Posted by: Anonymous Coward
on September 15, 2006 12:12 PM
Having used FreeBSD and GNU/Linux (Debian and Slackware, specifically) for a while, I'd say, not really, at least not for 99.99% of desktop users. They would be just peachy with a KDE or GNOME desktop, regardless of what's under the hood of that desktop.
On the other hand, for tinkerers, some prefer the BSD underpinnings over the GNU ones. I would imagine that, for exampe, at Yahoo, which uses a whole lot of FreeBSD, this DesktopBSD would be particularly welcome. Of course, Slackware, which reminds me a whole heck of a lot of FreeBSD, gives me what I like about BSD with all the other good stuff that comes with GNU/Linux (hardware compatibility and such). They've even ported APT to Slackware ("slapt-get"). So I find myself using Slackware most of the time.
I must disagree with you about the port system, though. I find the package/port system to be a total breeze to use, certainly comparable with APT. The only thing "missing" is a GUI front end comparable to synaptic, which the home user would likely appreciate. APT is pretty damned slick, though, what with its Super Cow Powers and all.<nobr> <wbr></nobr>:-)
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Re:agreed, but...
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on September 15, 2006 12:12 PMOn the other hand, for tinkerers, some prefer the BSD underpinnings over the GNU ones. I would imagine that, for exampe, at Yahoo, which uses a whole lot of FreeBSD, this DesktopBSD would be particularly welcome. Of course, Slackware, which reminds me a whole heck of a lot of FreeBSD, gives me what I like about BSD with all the other good stuff that comes with GNU/Linux (hardware compatibility and such). They've even ported APT to Slackware ("slapt-get"). So I find myself using Slackware most of the time.
I must disagree with you about the port system, though. I find the package/port system to be a total breeze to use, certainly comparable with APT. The only thing "missing" is a GUI front end comparable to synaptic, which the home user would likely appreciate. APT is pretty damned slick, though, what with its Super Cow Powers and all.<nobr> <wbr></nobr>:-)
(I know, that last bit was MOOrbid)
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