Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!

Fedora

606
508
+ 1
89
FreeBSD

249
196
+ 1
28
Add tool

Fedora vs FreeBSD: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will be discussing the key differences between Fedora and FreeBSD. Both Fedora and FreeBSD are operating systems, but they have distinct characteristics and features that set them apart. In the following sections, we will explore these differences in more detail.

  1. Filesystem: One major difference between Fedora and FreeBSD is their choice of filesystem. Fedora primarily uses the ext4 filesystem, which is a popular choice for many Linux distributions. On the other hand, FreeBSD utilizes the ZFS (Zettabyte File System), which is a highly advanced and robust filesystem offering features like data integrity, snapshotting, and easy disk management.

  2. Package Management: Another significant difference lies in their package management systems. Fedora utilizes the DNF (Dandified Yum) package manager, which replaced the older Yum package manager. DNF is known for its faster performance and better dependency resolution. FreeBSD, on the other hand, uses the Ports Collection, a comprehensive framework that allows users to install software from source code. This gives FreeBSD users more control and flexibility over their software installations.

  3. Kernel: Fedora and FreeBSD also differ in terms of their kernel. Fedora uses the Linux kernel, which is known for its wide hardware support and extensive features. On the other hand, FreeBSD has its own kernel, known as the FreeBSD kernel. The FreeBSD kernel is known for its stability, security, and scalability, especially in server environments.

  4. Licensing: Fedora and FreeBSD also have different licensing models. Fedora falls under theOpen Source Initiative-approved license, which allows users to freely modify, redistribute, and use the software. FreeBSD, on the other hand, falls under the BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) license, which is also open-source and allows for modification, redistribution, and use, but with fewer restrictions compared to some other licenses.

  5. Community and Support: Both Fedora and FreeBSD have their own communities and support systems. Fedora has a large community of developers and users, which results in regular updates, support forums, and extensive documentation. FreeBSD also has an active community, with resources like mailing lists, forums, and an extensive handbook. While both communities are active and supportive, Fedora's community tends to be larger and more diverse due to its popularity as a Linux distribution.

  6. Focus and Target Audience: Lastly, Fedora and FreeBSD have different focus areas and target audiences. Fedora is generally more focused on providing the latest software and technologies, making it suitable for desktop users, developers, and Linux enthusiasts who value cutting-edge features. FreeBSD, on the other hand, is known for its stability, security, and reliability, making it a popular choice for server environments and enterprise applications where stability is crucial.

In summary, Fedora and FreeBSD differ in their choice of filesystems, package management systems, kernels, licensing models, community support, and target audiences. While Fedora focuses on providing the latest technologies and is popular among desktop users and developers, FreeBSD prioritizes stability and security, making it more prevalent in server environments and enterprise applications.

Manage your open source components, licenses, and vulnerabilities
Learn More
Pros of Fedora
Pros of FreeBSD
  • 22
    Great for developers
  • 10
    Great integration with system tools
  • 10
    Represents the future of rhel/centos
  • 9
    Good release schedule
  • 7
    Reliable
  • 6
    Fast
  • 5
    Docker integration
  • 4
    Has SeLinux
  • 3
    Latest packages
  • 3
    Updated with Bleeding-edge software
  • 3
    Great for ops teams
  • 3
    Awesome community
  • 2
    Python distribution
  • 2
    Complies with International Standard
  • 8
    Excellent as Server
  • 6
    Very Stable
  • 4
    Helpful community
  • 2
    Free to use
  • 2
    Extremely simple updates and compiles of kernel and use
  • 2
    Good for Cloud - Nextcloud
  • 2
    Ports and packages system is mature and well-supported
  • 1
    Easy to install
  • 1
    Supported by major cloud platforms

Sign up to add or upvote prosMake informed product decisions

Cons of Fedora
Cons of FreeBSD
  • 3
    Bugs get fixed slowly from kernel side
  • 2
    Much less support from Wiki
  • 2
    Systemd
  • 2
    Boring
  • 1
    Less packages in official repository
  • 1
    A bit complicated
  • 1
    Learning curve for new users
  • 0
    Slightly difficult to install for beginners
  • 1
    Slower to adopt non-server hardware than Linux
  • 1
    Poor support for laptops, especially wireless cards

Sign up to add or upvote consMake informed product decisions

What is Fedora?

Fedora is a Linux-based operating system that provides users with access to the latest free and open source software, in a stable, secure and easy to manage form. Fedora is the largest of many free software creations of the Fedora Project. Because of its predominance, the word "Fedora" is often used interchangeably to mean both the Fedora Project and the Fedora operating system.

What is FreeBSD?

An operating system for a variety of platforms which focuses on features, speed, and stability. It is derived from BSD, the version of UNIX® developed at the University of California, Berkeley. It is developed and maintained by a large community.

Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!

What companies use Fedora?
What companies use FreeBSD?
Manage your open source components, licenses, and vulnerabilities
Learn More

Sign up to get full access to all the companiesMake informed product decisions

What tools integrate with Fedora?
What tools integrate with FreeBSD?

Sign up to get full access to all the tool integrationsMake informed product decisions

What are some alternatives to Fedora and FreeBSD?
CentOS
The CentOS Project is a community-driven free software effort focused on delivering a robust open source ecosystem. For users, we offer a consistent manageable platform that suits a wide variety of deployments. For open source communities, we offer a solid, predictable base to build upon, along with extensive resources to build, test, release, and maintain their code.
Debian
Debian systems currently use the Linux kernel or the FreeBSD kernel. Linux is a piece of software started by Linus Torvalds and supported by thousands of programmers worldwide. FreeBSD is an operating system including a kernel and other software.
openSUSE
The openSUSE project is a worldwide effort that promotes the use of Linux everywhere. openSUSE creates one of the world's best Linux distributions, working together in an open, transparent and friendly manner as part of the worldwide Free and Open Source Software community.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others’. It also means ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. The Ubuntu operating system brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the world of computers.
Linux Mint
The purpose of Linux Mint is to produce a modern, elegant and comfortable operating system which is both powerful and easy to use.
See all alternatives