here.
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Member since:2006-10-08
"As for huge lack of knowledge, well, yes, if it's so hard to use that only less than 1% of users can use it without gettin an advanced degree in computer science then you're right."
I know several guys maintaining OpenBSD servers. None of them has a degree in computer science. You do need some things in order to be able to install and use OpenBSD:
1. ability to read (instructions shown on screen)
2. ability to think logical
3. ability to ask for help at the right place (forum, mailing list etc.)
Furthermore, you need to be willing to do so. Don't expect OpenBSD to install by itself. :-)
In fact: Most graduated computer scientists I know (in Germany) are not even able to install a dumbed down Linux version. :-)
"No, doesn't have to be massive, just a few people finding something good about it and spreading the word, like what happened with Ubuntu in recent years (note, I'm not an Ubuntu user)
And then you get some newbies willing to learn, in order to benefit, again, like with Ubuntu where you have total newbies actively participating on the Ubuntu forum and learning as they go along.
No, they will not become Unix admins any time soon but they just might break away from the Microsoft shackles.
And that by itself is a good thing."
I agree, but I'd like to comment: It's always a question of what you want to do. Use the right tool for every task. Newbies usually don't want to run a server that needs proper administration, they usually want a free platform for "everything" (writing text, playing games, listening to music, playing around in the web etc.). They can get this from most Linux distributions. They could get this from OpenBSD, too, but they need to know basics first.
"Well, if things keep going the way they are then in 10-15 years BSD will still be confined to server rooms wheras Linux might be on 80%+ destops in addition to be the prevalent OS in server rooms."
We'll see in 10 - 15 years. :-) I'd like to say that I'm running FreeBSD on my desktops since 1998 now and I'm completely happy with it. Actually, I don't see a need or a direction to change this. But that's my very individual opinion.
"And not providing downloadable ISO's (correct me if I'm wrong here but I didn't find any on their site) is a sure way to immediately turn away 99% potential new users willing to try it."
While OpenBSD does not offer a live system CD-ROM which would be the first choice for users to try some OS 8because they don't need to install anything), OpenBSD offers to download floppy images from ftp://ftp.openbsd.org/pub/OpenBSD/4.1/i386/ in order to start the installation.
For example, http://openbsd.sabotage.org/ has unofficial ISO images available for download. You should know that they're not maintained by the OpenBSD developers theirselves.
Member since:2005-08-18
"Well, if things keep going the way they are then in 10-15 years BSD will still be confined to server rooms wheras Linux might be on 80%+ destops in addition to be the prevalent OS in server rooms. "
Ever considered that not every OS strives to be everymans' desktop OS or dominate the server market?
Not everyone has the same goals and priorities.
Member since:2006-10-06
"Don't know about FUD. Who is spreading FUD about BSD?
As for huge lack of knowledge, well, yes, if it's so hard to use that only less than 1% of users can use it without gettin an advanced degree in computer science then you're right. "
Doesnt sound like you even tried it... And yet you feel the need to talk about how hard it is. Still wanna know who's spreading FUD..?
"No, doesn't have to be massive, just a few people finding something good about it and spreading the word, like what happened with Ubuntu in recent years (note, I'm not an Ubuntu user)
And then you get some newbies willing to learn, in order to benefit, again, like with Ubuntu where you have total newbies actively participating on the Ubuntu forum and learning as they go along.
No, they will not become Unix admins any time soon but they just might break away from the Microsoft shackles.
And that by itself is a good thing. "
Ubuntu surely gets more media attention then it's worth imho. Hell you can hardly turn around with out the posting of a new ubuntu news here on the site. Try to submit a none linux in generel news and see if it gets posted.
"Well, if things keep going the way they are then in 10-15 years BSD will still be confined to server rooms wheras Linux might be on 80%+ destops in addition to be the prevalent OS in server rooms. "
It might not be as wide spread but it's surely not lacking in any area in comparison with neither linux or windows. It is funny how market share doesnt mean anything with comparing linux with windows but when it's one of the bsd's it matters.
"Distro has to atract new users somehow.
And not providing downloadable ISO's (correct me if I'm wrong here but I didn't find any on their site) is a sure way to immediately turn away 99% potential new users willing to try it.
These days you only make money from an OS if you have a monopoly like Microsoft, everyone else has to give it away for free and make income from donations or from support contracts. Especially if you want to atract new users. "
I wont say i disagre although i did buy my fist openbsd cd set to try it out. Guess it all depends on who you want to attact as a userbase. Those who only want a free system or those who would be willing to give back. In either money wise or code wise.
Member since:
2006-09-19
Don't know about FUD. Who is spreading FUD about BSD?
As for huge lack of knowledge, well, yes, if it's so hard to use that only less than 1% of users can use it without gettin an advanced degree in computer science then you're right.
b) you do need some people without knowledge to follow the hype
No, doesn't have to be massive, just a few people finding something good about it and spreading the word, like what happened with Ubuntu in recent years (note, I'm not an Ubuntu user)
And then you get some newbies willing to learn, in order to benefit, again, like with Ubuntu where you have total newbies actively participating on the Ubuntu forum and learning as they go along.
No, they will not become Unix admins any time soon but they just might break away from the Microsoft shackles.
And that by itself is a good thing.
Well, if things keep going the way they are then in 10-15 years BSD will still be confined to server rooms wheras Linux might be on 80%+ destops in addition to be the prevalent OS in server rooms.
Distro has to atract new users somehow.
And not providing downloadable ISO's (correct me if I'm wrong here but I didn't find any on their site) is a sure way to immediately turn away 99% potential new users willing to try it.
These days you only make money from an OS if you have a monopoly like Microsoft, everyone else has to give it away for free and make income from donations or from support contracts. Especially if you want to atract new users.
Edited 2007-05-06 20:32