3 ms·
Ask HN: Does anyone use a non-macOS BSD for desktop?
Or any other Unix OS other than macOS and Linux?
- eindiran 6y agoHere are some interesting past conversations on this topic on HN: OpenBSD as a workstation --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20344766 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20344766 Setting up OpenBSD as a desktop --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13223351 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13223351 FreeBSD is an amazing OS --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22102372 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22102372 FreeBSD myths --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12194796 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12194796 Using TrueOS --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13818574 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13818574 FreeBSD as a desktop --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=365784 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=365784 Comparing BSD and Linux --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12034277 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12034277 Switching to FreeBSD from macOS --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10644690 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10644690 FreeBSD desktop How To --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12371688 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12371688 Running FreeBSD on a Macbook Pro --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13027506 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13027506 I think the main take away is that the BSDs can be great desktop OSes, but in general they will require more configuration than running macOS or Ubuntu. However, they are less likely to bump into bleeding edge problems than eg Arch. I experimented with running FreeBSD as a desktop for a little while a while ago, but ended up switching back to Linux due to needing support for some remote-desktop software for work. During that time I came to realize how often GNU breaks POSIX; however the userland software for FreeBSD is excellent and quite well documented IME. If you enjoy trying out new OSes, they are worth a spin.