Date: Sat, 10 Oct 1998 12:55:22 +0930 From: Greg Lehey <grog@lemis.com> To: Mak Sai Wing Samuel <samuelm@netvigator.com>, freebsd <freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.ORG> Subject: Re: linux and freebsd Message-ID: <19981010125522.L3369@freebie.lemis.com> In-Reply-To: <19981009113609.F29959@cityip.co.za>; from Johann Visagie on Fri, Oct 09, 1998 at 11:36:09AM %2B0200 References: <Pine.SOL.3.96.981009104352.2532A-100000@imsnispc01.netvigator.com> <19981009113609.F29959@cityip.co.za>
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On Friday, 9 October 1998 at 11:36:09 +0200, Johann Visagie wrote: > On Fri, 09 Oct 1998 at 10:46 SAT, Mak Sai Wing Samuel wrote: >> >> What is the different between linux and freebsd? > > Linux is a PC OS that happens to be sort of Unix-ish. > > FreeBSD is Berkeley Unix that happens to run on a PC. I disagree with this distinction. To the casual observer, they're indistinguishable. The differences are mainly under the skin. Here's my view, from "The Complete FreeBSD". It won't be readable on broken mailers that gratuitously wrap text in defiance of the standards. If this happens to you, see http://www.lemis.com/email.html for solutions. Greg -- FreeBSD and Linux _________________ Linux is a clone of UNIX written by Linus Torvalds, a student in Helsinki, Finland. At the time, the BSD sources were not freely available, and so Linus wrote his own version of UNIX. Linux is a superb example of how a few dedicated, clever people can produce an operating system that is better than well-known commercial systems developed by a large number of trained software engineers. It is better even than a number of commercial UNIX systems. Obviously, I don't think Linux is as good as FreeBSD, or I wouldn't be writing this book, but the differences between FreeBSD and Linux are more a matter of philosophy rather than of concept. Here are a few contrasts: Table 1-1. Differences between FreeBSD and Linux FreeBSD is a direct descendent of the Linux is a clone and never contained any original UNIX, though it contains no AT&T code residual AT&T code. FreeBSD is a complete operating system, Linux is a kernel, personally maintained maintained by a central group of soft- by a Linus Torvalds. The non-kernel ware developers. There is only one programs supplied with Linux are part of distribution of FreeBSD. a distribution, of which there are sev- eral. FreeBSD aims to be a stable production Linux is still a ``bleeding edge'' de- environment. velopment environment, though many dis- tributions aim to make it more suitable for production use. As a result of the centralized develop- The ease of installation of Linux de- ment style, FreeBSD is straightforward pends on the ``distribution''. If you and easy to install. switch from one distribution of Linux to another, you'll have to learn a new set of installation tools. FreeBSD is still relatively unknown, Linux did not have any lawsuits to since its distribution was restricted contend with, so for a long time it was for a long time due to the AT&T law- the only free UNIX-type system avail- suits. able. As a result of the lack of knowledge of A growing amount of commercial software FreeBSD, not much commercial software is is becoming available for Linux. available for it. As a result of the smaller user base, Just about any new board will soon have FreeBSD is less likely to have drivers a driver for Linux. for brand-new boards than Linux. Because of the lack of commercial appli- Linux appears not to need to be able to cations and drivers, FreeBSD will run run FreeBSD programs or drivers. most Linux programs, whether commercial or not. It's also relatively simple to port Linux drivers to FreeBSD. FreeBSD has a large number of afficiona- Linux has a large number of afficionados dos who are prepared to flame anybody who are prepared to flame anybody who who dares suggest that it's not better dares suggest that it's not better than than Linux. FreeBSD. In summary, Linux is also a very good operating system. For many, it's better than FreeBSD. It's a pity that so many people on both sides are prepared to flame each other. There are signs that both sides are learning to appreciate each other, and a number of people are now running both systems. -- See complete headers for address, home page and phone numbers finger grog@lemis.com for PGP public key To Unsubscribe: send mail to majordomo@FreeBSD.org with "unsubscribe freebsd-questions" in the body of the message
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