FreeBSD

sneedo · - Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 53

I was recently thinking about using FreeBSD, I was wondering what are some of the ins and outs of switching from Windows to that operating system, how hard will it be to find drivers for my hardware etc.

iNaNimAtE · Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 12:06 am Post subject:

I use Linux a lot, and I have tried FreeBSD before. First, Unix and Linux are very similar in nature (file system, shell commands, et cetera), so if you have used Linux before, FreeBSD will "feel like home." I'm sure I'll get some flames coming from people saying how obviously wrong I am, but please, save yourself some time. ("Similarity" is mostly an opinion).

When it comes to drivers, there can be some ups and downs. You probably won't have many problems with keyboard, video, or mouse (as there are many generic drivers for those), but sound and network cards can sometimes get a little tricky. I have a Mandrake 10.0 box, and I have yet to find an Ethernet Card driver. If you have other cards, like FireWire or something special, drivers can be scarce.

If you are completely unfamiliar with any Unix or Linux system, then it will definitely be a big change from Windows. May I suggest Knoppix (read more about it on the website).

When it comes to Abyss Web Server on FreeBSD, you probably won't run into many problems (assuming your network card works). However, if you are unfamiliar with a Unix system and do run into a problem, then it may be a little hard to solve on your own.

(I didn't even mention the installation of FreeBSD). Try out Knoppix and see if you like it. I will help you with any problems you come across.
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sneedo · - Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 53

I have no knowledge of Linux or Unix or anything other than Microsoft Operating Systems :oops:

I'm going to re-read what you posted to make sure I know what you are talking about.

sneedo · - Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 53

I'm just running an HP Pavilion crapbox running Windows ME, I don't need any other drivers besides like the Ethernet card that I know of, are windows applications completely uncompatible with FreeBSD and the other operating system you mentioned?

iNaNimAtE · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 12:23 am Post subject:

Yes, all Windows applications are completely incompatible with Linux or Unix. (However, you can get some to work using WINE [but that's a whole different topic]).

May I ask why you want to use FreeBSD?
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Anonymoose · - Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 2192

If you've never used anything but Windows, FreeBSD may be a little bit hardcore for you... I'd suggest using one of the more friendly Linux versions instead of BSD, such as Mandrake or Debian.

If you just want to get a feel for Linux before you switch over, you can use a Live CD distro - basically this means that it will boot off the CD and run on your PC, without touching anything on your harddrive. If you like it, then consider switching :)

Have a look at Knoppix - www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html

sneedo · - Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 53

I just wanted to test out the different operating systems, perhaps I will hold out though, I can usually work through things if I try but I'm not sure I'm prepared to try anything that serious at this point, thanks for all your help though and I might look into that CD that sounds pretty cool.

Water Is Clear · - Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 43

Id suggest Lindows, its a stepping stone with the goods of both worlds, linux and windows :) and it looks sweet, runs both types of applications.. its like 10 dollars or 20 not much... but redhat or suse also good

iNaNimAtE · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 4:14 am Post subject:

Lindows is a scam, RedHat is dead, and SuSE now only offers a free LiveCD.

Use Mandrake; very easy to use. (A side note: When Mandrake asks for Disc 4, just hit cancel).
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