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BSDs - Unix-like operating system



Unix-like BSDs are complete systems



Overview

Compared to Linux system, Unix-like BSDs system are complete systems which means that they are not just the kernel, but also include device drivers, userland utilities and documentation.

 

BSD complete operating system




Unix-like BSDs

There are only a very few Unix-like distributions. Here we focus on FreeBSD, GhostBSD, OpenBSD, NomadBSD and NetBSD. (Note: Though all these distributions have "BSD" in their name they distinguish significally. Only GhostBSD is based on FreebSD, the other ones are developed independently of each other.)

 

FreeBSD, GhostBSD, OpenBSD, NomadBSD and NetBSD




Why choosing a Unix-like BSD over a Linux distribution?

The variety of Linux distributions is already very large that one cannot simply compare and prefer. As with Linux itself it is all about choice. The user may try out some operating systems and then choose the one which fits best to the workflow. But we can point out some tendencies which usually are mentioned what BSD-users like about their systems:


  • Stability: Getting a complete system may be more harmonic and perform more robust compared to a distribution based on the Linux-kernel.
  • Package management: In particular, the ports package management is very much enjoyed by its users.
  • Security: Unix-like BSDs have excellent long-term security.
  • Community: The communities of Unix-like BSDs are considered very helpful and friendly.




Similarities

Despite some differences there are also similarities between Unix-like BSDs and Linux distributions. The most important one certainly are the desktop managers which are common to free and open source operating systems. That means that the look and feel will not differ unless the desktops are individually configured.