Date: Mon, 12 Jan 1998 10:55:30 +1030 From: Greg Lehey <grog@lemis.com> To: Arney@agape.twu.ca Cc: freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.ORG Subject: Re: BSD vs linux Message-ID: <19980112105530.31996@lemis.com> In-Reply-To: <34BBD3E8.21D2@agape.twu.ca>; from Nathanael Arney on Tue, Jan 13, 1998 at 12:51:52PM -0800 References: <34BBD3E8.21D2@agape.twu.ca>
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On Tue, Jan 13, 1998 at 12:51:52PM -0800, Nathanael Arney wrote:
> I was about to install linux on my computer when someone told me of BSD.
>
> What are the differences between the two. (I don't know much)
I suppose I should put this on a web page. In the meantime, here's a
comparison. Sorry for the overwidth, it's originally from a book.
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, but the differences between FreeBSD and Linux are more a
matter of philosophy rather than of concept. Here are a few
contrasts:
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.
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