Re: concerns about install freebsd

On Wed, Sep 28, 2022 at 8:08 PM jian he wrote:
> I asked the question about "freebsd graphic text editor". The question  is stupid.

No stupid questions, just stupid answers :-)

Long story short, FreeBSD is Unix, but this is not a Linux, its a
different operating system with different kernel and applications are
not really one-to-one compatible from a binary standpoint.. however
FreeBSD can emulate Linux ELF binaries and when all other dependencies
are met Linux application binaries can work on FreeBSD.

The biggest difference is in philosophy and approach to changes and
long term maintenance. Linux is an example of "Enforced Changes"^TM
ideology even when that makes it self-incompatible in short and long
term. Linux also does not conform to standards as much as FreeBSD (and
other BSD) does, usually you will notice things stop working in Linux
after update, there are compatibility problems between different
versions of the same Linux distributions, etc, etc. FreeBSD on the
other hand comes from Unix and is created by people who actually use
it themselves in serious commercial applications that must be
maintainable in a long periods of time.

The difference between Linux and BSD can be easily noticed in the
product that they power: Linux -> Google Android (constant changes,
updates, every Android is different), BSD -> iOS (looks and works the
same on different devices, mostly focused on the result of the person
using it).

Some people prefer BSD some people prefer Linux. "Apples and
Oranges"^TM but you should use both to make conscious decision and
know exactly why. Some people even use both Linux and BSD depending on
the task.


> The real questions for me(don't want waste too much time on install) would be:
> I already installed linux, any external pan drive needs to install freebsd?

In the first step just create a VirtualBox machine, install it, create
a snapshot, and see how this works. If anything goes wrong you can
simply rollback a snapshot and you will not loose any real data.


>  Can I install linux and freebsd in the same machine (I think it's intel x86 architecture)? If so, can I switch it easily, just use the shortcut key then switch to another system.

Yes, you can use them on a separate disks, you can use all of them on one disk.


>  How long does it take to install freebsd(all settings default, ignore internet speed) (I like to first make it work, then try to understand the system internals).

At first you install "The Base System" so it is common starting point
for everyone. Going from that you can install whatever you need by
using `pkg` program or the source tree of the all available packages
you can choose from located at `/usr/ports` called "The FreeBSD
Ports".


> If all things are pretty easy to set, can you give an authoritative video link? (in case I fail, I can follow through) I know there are many youtube tutorials, but I obviously don't know which one is right.

There is a great book and its called "The FreeBSD Handbook" all
information should be there:

https://docs.freebsd.org/en/books/handbook/


Keep in mind that the BSD Unix systems is mostly for the advanced and
aware users. You start from a base system that you can customize to be
a network router, network server, application server, desktop
workstation, dedicated embedded system, etc, but you will have do to
it yourself. There is no "one click to fit everyone" approach in
FreeBSD.

If you want to try out the BSD from a pendrive with already
preinstalled Xorg + Window Manager you may also want to try NomadBSD
(that is using FreeBSD base):

https://nomadbsd.org/

Virtual Machine seems to be the best way to safely play and try out
various things safely.

Have fun! :-)

-- 
CeDeROM, SQ7MHZ, http://www.tomek.cedro.info