Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 10:10:53 +1030 From: Greg Lehey <grog@lemis.com> To: Pedro Fehlauer <immunora@internet.siscotel.com> Cc: freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.ORG Subject: Re: Linux vs. FreeBSD Message-ID: <19971216101053.10047@lemis.com> In-Reply-To: <3495BADD.43F4@internet.siscotel.com>; from Pedro Fehlauer on Mon, Dec 15, 1997 at 03:18:53PM -0800 References: <3495BADD.43F4@internet.siscotel.com>
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On Mon, Dec 15, 1997 at 03:18:53PM -0800, Pedro Fehlauer wrote: > I didn't find this question in the FAQ. So please tell me, which OS > is better, Linux or FreeBSD ? FreeBSD, of course. Do you think we would be using it if Linux were better? Seriously, to a great extent this is a matter of taste. Here's something I wrote for the new edition of "The Complete FreeBSD". It's in two columns. If you have trouble reading this, it's probably because of a mailer misconfiguration: see http://www.lemis.com/email.html for more details. 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. > I have only little experience with Linux and I find it good. But I > must upgrade, and I'm evaluating to choose FreeBSD. Is it worth to > make the change ? I think so. Greg
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