Newbie Q: freeBSD vs openBSD

[J.D. Bronson]

At 08:14 AM 11/27/2005, Giorgos Keramidas wrote:
>On 2005-11-27 11:55, Wojciech Puchar <wojtek at tensor.3miasto.net> wrote:
> >> Newbie for freeBSD. One question freeBSD vs openBSD...what's the
> >> difference...security...support....development stage...other pros &
> >> cons for each.
> >
> > People say that OpenBSD is the most secure.
> > I say i would be as secure as it's system administrator.
> >
> > If we talk about performance, i agree with most people's opinion :)
>
>Very, uhm, 'diplomatic' way to put it :P
>
>To the original poster:
>This is a question that pops up very frequently.  One of the most rational
>responses that you will probably receive is something along the lines of:
>
>     ``They both have strong and weak points.  They both have some good
>     and exciting features.  They both provide an extensive toolset
>     around a base UNIX core system, and a configurable, extensible,
>     documented way to install third-party software.  To see which one of
>     these two fits your needs, you'll probably have to try them both and
>     see how things work out.''
>
>You can also search the archives of this list, as there are dozens of
>threads around this topic and similar ones, i.e. "NetBSD vs. FreeBSD
>vs. OpenBSD vs. Linux vs. some other OS".

One thing that comes to mind...If you like to play and build custom 
kernels...then FreeBSD is for you. If you build a custom kernel under 
OpenBSD...don't dare ask for any help from anyone.

it seems the OpenBSD group doesn't actually like questions. You can 
get flamed for the best worded question. Under FreeBSD, the community 
is more open to ideas and people trying things.

In addition...some parts of the core of OpenBSD cannot easily be 
upgraded w/o issues. (Like openSSL for example)...and if you try and 
fail and ask for help....well read above again !

Both OSs are fine. They are only as 'secure' as the admin makes them.
As far as performance and device support - see if your hardware 
item(s) is supported with one OS vs the other.

I chose FreeBSD since my hardware is better 'seen' by this OS and 
that this group is open to discussions - it seems sometimes,  we are 
encouraged to play with this OS....

YMMV.

-JD