"GNU/Linux is the most popular operating system built with free/open source software. However, it is not the only one: FreeBSD is also becoming popular for its stability, robustness and security. In this article, I'll take a look at their similarities and differences."
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
Member since:2006-10-08
"Is FreeBSD as easy to use for newbies as GNU/Linux?"
You need to be able to do a few things on your own (such as reading, thinking, pressing keys on the keyboard), but it's not very hard. The FreeBSD's main web site offers a great handbook, along with other good documentation, that will help you in most cases.
"Is it trying to be?"
No, why should it? :-) Of course it does, especially in the shape of derived OSes such as DesktopBSD and PC-BSD, which is an excellent adoption to a newbie's needs. Graphical installer, KDE default, wizards, and the PBI package install system.
Member since:2006-05-19
Is FreeBSD as easy to use for newbies as GNU/Linux? Is it trying to be?
Since when Linux is "easy"? Linux got 25 different package management systems, 50+ different kernel trees- (anyone got "vanilla" kernel in production environment?), 500+ distributions- not compatible with each other, unbelievable bloated runlevels, inconsistent documentation.
After you experience working on FreeBSD for some time you'll realise that "everything makes sense" (TM) and documentation/handbook is enough for noobs/starters.
Member since:2006-12-23
Among all the Unix-like OS's, Linux is supposed to be the easiest to use.
http://osgeek.blogspot.com
Member since:2006-12-07
It is true that under FreeBSD "everything makes sense", but for professional user and, probably, not for ordinary consumer. PC-BSD is something else, it is quite easy to use. I have never tried SUSE 10.2 or latest Ubuntu, but they are probably, similar to PC-BSD in terms of ease of use.
Member since:2006-07-15
>Is FreeBSD as easy to use for newbies as GNU/Linux?
Yes!
As easy like Gentoo, Slackware, Debian, ArchLinux and so on. What's GNU/Linux? A kernel plus a userland with GNUish software. So your question should be is FreeBSD installer as easy usable like the installer of the Windows-copycats Fedora, Ubuntu etc. No, why should it? It's suitable for the average user who is found of learning something.
Member since:2007-05-06
Member since:2006-10-08
"IMHO it`s very easy to admin, but I think they have became kinda linuxish unfortunately, maybe in favour of popularity."
Could you be more precise, please? I'm really interested.
I know DesktopBSD and PC-BSD aiming to be like the most Linux distributions (OS + KDE + lots of software in a colourful clickabe install wizard), but what components or movements of FreeBSD are "linuxish"?
Member since:2005-08-17
Member since:
2006-12-23
Is FreeBSD as easy to use for newbies as GNU/Linux? Is it trying to be?