mattpg1
October 5th, 2007, 08:52 AM
How easy is FreeBSD to install and use, particularly compared to popular modern ones like Ubuntu or PCLinuxOS as well as Slackware 10.2 which I have the most experience with?
Other good thoughts that come to your mind welcome too.
kage
October 5th, 2007, 08:10 PM
FreeBSD is completely different then anything you've used before. As far as Linux goes, Slackware is the closest Linux-OS you can find to FreeBSD.
Unlike Linux, the BSD set of operating systems are derived directly from Unix. As such, the base system includes an entire suite of system utilities and services useful for server applications.
If you want a solid desktop for generic browsing, document creation, etc., FreeBSD is not a good choice. While it can be used as a desktop OS, it is really too much work then its worth. If you want to build a server, though, FreeBSD is most definitely the way to go. If used properly, you will never see a more stable, solid server system.
Although I said FreeBSD does not make a good desktop OS, don't let that discourage you. If you want to try it as a desktop machine, then by all means install it. The best way to learn is through use.
I like to say this about FreeBSD: "Making impossible things simple, and simple things impossible."
I have a collection of FreeBSD articles located here (http://theowned.org/news.php?cat.3). I wouldn't call these guides, but they are various pieces of information I've written regarding my experience with FreeBSD. (general reminders, tutorials, howtos, etc)