Ports vs. Packages

[Charles Howse]

> > Will doing it that way require all the compiling? 
> 
> No, packages are pre-compiled. Note that you'll sometimes 
> have to wait a little longer to get the updated packages, 
> since the maintainer has to submit a compiled binary, but 
> doesn't always do so immediately after a port is updated.

Excellent!  Thank you!  Just what I was looking for.
I also found this:
http://www.freebsddiary.org/portupgrade.php