[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux vs FreeBSD

[David Simmons]

> FreeBSD is a kernel - it's a an OpenSourced UNIX derivitive just like
> Linux

technically that's not correct...like you wrote later:

> The various BSD flavors can trace a direct line of descent from the
> original UNIX kernel - Linux is a from-the-ground-up rewrite

the *BSD's are straight from the original code...as such, they (mostely
developers) have a different mindset than Linux developers.  They feel
like Linux is a 'patch work' of code - while *BSD is THE code.  While that
may seem like a triviality (and ancient history), that bit of knowledge
will help when you interact with the User/Developer communities.

You'll also find ALOT more software for Linux from a Userland standpoint

>MacOSX is a FreeBSD system

No, not really - MacOSX runs the Darwin Kernel (which is free and
OpenSource)...which is an offshoot of the FreeBSD Kernel.  You might be
able to run some MacOSX software, BUT most of the 'good' stuff is tied to
the Cocoa GUI which is NOT open-source.

Basically - you'll see the some shops running *BSD as their servers and
Linux workstations.....but I know a few guys running FreeBSD as their
workstation also....but

Hope that helps,

Dave