PC BSD

The main BSD operating systems (NetBSD, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD) are not really designed with desktop users in mind. Although they can be used as desktop operating systems, their main focus remains the provision of services as network or application server. PC BSD is different, as its focus is on a desktop-oriented (personal computing) operating system with all the functionality, stability, and performance of BSD, but with a tool set and environment that reflects a more personal environment.

To achieve this, PC BSD is based on FreeBSD with additional software to provide an environment that addresses the concerns of a typical desktop user. Although there is no delineation between business and home users, the developers do not want to limit or restrict the power of the underlying Unix-based operating system from the user in the process. A number of rules are followed to support this approach, including the requirement for easy installation and removal of software, backward compatibility without restricting new functionality, and a low-overhead approach that keeps the size of the operating system and its requirements to a minimum.

So far the approach has worked: PC BSD is a very nice operating system for those looking for a desktop operating system with a BSD core. It is friendlier than many Linux alternatives, and, unlike Linux, the entire operating system fits onto a single CD for installation. This compares well to the two to four CDs often required in a typical Linux install.

More information is available on the PC BSD page, including screen shots of the installation and package management process.