"The NetBSD community announced last month the official release of NetBSD 4.0, the latest version of the Unix-like open-source operating system. Version 4.0 includes significant new features like Bluetooth support, version 3 of the Xen virtual machine monitor, new device drivers, and improvements to the Veriexec file integrity subsystem. NetBSD, which is known for its high portability, is capable of running on 54 different system architectures and is suitable for use on a wide range of hardware, including desktops, servers, mobile devices, and even kitchen toasters. To commemorate the NetBSD 4.0 launch, enthusiast Federico Biancuzzi communicated with 21 developers to produce this expansive interview with loads of insightful information about the NetBSD 4.0 development process."
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
Member since:2005-11-18
If your graphics chipset is not supported by XFree86, X.org can be built through pkgsrc. Remember that NetBSD aims to provide the same experience for users of many platforms. XFree86 is integrated very well with NetBSD's cross-platform build system (meaning that you can, say on amd64, compile NetBSD for all other supported supported platforms). Just introducing X.org without proper integration in NetBSD's cross-build system would be a huge regression for a lot of platforms. This is why work is being done to add cross-build support to pkgsrc, and X.org specifically.
Remember, UNIX != {amd64, i386}!
Wrt. to your second question: sure. Have a look at Freeshell[1] or Panix[2].
[1] http://freeshell.org/index.cgi?faq?BASICS?02
[2] http://www.panix.com/panix/shellcommands.html
Edited 2008-01-31 17:04 UTC
Member since:2007-01-18
Member since:
2006-01-04
XFree86 4.5 ???
NetBSD is not for the desktop
Are there any big NetBSD server installations out there?