freebsd desktop | mozilla

[doug]

On Sat, 25 Nov 2006, RW wrote:

> On Friday 24 November 2006 23:41, probsd org wrote:
>> I'm a long time proponent of FreeBSD as a server. For a long time I've
>> really wanted a FreeBSD system as a desktop. So, I decided to install the
>> FreeBSD 6.2 and compile xorg, gnome, mozilla, etc... to give it a whirl.
>>
>>   For anyone reading this, who wants the same thing.
>>
>>   DO NOT DO IT.  Nothing works. java is borked, mozilla and firefox are
>> borked, gnome is ify.... ugh.
>>
>>   Just dont do it.  As a server, I highly recommend it... but it isn't
>> ready for the desktop.
>
> It works for me. You must have screwed-up.
> _______________________________________________

I have been using FreeBSD as a desktop since 3.5 or 4.0 (I forget). To any new 
users, it is well worth a try. When I was using circa 1995 hardware it was 
somewhat of a challange, but not any worse than DOS in the 80's or IBM in the 
70's. First it is pretty easy to try and if you want a complete system you can 
check out http://www.desktopbsd.net. Until my current laptop I never had enough 
resources to make desktopbsd an option, even if it had existed.

If you are running a FreeBSD server or plan to, getting FreeBSD running as your
desktop will expand your knowledge of FreeBSD and Unix in general. For me (old 
mainframe guy) this was invaluable. Everything you learn on the Desktop side 
will make you a better sysadmin.

X is the great leveler. Unless you are an X windows developer, when it does not 
work its a PROBLEM. With new hardware it mostly seems to work. But Xorg/XFree86 
is a constant. Running any BSD/Linux your problems will for the most part follow 
the hardware. Linux may have more/better(?) drivers but running Linux will not 
help you learn FreeBSD.

The other thing that may be problematic is, as the author of this thread 
indicates, java. However I happily run Firefox, Thunderbird and OpenOffice all 
without installing java. I am sure it can be done, it is just not high on my 
list.

There is a lot of help to be had but you have to ask.