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GhostBSD

GhostBSD is a user-friendly BSD-based operating system built on top of FreeBSD. It comes with the MATE desktop pre-installed and aims to provide an easy-to-use BSD experience for Linux users looking to try BSD.

What is GhostBSD?

GhostBSD is a BSD-based operating system that aims to provide a user-friendly desktop operating system experience built on top of FreeBSD. It comes preinstalled with the lightweight MATE desktop environment which provides a traditional desktop layout for productivity.

GhostBSD makes it easy for Linux users to try out the BSD operating system while still having access to familiar applications and desktop workflows. It includes common graphical applications like Firefox, LibreOffice, multimedia apps, and system utilities. Under the hood, the benefits of using FreeBSD including advanced security features, powerful networking and file systems, and excellent performance.

The GhostBSD project aims to take the powerful server and backend abilities of FreeBSD, bundle it together with preconfigured desktop apps and settings, and deliver an OS that is accessible for new users. The install process includes options for encrypting disks, connecting to networks, and configuring multi-boot options. Ongoing updates deliver the latest while still providing stability and reliability.

In summary, GhostBSD strives to be an welcoming FreeBSD-based desktop operating system for new and advanced users alike. It combines the the stability and performance of its FreeBSD foundations with an easy-to-use preconfigured desktop interface focused on productivity and accessibility for Linux and Windows users looking to explore BSD.

The Best GhostBSD Alternatives

Top Apps like GhostBSD

Ubuntu, macOS, Linux Mint, Arch Linux, elementary OS, Debian, Fedora, Manjaro Linux, openSUSE, Pop!_OS, Kubuntu, Serenity OS, BlackBerry QNX, Node OS, Septor, GeckoLinux, NetBSD, DragonFly BSD, Tanglu, Pisi Linux, HardenedBSD, Black Lab Linux, ULinux, QtMoko, NeXTSTEP, Spongebuntu are some alternatives to GhostBSD.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions available today. It is based on Debian and completely free and open source. Some key points about Ubuntu:It has an easy to use and intuitive interface, making it great for Linux beginners.It has a wide variety of official flavors...

MacOS

macOS is the operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its Macintosh computers and laptops. It was originally named Mac OS X until 2012 and then OS X until 2016, when Apple renamed it to macOS to bring it inline with the branding of its other operating systems like...

Linux Mint

Linux Mint is a Linux distribution built on top of Ubuntu that aims to provide a more complete out-of-the-box experience. Some key aspects of Linux Mint include:User-friendly desktop environment with a familiar workflow for Windows usersComes with a lot of pre-installed software for common tasks like office productivity, internet...

Arch Linux

Arch Linux is a lightweight, flexible Linux distribution designed for experienced Linux users who want control and customization of their system. Some key features of Arch Linux include:Rolling release model - Arch gets continuous updates rather than point releases, ensuring you always have the latest software.Uses Pacman package...

Elementary OS

elementary OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that focuses on providing a fast, open, and privacy-respecting computing experience. It comes with a custom desktop environment called Pantheon that features a sleek and intuitive user interface designed for productivity.Some key features of elementary OS include:An app store...

Debian

Debian is one of the oldest and most popular Linux distributions available today. First released in 1993, it is known for its stability, commitment to free software principles, and huge repository of over 50,000 software packages.Some key facts about Debian:It is developed by a worldwide community of volunteers working together...

Fedora

Fedora is a Linux distribution developed by the Fedora Project and sponsored by Red Hat. It is one of the most popular community-driven Linux distributions and is known for showcasing the latest innovations in open source software on a stable and easy-to-manage platform.Some key features of Fedora include:Uses...

Manjaro Linux

Manjaro Linux is an open source, independently developed GNU/Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. It aims to provide an accessible entry point for new Linux users, while maintaining the DIY spirit and technical simplicity that Arch Linux is known for.Some key features of Manjaro Linux include:User-friendly graphical...

OpenSUSE

openSUSE is a versatile Linux distribution that can be used on desktops, laptops, and servers. It focuses on being easy to use, having up-to-date software packages, and providing flexibility for different types of users.Some key features and information about openSUSE:Sponsored by SUSE Linux and other companies, but community-developedRegular...

Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS is a Linux distribution developed by computer manufacturer System76. It is based on Ubuntu and uses the GNOME desktop environment.Some key features of Pop!_OS include:Custom GNOME desktop theme and system improvements designed for an optimal workflow.Good hardware compatibility, especially with System76 hardware.Streamlined window...

Kubuntu

Kubuntu is an officially recognized flavor of the Ubuntu Linux distribution that features the KDE Plasma desktop environment instead of Ubuntu's default GNOME desktop. Kubuntu provides a user-friendly, customizable, and visually appealing desktop experience powered by the latest KDE Plasma technologies.Some key features and characteristics of Kubuntu include:Uses...

Serenity OS

Serenity OS is an open source operating system written from scratch with a focus on simplicity, elegance, and usability. It was started as a hobby project by Andreas Kling in 2017 and has since grown into a usable system with an enthusiastic community around it.Some key features of Serenity OS...

BlackBerry QNX

BlackBerry QNX is a real-time operating system (RTOS) designed for safety-critical embedded systems requiring high reliability, security, and performance. It provides a microkernel architecture, advanced scheduling and resource management, fast inter-process communication, and POSIX compatibility.QNX has its roots in the QNX OS that was originally developed in the early...

Node OS

Node OS is an operating system built entirely in Node.js. It replaces the traditional Linux kernel with a JavaScript V8 interpreter, allowing web applications and services to run natively without an intermediate software layer or compatibility issues.Some key benefits of Node OS include:Enhanced security - Running everything...

Septor

Septor is an open-source antivirus program for Windows that provides real-time protection against malware, viruses, trojans, ransomware, and other threats. It uses heuristic analysis techniques to proactively detect malicious behavior and block threats before they can infect your system.Unlike traditional signature-based antivirus software, Septor analyzes program behavior, file modifications...

GeckoLinux

GeckoLinux is a Linux distribution built on top of openSUSE or other major distros like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Arch Linux. It aims to provide a user-friendly desktop experience with thoughtful defaults and easy customization.Some key features of GeckoLinux include:Preconfigured editions for different needs like desktop, gaming, multimedia, etc...

NetBSD

NetBSD is a free and open-source Unix-like operating system based on the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD). It was the second open-source BSD descendant to be formally released, after 386BSD, and continues to be actively developed. The NetBSD project focuses on code clarity, modularity, and portability.Some key features and characteristics...

DragonFly BSD

DragonFly BSD is a free and open-source Unix-like operating system that was forked from FreeBSD version 4.8 in 2003. It places an emphasis on scalability, high performance, and stability.Some key features and technologies in DragonFly BSD include:The HAMMER2 filesystem - an advanced modern filesystem optimized for multi-core systems.The dports...

Tanglu

Tanglu is a Linux distribution based on Debian that aims to provide a fully free operating system focused on ease of use. It initially launched in 2013 with the goal of being an open, community-oriented alternative to Ubuntu that treated users, contributors, and developers equally.At its core, Tanglu uses the...

Pisi Linux

Pisi Linux is a desktop-focused Linux distribution that is based on Pardus Linux. It is developed with an emphasis on stability, speed, and ease of use for general purpose computing.Some key features of Pisi Linux include:Uses the lightweight Xfce desktop environment by default, providing good performance on older...

HardenedBSD

HardenedBSD is a security-enhanced operating system based on FreeBSD. It incorporates a number of additional security and exploit mitigation features that are not found in the base FreeBSD distribution.Some of the key security features of HardenedBSD include:Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) - Randomizes the location of key data...

Black Lab Linux

Black Lab Linux is a desktop Linux distribution that aims to be simple and easy to use for novice and advanced users alike. It is based on Ubuntu and Debian technology, utilizing the flexible APT package management system. Black Lab strives to integrate the latest open source applications into a...

ULinux

ULinux is a Debian-based Linux distribution that aims to breathe new life into aging computers by providing a lightweight yet functional Linux desktop. It is optimized to run smoothly on computers with as little as 128 MB of RAM and a 400 MHz processor.Some key features of ULinux include:Uses the...

QtMoko

QtMoko is a Linux-based open source platform distribution designed specifically for mobile phones and other mobile devices. It utilizes the Qt cross-platform application framework and development tools originally created by Trolltech (now part of Digia).The goal of the QtMoko project is to provide a touchscreen-friendly and intuitive user interface...

NeXTSTEP

NeXTSTEP was an advanced, object-oriented operating system developed by NeXT Computer in the late 1980s as the core of its NeXT computer workstation line. It was based on the Mach kernel, UNIX, and the Objective-C programming language.NeXTSTEP pioneered many innovative features for its time including:The Mach kernel for...

Spongebuntu

Spongebuntu is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that aims to provide a clean, lightweight, and easy-to-use desktop operating system. It is designed specifically for old computers and systems with limited hardware resources.Spongebuntu uses the lightweight Xfce desktop environment instead of the standard Ubuntu desktop GUI. Xfce is customized...