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FreeBSD Oct-Dec 2005 Status Report Available

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the state-of-the-daemon dept.

An anonymous reader writes "The latest FreeBSD Status Report is available, covering updates for the last quarter of 2005. A quiet time, for the most part, but some interesting news on the TCP Optimization, and Xen, fronts."

41 comments

  1. Useful improvements by iMaple · · Score: 1

    1. Optimizing the FreeBSD IP and TCP Stack (if you are using it as a server)

    2. Sound subsystem improvements (if you like to listen to songs once a while on your server , use it as a dedicated server cum audio only media center )

    There arent too many other significant changes (except maybe the IPv6 , but who uses that )

    1. Re:Useful improvements by CoolVibe · · Score: 3, Informative

      Server? I use it as a workstation. KDE runs like a charm on it.

    2. Re:Useful improvements by Ded+Bob · · Score: 1

      I use it as a desktop/workstation. Neverwinter Nights runs very well on it with Nvidia's driver.

    3. Re:Useful improvements by Fweeky · · Score: 1

      "1. Sound subsystem improvements (if you like to listen to songs once a while on your server , use it as a dedicated server cum audio only media center )"

      Audio only? mplayer works fine on my FreeBSD workstation.

      Other generally notable changes:

      New dhclient with privsep imported from OpenBSD. I'm sure other OS's would appreciate ports.

      Variant symlinks; again, being able to have context-sensitive symlinks isn't a feature only of interest to a few BSD users. What uses can you think of for variable interpolation in symlinks that can be set per-process, per-user or per-system?

      New FreeSBIE prereleases for testing/playing, which is good to know even (or especially) if you haven't used FreeBSD before.

      phkmalloc replaced with jemalloc in CURRENT, which is several hundred times faster in some cases. It should be noted this is uncovering a significant number of memory alignment and pointer truncation bugs in third party software. Even emacs and X.org have been found to have memory alignment and/or 64bit pointer truncation issues.

    4. Re:Useful improvements by Arandir · · Score: 1

      Ditto! FreeBSD/KDE is my desktop at home. It used to be my workstation at work as well, until I was forcibly migrated over to Explorer/Outlook by company policy.

      --
      A Government Is a Body of People, Usually Notably Ungoverned
    5. Re:Useful improvements by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It used to be my workstation at work as well, until I was forcibly migrated over to Explorer/Outlook by company policy.


      And you still haven't submitted your resignation?
  2. BSD at SCALE 4x by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    NetBSD and FreeBSD will have an exhibit at SCALE 4x

  3. BSD Section by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    For the life of me, I can't get the BSD section to display in the "Sections" sidebar. Nor Apache for that matter. What the hell's up with that?

    1. Re:BSD Section by toadlife · · Score: 2, Funny

      Try logging in.

      --
      I don't always use unix-like operating systems; but when I do, I prefer FreeBSD.
    2. Re:BSD Section by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dumbass, I am logged in. I just choose to post anonymously. I even set Apache and BSD to the right-most section option (the two large bar thingies). That should have done it, but seems like there's a bug in Slashcode.

    3. Re:BSD Section by toadlife · · Score: 1

      Oh come one dude. No need to call me names. It was only a (failed?) attempt at dry humor.

      I just figured out how you can get your BSD section up. Disable javascript, reload the page and then click on "Sections". With javascript disabled you will get a page instead of that pop-over menu (doesn't work for me either) thingy. Scroll down to the "Customize Slashboxes" section. Check "use slashboxes" and then check the BSD box.

      The BSD section should appear.

      Cheers! :)

      --
      I don't always use unix-like operating systems; but when I do, I prefer FreeBSD.
  4. Re:Why do I care about FreeBSD? by toadlife · · Score: 5, Informative

    "Why do we need FreeBSD?"

    So we don't have to run linux.

    "What does it do that Linux doesn't?"

    Things right.

    "Who actually uses FreeBSD?"

    People who like UNIX.

    --
    I don't always use unix-like operating systems; but when I do, I prefer FreeBSD.
  5. Re:Why do I care about FreeBSD? by arivanov · · Score: 4, Interesting
    Why do we need FreeBSD?

    As a reference model on how things are supposed to be done by the book with professionally commented and written source and properly written documentation.

    What does it do that Linux doesn't?

    Correct integration of statefull firewall and QoS framework, full integration of NTP into the kernel, multiple alternative timer sources across the entire kernel not just parts of the network stack, full realtime posix timers, possibility to alter HZ above 2500 without bastardizing the kernel to hell, so on so fourth

    Who actually uses FreeBSD?

    Anyone who needs a proper working R&D platform with predictable and well documented behaviour. For example I do most of my R&D on BSD because it is written by the book and I can compare what I do with the actual articles and papers written by people. Once I got working what I want I move it to linux because this is what people tend to use. This is also the moment I usually start cursing.

    --
    Baker's Law: Misery no longer loves company. Nowadays it insists on it
    http://www.sigsegv.cx/
  6. I wish I could use BSD by John+Nowak · · Score: 2, Informative

    Unfortunately, I am on the PPC platform (I own a Powerbook).

    BSDs do not support the following for my Powebook:
    * Sleep/suspend
    * Firewire
    * Airport Extreme (linux barely does, but it is getting there)
    * Bluetooth
    * Processor scaling
    * Internal modem (not that I care)

    Unfortunately, for a laptop to be useful for me, it needs to be able to go to sleep. For it not to eat batteries, I need to be able to adjust the processor speed. Right now, I'm running Ubuntu (I did a server install -- it is basically Debian with an up to date kernel that supports sleep and all other non-wifi functions out of the box as far as I'm concerned), and I'm quite happy.

    1. Re:I wish I could use BSD by Shanep · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I wish I could use BSD. Unfortunately, I am on the PPC platform (I own a Powerbook).

      Don't like OSX?

      --
      War crimes, torture, lies, illegal spying... Would someone give Bush a blowjob, already, so he can be impeached?
    2. Re:I wish I could use BSD by TheRaven64 · · Score: 1

      The PowerPC port of FreeBSD is quite immature. It's still officially a Tier 2 platform, and so not necessarily everything is working.

      --
      I am TheRaven on Soylent News
    3. Re:I wish I could use BSD by Ekarderif · · Score: 1

      FreeBSD was designed to run smoothly on the i386 platform (but it recently terminated support on the 386). Beyond that and maybe the DEC Alpha, the support is lackluster.

      NetBSD and even OpenBSD handles cross-platforms much better. I'm not too aware of the compatibility of NetBSD and PPC (since I don't use either), but it should be worth looking into.

    4. Re:I wish I could use BSD by John+Nowak · · Score: 1

      I do. However, I really enjoy using wmii and a few other tools which only really make sense in an all-X environment.

    5. Re:I wish I could use BSD by John+Nowak · · Score: 1

      NetBSD and OpenBSD were the platforms I was talking about. I assume, if anything, FreeBSD is even worse on PPC given how immature the port is.

    6. Re:I wish I could use BSD by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Q: How many libertarians would it have taken to stop Hitler? A: None -- They would've let the market handle it.

      Q: How many liberals would it have taken to stop Hitler? None -- they wouldn't commit to an invasion plan without Germany's approval.

    7. Re:I wish I could use BSD by CoolVibe · · Score: 2, Informative

      Don't rule out FreeBSD on sparc64. sparc64 is a tier 1 platform nowadays.

    8. Re:I wish I could use BSD by Billly+Gates · · Score: 1

      Thank you

      I just wrote on various livejournal communities a question about using Linux on powerpc. I planned to buy a powerbook.

      Linux is a required unix to learn at class so macosx is out of the question. What surprissed me is that Linus now uses a mac as his main linux workstation so I assumed linux would be alot better on it now.

      I think Opensolaris has a beta that works on powerpc that supports sleep but I am not too sure on that.

      Are you sure Linux doesn't support it? That sucks dude.

      --
      http://saveie6.com/
    9. Re:I wish I could use BSD by linimon · · Score: 0

      The i386, amd64, and sparc64 ports are the ones in the best shape (in that order). The alpha port is showing its age due to a lack of enough people hacking on it.

      The ia64 port is next, then the powerpc and arm ports. None of the three of those is completely suited for widespread use yet.

      fwiw, "terminated support on the 386" means the 80386 chips themselves. You can still build a custom kernel for them if you must, but the support was simply in the way for modern systems.

    10. Re:I wish I could use BSD by John+Nowak · · Score: 1

      Eh? Linux doesn't support what? Linux supports Firewire, sleep, cpu scaling, special function keys, sounds, and everything else you'd want about your Powerbook. The only thing *not* supported is Airport Extreme, but things are very close now as far as getting this to work -- Some people already have this working. I'd suggest the next version of Ubuntu (come April?) will have this working out of the box. You might be able to do so now if you're particularly eager, but if you time is worth anything to you and you want improved reception (the internal antenna is crap), I'd buy a supported card or USB dongle.

      To be honest, everything works as well as it does on OS X except for wifi. I haven't done anything with additional monitors/projectors yet (hence I'm not sure about that), and I haven't tried to make the keyboard light up (on the model I have, it makes things harder to read -- the new ones are better). Otherwise, I'm quite confident you'd be fine.

      Ah I forgot -- I'm not sure about accelerated 3D...

  7. slightly offtopic by kv9 · · Score: 4, Informative

    the netbsd status report for q3/q4 2005 is also available.

    --
    Stop Computers/Cars Analogies on S
  8. Re:Why do I care about FreeBSD? by FudRucker · · Score: 1

    i switched to Linux from Windows when i got tired of the crashes & BSODs, malware & the usual kludge that windows tends to have, of all the distros i tryed i stuck with slackware, it seems the most stable and smoothest running, from what i read around the internet is that slackware is the most similar to unix (bsd) of all the linux distros, someday when Patrick Volkerding retires from keeping slackware developed i will probably switch to either OpenBSD or PC-BSD

    --
    Politics is Treachery, Religion is Brainwashing
  9. Re:Why do I care about FreeBSD? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Things right.
    Yes, Linux get *nothing* right.

    (BTW, try using disklabel on FreeBSD/PPC)

  10. They are working on wrong things IMHO by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I can't use *BSD because I can't enable the digital outputs of my ADI1980. Can on Windows&Linux but not on *BSD. That keeps me from using Frisbee :-(

  11. Re:Why do I care about FreeBSD? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    People who say that Slackware is BSD-like haven't used *BSD. The only thing that is "BSD-like" about Slackware is the init scripts. This is not to say that Slackware is better or worst then *BSD. Slackware is just different. You should give one of the *BSDs a try.

    I like Slackware, FreeBSD, and NetBSD and continue to install the new releases of each for testing. I currently use Debian/Linux. Each *nix has its strengths.

  12. Re:Why do I care about FreeBSD? by value_added · · Score: 3, Funny

    From a FreeBSD mailing list post:

    Windows: "Where do you want to go today?"
    Linux: "Where do you want to go tomorrow?"
    FreeBSD: "Are you guys coming or what?"

  13. Re:Why do I care about FreeBSD? by Arandir · · Score: 4, Informative

    Who actually uses FreeBSD?

    I do, and that's all that matters to me. Why the hell do you care what other people are using? Find your own operating system and be content with it.

    --
    A Government Is a Body of People, Usually Notably Ungoverned
  14. People who like UNIX by r00t · · Score: 1
    People who like UNIX use UNIX, not BSD. OpenSolaris qualifies.

    The next closest thing would indeed be Linux.

    FreeBSD? Eh, no, FreeBSD is rather incompatible with UNIX. Try ignoring SIGCHLD (actually SIGCLD); a real UNIX will automatically reap any dead children so you don't get zombies. Try a basic UNIX command like "ps -ef". Look at signal() behavior. Look at the commands used to control printing.

    1. Re:People who like UNIX by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      fucking semantics nazi.

    2. Re:People who like UNIX by MrCoke · · Score: 1

      That's what POSIX is all about: semantics.

  15. Re:Why do I care about FreeBSD? by 6*7 · · Score: 1

    "Why do we need FreeBSD?"
    It's for the people who hate Linux.

  16. Re:Why do I care about FreeBSD? by smash · · Score: 1
    Many people (myself included) use FreeBSD (myself since 2000 or so).

    Why? Here are my reasons (and note, I've been a Linux user since 1996 as well):

    • More consistent documentation, and more cohesive "feel". FreeBSD feels like a complete OS, not a cobbled together collection of kernel and various userpsace utilities written by entirely different people. Hard to describe, but it just "feels" more professionally done
    • More consistent kernel/boot messages (eg, generally "device: info", exactly formatted that way, amongst other things)
    • Use of manpages for everything. "info" pages suck, in my opinion
    • More compatible output from commands, etc than Linux. (eg, compare output of "ifconfig" on FreeBSD to Solaris/SCO and then with Linux. Compatiblity is a good thing for scripts, etc)
    • Better multitasking "feel". Again, hard to pin down, but boxes running FreeBSD with a system load of >5 "feel" much snappier than a Linux box under the same load, in my experience
    • Better seperation of "applications" and the OS. The FreeBSD "OS" is fairly minimal, and easy to install, minus packages. The OS itself is upgradable without messing with your packages (generally). EG, i can upgrade from FreeBSD 5.3 to 5.4 without reinstalling/breaking all my packages. Conversely, I can run new releases of KDE/etc without upgrading the base OS.
    • I prefer the BSD license
    • I prefer Beastie to Tux
    • FreeBSD is "FreeBSD". Linux could be gentoo, redhat, debian, whatever... it's less fragmented
    • Jails, ipfilter, ipsec (kame/raccoon way better documented than anything I found on linux with FreeSWAN - perhaps this has changed, was a few years ago).

    Sure I can think of more, but those are the major points for me.

    Linux has a little edge on the desktop with audio support, and less hassle installing crap like browser plugins (flash, etc - so that's of dubious "benefit" anyway :D) - but that's about it...

    smash.

    --
    I run: Windows, OS X, Linux, FreeBSD. Just because you have a hammer, doesn't mean everything is a nail.