BSD distributions They are used in different technological environments, mainly for implementing servers or network systems. Of the operating systems available, we could say that these distributions are the least known. However, they have endured for decades because they offer high performance, stability and security.
As with most operating systems, There are different BSD distributions to cover almost any technical need.Some of the most popular are FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD. Each excels in aspects such as performance, portability, and security, which are all important factors to consider when choosing the best distribution.
The best BSD distributions for any technical need
There are many reasons why BSD distributions (Berkeley Software Distribution) are still very present in the world of FOSSThese operating systems are Unix system derivatives, like Linux, macOS, and other related software. They were born from work done at the University of California, Berkeley, in the 1970s, and their core or base was Unix version 4.2c.
Because of his approach focused on security, flexibility and stabilityBSD distributions are widely used to meet particular technical needs. They are excellent choices for deploying servers, building networks, or running on embedded systems. For the same reasons, many companies and organizations choose them for their production environments. Let's take a look at the most notable ones.
FreeBSD: The most popular and versatile
Since its birth in 1993, FreeBSD It has become one of the most widely used BSD distributions in the world. It has a large and active community ready to offer support and guidance to the most novice users. Online you can also find a lot of documentation related to its operation, uses and capabilities.
FreeBSD also stands out for being Compatible with a wide variety of hardware, which includes a variety of devices and architectures. Thousands of free applications can be easily installed on your system to customize its operation and meet different technical needs. That's why It is used for almost everything: servers, networks, security, storage, integrated platforms, etc.
NetBSD: Known for its portability
Another of the best BSD distributions is NetBSD, a project that since its inception has stood out for its Multiplatform supportThis distribution can run smoothly on over 50 hardware architectures, from robust servers to embedded devices. For this reason, it has become a viable option for projects that require a high degree of portability.
La latest version of this software (version 10.0) is available for download from its website. This new release has received significant improvements in terms of performance, scalability, security and compatibility.
OpenBSD: Focused on security
OpenBSD is a variant of NetBSD that focuses on security, which is why it is commonly used as an operating system for firewalls or intrusion detection. Its developers have described it as 'secure by default', since it implements various mechanisms to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate potential risks.
In addition to its enhanced security, this software also It stands out for its adaptability to different needs and environmentsIt also offers stable and reliable long-term operation, thanks to the constant updates it receives. Version 7.6 is the most recent to date, released in October 2024.
DragonFly: For use on servers
Dragonfly bsd is a BSD distribution that has carved out a particular niche in the world of operating systems, especially in the server field. This distribution is a derivative of FreeBSD that stands out for its innovative and highly customized approach. It is an excellent choice for hosting high traffic websites, running relational and NoSQL databases, and for file servers.
One of the most outstanding features of this software is its HAMMER file systemThis file system features unique capabilities related to data recovery, efficient use of storage space, and increased overall performance. Additionally, its scalable architecture allows it to efficiently adapt and grow in modern hardware environments.
GhostBSD: The easiest to use
Among the easiest BSD distributions to use for the average user is GhostBSD. It is also based on FreeBSD, but unlike other distributions, it offers a desktop experience. very similar to that of popular operating systems such as macOS or Windows. So it is perfect for those coming from these environments and beginning their journey into the world of BSD distributions.
Among the most notable features of this software is its intuitive desktop environment, generally MATE or Xfce. Also includes a installation wizard which makes this process easy, even for those with little experience. In addition, the downloadable package comes with several pre-installed applications, from developer tools to a media player.
MidnightBSD: Familiar to Linux users
This is another of the BSD distributions developed for desktop users, especially for Linux usersIt is also based on the FreeBSD kernel, so it inherits the robustness and security of this environment. It also stands out for being very easy to use thanks to its friendly graphical interface and its various configuration tools.
midnightBSD includes WindowsMaker as the default window manager, but allows the installation and use of other desktop environments, such as GNOME or KDEIt is ideal as a workstation for developers and advanced users, while being easy to use for less experienced users.
NomadBSD: For use from USB sticks
We ended up with NomadBSD, a BSD distro specially designed to run from USB drives. This makes it a very useful tool to be used as a secondary operating system or to do Safety testing in a portable wayIt supports multiple file systems, such as FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4 and more, and only needs 5GB of space for downloading and storage.
As you can see, each of the mentioned BSD distributions has been developed for adapt to various technical needsSome of them focus on security, while others stand out for their high performance in different types of architectures and environments. Of course, these are not all BSD distributions, but they are the best, those that have managed to make a name for themselves in the complex world of free software.
Since I was very young I have been very curious about everything related to scientific and technological advances, especially those that make our lives easier and more entertaining. I love staying up to date with the latest news and trends, and sharing my experiences, opinions and advice about the equipment and gadgets I use. This led me to become a web writer a little over five years ago, primarily focused on Android devices and Windows operating systems. I have learned to explain in simple words what is complicated so that my readers can understand it easily.