How is FreeBSD different than Linux?

[ahhaa]

They were talking about cyber security today on NPR's Dianne Rehm Show http://wamu.org/programs/dr/
and a caller was really praising FreeBSD.

I know its based on Unix, but isn't Linux.
Has anyone used it enough to explain what differences a new user can expect?

Thanks !

[freebird73717]

I haven't used it but I know there is a user here who does because he had it put in his signature.

Try sending a pm to unixoidal and see if he will look at this thread.

[edDV]

While waiting for a reply read this backgrounder.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FreeBSD
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FreeBSD#Linux_compatibility

If you lean to a Unix geek style and have a few Unix courses under your belt, you may prefer Berkeley's Free BSD. I found it a bit unapproachable even after a few SCO UNIX courses but that was then. Linux has much more user support for the unwashed.

[FulciLives]

I once tried PC-BSD not that long ago. I didn't actually do a full install but used it in conjunction with VirtualBox so I could "install" it without "messing up" my system.

I was pretty impressed with it for my limited time spent on it but I am a GNOME guy and it uses KDE and my god almost every application started with K-this or K-that ... made me sick LOL

My understanding is that PC-BSD is based on FreeBSD but my experience is with the former and not the later. I do recall that the version of PC-BSD I played with was hailed as being a great "desktop" version and it is currently being sold in some retail stores (I seem to recall reading Fry's was one of them). Of course it is free to download.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[ahhaa]

thanks guys!
ED great unwashed huh? I resemble that remark!:]

[edDV]

ED great unwashed huh?

UNIX geeks used to that term frequently. I think it meant anyone other than a UNIX guru or in SysOp circles, anyone with lowly user permissions.