Re: Compare Linux and Freebsd Redux

From: jim (james.l.scott_at_NOSPAM.att.net)
Date: 05/28/04 

Date: Fri, 28 May 2004 03:50:32 GMT

krf wrote:
> By happy chance a Linux job came in over close to Dallas today (Thank you
> MS and SCO!!!) Sorry, I have to disagree with you guys who don't like the
> GPL controversy. I think it has been the greatest thing to happen to
> Linux (and I assume, other non-Redmond OS's). Before last year, none of
> my customers could spell Linux - now they corner me while I am de-worming
> their bloatware and want to know about this "new", "virus proof"
> replacement. Ok, I'm off the soapbox.
>
>
> So at lunch I ran over a found a copy of Fbsd 5.2 at Frys. The box says 4
> CDs and install manual - but it has no manual inside.
>
> No big deal since I will have to procure some real manuals asap and
> hacking myself through an install is how I learn anyway.
>
> However, before I start... I have a decent machine to put it on - Athelon
> 2500, Abit MB, 512 meg, 250gb hard drive, 100mb ethernet. I have a copy of
> Debian on half of the drive that is not critically important but I would
> rather not lose it since it is full of movies.
>
> Now, since it has been pointed out to me that Fbsd IS NOT Linux... What
> boot loader does Fbsd use? Grub? Probably not Lilo. Will it recognise
> my other OS? I know I can boot Fbsd with Grub, if I knew how Fbsd boots
> to start with.
>
> Is there anything I need to know at the absolute start to not blow away
> the drive? If it is tricky, I can disconnect the drive and stuff in an old
> 20gb till I at least get myself bootstrapped up to the point of being able
> to ask a lucid question.
>
> Thanks
> krf
>
>
>
You can boot FreeBSD with either LILO or Grub. While I didn't find the
installation tricky, there are a couple of steps that could trash an
existing drive (for example, what if you were 1 letter or number off
when partitioning?). Using an old 20 Gb drive alone, at least during
installation, is probably a good idea. Then there's no chance of losing
anything except the 5 minutes to remove the drive.

I use, and like, both Red Hat 9 and FreeBSD. I really don't think either
is better at everything. For the most part, I think they're equal. There
are differences, but I don't find them an obstacle to using, or
enjoying, them. YMMV

On the other hand, I haven't ever met a unixish OS I didn't like, with
the possible exception of UNICOS on the Cray YMP.

Jim

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