HACKER Q&A
📣 jgwil2

Does anyone use a non-macOS BSD for desktop?


Or any other Unix OS other than macOS and Linux?


  👤 eindiran Accepted Answer ✓
Here are some interesting past conversations on this topic on HN:

OpenBSD as a workstation --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20344766

Setting up OpenBSD as a desktop --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13223351

FreeBSD is an amazing OS --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22102372

FreeBSD myths --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12194796

Using TrueOS --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13818574

FreeBSD as a desktop --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=365784

Comparing BSD and Linux --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12034277

Switching to FreeBSD from macOS --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10644690

FreeBSD desktop How To --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12371688

Running FreeBSD on a Macbook Pro --> https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13027506

I think the main take away is that the BSDs can be great desktop OSes, but in general they will require more configuration than running macOS or Ubuntu. However, they are less likely to bump into bleeding edge problems than eg Arch.

I experimented with running FreeBSD as a desktop for a little while a while ago, but ended up switching back to Linux due to needing support for some remote-desktop software for work. During that time I came to realize how often GNU breaks POSIX; however the userland software for FreeBSD is excellent and quite well documented IME. If you enjoy trying out new OSes, they are worth a spin.