TrueOS
 | |
 PC-BSD screenshot. | |
| Developer | PC-BSD Software |
|---|---|
| OS family | BSD |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Open source |
| Latest release | 1.5.1 / April 23, 2008 |
| Package manager | PBI & FreeBSD Ports/Packages |
| Platforms | i386, AMD64 |
| Kernel type | Monolithic kernel |
| Default user interface | KDE |
| License | BSD license |
| Official website | www.pcbsd.org |
PC-BSD is a Unix-like, desktop-oriented operating system based on FreeBSD. It aims to be easy to install by using a graphical installation program, and easy- and ready-to-use immediately by providing KDE as the default, pre-installed graphical user interface. PC-BSD also provides official nVidia drivers for easy hardware acceleration and an optional 3D desktop interface through CompizFusion. The PC-BSD project is currently developing a graphical software installation program which will install pre-built software packages. In August 2006 it was voted the most beginner friendly operating system by OSWeekly.com.[1] Since October 10, 2006 PC-BSD is supported by the enterprise-class hardware solution provider iXsystems.[1] In November 2007, iXsystems entered into a distribution agreement with Fry's Electronics whereby Fry's Electronics stores nationwide would carry PC-BSD version 1.4 (Da Vinci Edition).[2] In January 2008, iXsystems entered into a similar agreement with Micro Center.[3]
History
- PC-BSD 1.5 was released on March 12, 2008.
- PC-BSD 1.4 was released on September 24, 2007
- PC-BSD 1.3 was released on December 31, 2006
- PC-BSD 1.2 was released on July 12, 2006 [4]
- PC-BSD 1.1 was released on May 29,2006
- PC-BSD 1.0 was released on April 29, 2006
PC-BSD incorporates FreeBSD as its OS foundation. PC-BSD 1.0 is based on FreeBSD 6.0; PC-BSD releases 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 are based on FreeBSD 6.1. PC-BSD release 1.4 is based on FreeBSD 6.2-STABLE. PC-BSD releases 1.4.1, 1.4.1.1 and 1.4.1.2 are based on FreeBSD 6.3-PRERELEASE. PC-BSD release 2.0 is expected in 2009, and will be based on FreeBSD 7.0 and will include KDE4.
Originally PC-BSD only supported i386, however support was added in version 1.5 for AMD64[5].
Package management
PC-BSD's package management system takes a different approach to installing software than many other Unix-like operating systems. Instead of using the ports tree directly (although it is still optionally available), PC-BSD uses files with the .pbi filename extension which, when double-clicked, brings up an installation wizard program. An autobuild system tracks the FreeBSD ports collection and generates new PBI's daily. The generated PBI's are maintained at the PC-BSD software repository. Previously, PBI's were manually created by developers or volunteers, and submitted for approval. The new method bypasses this step and ensures timely releases of applications for PC-BSD.
All software packages and libraries are installed in their own self-contained directories in /Programs, decreasing confusion about where the binary programs reside and reducing the possibility of breaking a package if system libraries are upgraded or changed. The PC-BSD package manager also takes care of creating links in the KDE menu and on the KDE desktop.
The PC-BSD project claims its style of package management, which is similar to that of major operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, is simpler than that of other Unix-like systems.
Notable Individuals
- Kris Moore
- Charles-André Landemaine
- Tim McCormick
- Andrei Kolu
- Gonzalo Martinez-Sanjuan Sanchez
- Florian Stinglmayr
- Carlos Neira Bustos
- Fabrizio Parrella
- Josh Paetzel
- Marcel Klinz
- Gerard van Essen
- Matt Olander [6]
License
Since many claim that the GNU General Public License (GPL) conflicts with BSD license ideology, a common point of criticism from the *BSD community about PC-BSD originally was that its code was licensed under the GPL—while most open source BSD descendants license exclusively under the BSD license. The GPL was originally used because the PC-BSD project uses the Qt toolkit for its interface development and the developers were under the impression that applications using the Qt toolkit must be licensed under the GPL or the QPL. This is, however, untrue and the PC-BSD project later relicensed its code under a BSD-like license.
References
- Kerner, Sean Michael (Oct 12, 2006). "FreeBSD based PC-BSD Gets 'Acquired'". internetnews.com.
- Kerner, Sean Michael (January 2, 2007). "New Year, New Look For PC-BSD". internetnews.com.
- ^ "The Most Beginner Friendly OS". Retrieved 2006-08-10.
- ^ "iXsystems Announces Distribution Agreement with Fry's Electronics". Retrieved 2008-01-02.
- ^ "Micro Center carries PC-BSD!". Retrieved 2008-01-02.
- ^ "PC-BSD 1.2 Released!". Retrieved 2006-07-12.
- ^ "PC-BSD 1.5 Press Release". Retrieved 2008-03-16.
- ^ "PCBSD Team". Retrieved 2007-04-07.
