PC-BSD 7.1 Galileo Edition Review
Friday, April 17, 2009 at 12:40AM PC-BSD 7.1 is a desktop operating system aimed at the normal user and is based on FreeBSD. It enables fast installation of software and getting a working desktop running fast. It can be installed as a Desktop or as a server, however I fail to see the point of the server install for a desktop OS.
It can be installed by dvd/usb or install via network and PC-BSD can perform a normal fresh install or system upgrade (Unable to test) can be selected in the system installer. PC-BSD allows you to install to these file systems:
- UFS2
- UFS2 + Soft Updates (default)
- UFS2 + Journaling.
To test out the suitability of the desktop for a casual user I did not use the command line, except to gather information after testing.
PC-BSD give you a list of programs that you can install along with the system, these are the ones I installed.
- Amarok
- Firefox
- The Gimp
- K3B
- Desktop Toys
- Thunderbird
- VLC
These are the ones that where not installed.
- FileZilla
- Educataional tools and games (for kde)
- Software development kit
- Web Development Tools
- OpenOffice.org
- Opera
- Pidgin
- Ports Tree (FreeBSD)
- Source Code (FreeBSD)
The Love
These are some of the things that I like about PC-BSD.
- Very attractive/easy to use GUI installer.
- Installer runs in a Fluxbox session, with access to xterm for power users.
- Customize what additional programs to install before end of install.
- Bash Shell included in system.
- A run X in VESA in boot menu, for GPU driver problems
- Run display configuration wizard in boot menu.
- Display Settings runs on first boot (in the X window system).
- Flash player is installed so youtube videos work without any tweaking.
- Check of installer archive integrity before install.
- Detects and uses dual monitors by default (mirror)
- Intel & Nvidia Firmware/Drivers included.
The Display Settings screen that is run after install shows your details and gives you the chance to configure them. For me with my Nvidia card (8800 GTS) these are the drivers that PC-BSD had: NV (default, open source), nvidia-173, nvidia-96, nvidia-180, + list of every other available driver.
The Hate
These are some of the points on PC-BSD that I dislike.
The installer has no minimum password limit and only requires that a password is set, for example it allows root & user passwords of 'q' which is just really lame. A minimum character requirement would be nice at least.
The system reportedly uses a Pre-release version of FreeBSD 7.2, which I find to be a little unnerving.
I used the NV (the open source) driver at install time, then I enabled the Nvidia 180 driver after install. I selected the dual head option in the screen configuration program which seemed to disable second monitor. The KDE screen resolution tool would not let me set a resolution above 1024x768 after enabling the NVIDIA 180 binary driver. Something to do with the driver failed and used the VESA driver instead, I was not happy.
The advanced tab of the Display Settings screen allows you to Enable dual head support (Dual head for systems with one GPU and Two monitors, other configured via /etc/X11/xorg.conf) It enabled two mirrored screens, not my idea of a Dual head setup. I could not get a desktop spanning across two screens without editing configuration files by hand, which is hardly user friendly.
When running the desktop video configuration program the X server would sometimes not shutdown and I would have to force shutdown by pressing (Ctrl + Alt + Backspace) If I didn't already know how to do this I would be stuck looking at a blank screen doing nothing. On my computer the screen would sometimes get messed up on the video configuration screen as shown below (I have no idea why the Ubuntu logo is there).
;)
Weird errorPC-BSD uses KDE4, I've tried to like it but I just don't. The admin tools are written in QT since the main developers are QT guys I could install Gnome but I've found running a whole mix of QT/KDE apps with gnome makes the desktop look ugly, really ugly. KDE 4.2 has a strange theme with a Black/blue menu bar and grey application background, its not really a problem with PC-BSD but with KDE itself.
;)
Default Desktop
When starting some applications (mainly the PC-BSD update program) I found that sometimes they take longer than they should to load, leaving you to wonder if they would start at all. I had this behavior with OpenSolaris also but its no where as bad as it is on OpenSolaris.
The System Settings configuration panel for KDE crashed with a Segmentation fault which to be fair only happened once but I've found Seg faults with KDE 4 to be common with my testing in the past.
PBI
I like the concept of the Push Button Installer with each program being in its own directory structure under /Programs. PBI uses the .pbi files are are found at the PBIdir website. Browsing software via the web browser is much easier for most people than having to search through a repository system like the one used in Ubuntu.
This method of installing software is much more like other desktop operating systems like Windows and Mac OS X, which I'm sure will help the normal desktop users that PC-BSD is targeted at.
During my testing of the PBI system (Sunday 12th of April 2009) the pbidir.com website was inaccessible and this raises the question if that one site goes down how can I install new software?
Default Security
The default configuration allows Samba and outgoing traffic by default. The firewall blocks SSH, X11 (the desktop server) and incoming traffic by default. I have don't know why the X server has to be listening to the network, this is a potential security issue but it's blocked by default.
The details of running network services are listed below.
[root@pcbsd]/etc(6)# lsof -i
lsof: WARNING: compiled for FreeBSD release 7.1-STABLE; this is
7.2-PRERELEASE.
COMMAND PID USER FD TYPE DEVICE SIZE/OFF NODE NAME
syslogd 857 root 6u IPv6 0xc278fca8 0t0 UDP *:syslog
syslogd 857 root 7u IPv4 0xc278fd5c 0t0 UDP *:syslog
cupsd 942 root 3u IPv4 0xc2918000 0t0 TCP localhost:ipp (LISTEN)
cupsd 942 root 4u IPv6 0xc2917cb0 0t0 TCP localhost:ipp (LISTEN)
cupsd 942 root 6u IPv4 0xc278fe10 0t0 UDP *:ipp
nmbd 959 root 6u IPv4 0xc278fb40 0t0 UDP *:netbios-ns
nmbd 959 root 7u IPv4 0xc278fa8c 0t0 UDP *:netbios-dgm
nmbd 959 root 8u IPv4 0xc278f924 0t0 UDP 192.168.58.132:netbios-ns
nmbd 959 root 9u IPv4 0xc278fbf4 0t0 UDP 192.168.58.132:netbios-dgm
smbd 963 root 19u IPv4 0xc2917ae0 0t0 TCP *:microsoft-ds (LISTEN)
smbd 963 root 20u IPv4 0xc2917910 0t0 TCP *:netbios-ssn (LISTEN)
sshd 1120 root 3u IPv6 0xc2917000 0t0 TCP *:ssh (LISTEN)
sshd 1120 root 4u IPv4 0xc29171d0 0t0 TCP *:ssh (LISTEN)
sendmail 1135 root 3u IPv4 0xc2917570 0t0 TCP localhost:smtp (LISTEN)
Xorg 8125 root 1u IPv6 0xc2918740 0t0 TCP *:x11 (LISTEN)
Xorg 8125 root 3u IPv4 0xc2918910 0t0 TCP *:x11 (LISTEN)
There is a nice little firewall tool for KDE as shown below, it simple and effective.
;)
Conclusion
I love FreeBSD and I tried really hard to like PC-BSD but I'm sorry to say that I don't. I like the concept of the BSD desktop but I feel its still a few years behind the Linux desktop in hardware support and you're likely going to have more luck there.
However the PC-BSD people have done good work in making BSD more accessible to normal users which is impressive. PC-BSD has some very interesting ideas for the open source desktop like the PBI install system, I would like to see more Linux distributions do something similar to PBI or what Linux Mint does. For the most part I don't think that not using the command line would be a problem since most tasks have graphical tools.
Videos
Note: these are the old version of PC-BSD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC4gsipGfQU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0q37X-MJzY
Reader Comments (155)
I've tried the past few releases of PC-BSD, but every one of them has a problem recognizing my Logitech MX510 USB mouse. I have to unplug it and plug it in again in order for PC-BSD to recognize it on EVERY boot. Why are my USB ports not polled on boot up? Seems a bit amateurish to overlook something like that, since most people use a USB mouse.
I do like their implementation of KDE 4, however. Best I've seen apart from Mandriva Linux 2009.1 RC.
They are using 7.1-STABLE.
The fact that you see 7.2-PRERELEASE is because as 7.2 is fast approaching, the 7.1-STABLE branch shows the name of the next release.
BTW, have you tried installing/using the nvidia-settings package? I believe that would make TwinView a breeze.
I dont get some of the observations.
Re weak root / user password
Well, sorry, but thats clearly down to the individual.
My car would let me steer into a lamp post, but I choose not to.
Re KDE 4.x 'colour scheme'
I happen to think it looks great - not that it is that important.
You can change the theme if you dont like it.
I doubt very much that PCBSD is targeted towards Windows and Mac users.
BSD of any kind is hugely unlikely to be anyones first choice after moving away from a Windows or Mac environment.
One of the more popular Linux may be, but unlikely to be PC-BSD.
I would have thought that PC-BSD would appeal to an user already fairly familiar with an Unix-like OS who wants to try something different, or wants a *BSD desktop orientated system without the hard-work tweaking it, or compiling everything from Ports.
Such users would already be prepared for the fact that *BSD Hardware detection for 'domestic' devices is not likely to be so great.
It is inevitable that the likes of PCBSD will get compared to 'Linux'.
Some of this comparison would be fairer if the reviewer indicated what 'Linux' Distribution the comparison is made with. Slackware? .. Ubuntu> .. Arch? .. Mandriva Chalk and cheese in themselves in terms of 'out-of-the-box' experience, and general upkeep.
nvidia-settings is in the system. Open a terminal and run it.
an ubuntu logo? how'd that get there? maybe there is a secret pact between PCBSD and UBUNTU developers... well i hope its for the good of everyone!
When people are stuck with college essay accomplishing, hence I would recommend to buy essays online from some professional essay writing service in such situation.
custom essay will help you in learning and save your time
Your posting is very good and theme base for which it is liking to every people. Thanks a lot!!!
Great informative post thanks for sharing..... custom essay | custom essay
Very in-depth article. It's a lot to take in for one sitting. Decided to print out a copy for myself and read it in the office. But good stuff so far!
Sid Odin
Buy Wow Account
mbt shoes
mbt sneakers
mbts
new mbts
mbts sell
mbt sneakers
mbt 2010
mbt UK
mbt US
Cheap MBTs
mbt Shoes Discount
mbt shoes On Sale
MBT Trainers
new mbt shoes
buy mbt
mbt
authentic mbt shoes
mbts discount
buy mbt shoes
Cheap MBT shoes
mbt sneakers store
ecco shoes develop quality for discerning customers and Experience the comfort, free shipping.Buy
discount ecco shoes with a price guarantee and top rated customer service.enjoy
ecco shoes on sale Find exactly what you want today Looking for discount Ecco shoes.
chanel handbags develop qulity for discerning lady.Find the new collection of d&g handbags on
b2chandbag.com,The best quality of chanel handbags online.Welcome to enjoy discount d&g bags for
free shipping,price guarantee.cheap and designer chanel handbags.
Compare prices on guess handbags and save ,Top ranking quality of the designer guess handbags for
discerning ladies.Guess handbags are stylish accessories that complement a fashion-conscious woman's wardrobe and
guess handbags.
.Enjoy a great selection of guess bags.guess handbags . for
or every discerning women ,free shipping,110% price guarantee.
Thanks for sharing great valuable information. Can i use PC-BSD 7.1 operating software in desktop pc. How much it costs.
supply many kinds of brand shoes,chanel handbags online</div>,clothes,handbags wholesale</div> ,Our products are popular with High Quality,Competitive price,Best Service and Safe Delivery.shipping to worldwide
main product;wholesale new era caps nike shoes,Air jordan,air max,nike shox,air forceone,Dunk,rift,nike ACG,NikeJames,KOBE。
welcome to taobao-trade.com .we wholesale designer wholesale handbags</div>are the highest quality, most authentic looking hats and caps</div> you will ever see! Don't be fooled by cheap falling apart Designer replicas made with the wrong materials with the incorrect size. We have just what you are looking for without having to spend thousands for an original Replica Juicy Couture Handbags which will look exactly as our replica handbags.cheap handbags wholesale</div> Our Replica Juicy Couture Handbags purses have every single detail an Original handbag would actually have, so stop your search be convinced we are the best site with superb Customer service and Best Designer Replicas you will ever see!
Very very excellent and informational post. thanks for sharing with us. Here, i would like to install in my xp desktop. keep it up updating new things.
Wow,It is the first physiological footwear.MBT shoes has a positive effect on the whole body.In stock. No tax .Shop the entire collection of Authentic MBT shoes.Free shipping to all over the US/UK,15 days money back policy.mbt shoes,High Quality,But Cheap Pice!Save Up to 60%.the Official US Website of mbt shoes,the Anti-Shoe.
Best Places to Buy Online! I've had a lot of shoes in my time, but I can honestly say mbt shoes are the first that have come with an instruction manual. What's to know about that ?MBT shoes By Swiss Masai. The reliable qualtiy as well as the competitive price.I will go to order more MBT.
mbt shoes is the mbt masai shoes-the physiological mbt footwear.MBT Shoes can make you enjoy a unique mbt chapa experience of walking .
cheap supra shoes
supra shoes
supra footwear for sale
supra shoes online
Supra Newest
Supra Skytop
Supra Skytop NS
Supra Society
Supra Style II
Supra Thunder
Women Skytop
Supra Newest shoes
Supra Skytop shoes
Supra Skytop NS shoes
Supra Society shoes
Supra Style II shoes
Supra Thunder shoes
Women Skytop shoes
coach factory outlet
Coach outlet
coach bags
coach bags outlet
coach outlet online
coach outlet store
coach online outlet store
Coach High Heels
Coach Wedges
Coach Heels
Coach Sneakers
coach sunglasses
coach shoes
COACH BOOTS
New Coach Handbags
Coach Shoulder Bags
Coach Baby Bags
Coach HOBO Bags
Coach Claire Bags
Coach Sling Bags
Coach Leather Handags
Coach Maggie Bags
Coach Patchwork Purse
Coach Carly Bags
Coach Ergo Bags
Coach Tote Bags
Coach Luggage Bags
Coach Cambrigge Hobo Bags
Coach Garnet Bags
Coach Hampton Bags
Coach Spotlight Bags
Coach Sabrina Bags
Coach Top Handle Pouch
Coach Tribeca Bags
Coach Travel Bags
COACH WALLETS
New Coach Wallets
new COACH BOOTS
COACH JEWELRY
gucci outlet
gucci bags
gucci outlet online
gucci bags outlet
mbt shoes
coach outlet
Gucci Handbags
Gucci Backpacks
Gucci Belt Bags
Gucci Briefcases
Gucci Computer Cases
Gucci Duffels
Gucci Hobos
Gucci Jolicoeur
Gucci Messenger Bags
Gucci Shoulder Bags
Gucci Top Handles
Gucci Totes
Gucci Travel Business
Gucci Leather Wallets
Gucci Sunglasses
Gucci Wallets
Gucci Hats
Gucci belts
Gucci bracelets
Gucci earrings
Gucci necklaces
Gucci shoes
Gucci barrette
Authentic Chanel bags handbags bags
Preferred top luxury international brands Chanel Bags sale
Chanel Chanel Handbags 100% counter genuine, direct-Europe
Buy the latest fendi handbags fendi shoes,free returns
up to 40% off the latest styles from fendi at luxury fendi store
high quality fendi bags for cheap sale
Shop the latest gucci Fall collections online
Looking for gucci handbags gucci bags gucci products
Authentic gucci handbags gucci Free Ship sale
///////////
Beauful miu miu Travel Bags miu miu bags miu miu on sale
Shop the latest miu miu products and looks
buy miu miu miu miu handbags miu miu sale today
Get New Designer gucci bags for Less
Join Our luxury bags Auctions and Start Saving
luxury bags louis vuitton bag sale hot
-------------------------
The Finest breitling watches Here at great prices
Discounted Designer Watches of cartier watches cartier enjoy free ship
We supplies the best oris watches cheapest men Oris Watch
IWC manufactures timeless iwc watches of the highest quality
OMEGA Gents' Collection "omega watches" omega watches for sale
<hr />