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FreeBSD vs macOS: What are the differences?
Kernel: One key difference between FreeBSD and macOS lies in their kernels. FreeBSD uses the FreeBSD kernel, which is a direct descendant of the original UNIX implementation, while macOS uses the XNU kernel, a hybrid kernel developed by Apple. The FreeBSD kernel is known for its stability and security, making it a popular choice for servers and networking devices, whereas the XNU kernel in macOS includes components from various sources, including the Mach microkernel and elements from FreeBSD.
Licensing: Another significant difference between FreeBSD and macOS is their licensing. FreeBSD uses a permissive open-source license, the BSD License, which allows for greater flexibility in how the code can be used and distributed. In contrast, macOS is proprietary software developed by Apple and is subject to restrictive licensing agreements that limit the ways in which the software can be used and distributed.
User Interface: FreeBSD and macOS also differ in their user interfaces. While macOS is known for its sleek and user-friendly graphical interface, FreeBSD is primarily designed for use in server environments and does not come with a built-in graphical desktop environment by default. Users can install third-party desktop environments or window managers on FreeBSD, but it is not as polished or integrated as the interface in macOS.
Hardware Support: When it comes to hardware support, macOS is specifically optimized to run on Apple hardware, providing seamless integration with Mac computers and devices. On the other hand, FreeBSD has broader hardware support for a wide range of architectures and devices, making it a versatile choice for various hardware configurations beyond Apple's ecosystem.
Package Management: FreeBSD and macOS also differ in their package management systems. macOS uses the macOS App Store and Homebrew for managing software packages, while FreeBSD employs the Ports Collection and package management tools like pkg. The Ports Collection allows users to compile software from source code, offering a high level of customization and control over package installations compared to the package managers used in macOS.
Updates and Release Cycle: FreeBSD and macOS follow different update and release cycles. FreeBSD releases new versions on a regular schedule, with a focus on stability and performance enhancements. In contrast, macOS typically releases major updates annually, with incremental updates throughout the year. The consistency of FreeBSD's release cycle may be more preferable for some users who prioritize stability over rapid feature updates.
In Summary, FreeBSD and macOS differ in their kernel, licensing, user interface, hardware support, package management, and update/release cycles.
If you have a file (demo.txt) that has 3 columns:
Column-1 Column-2 Column-3
Row-1a Row-2a Row-3a
Row-1b Row-2b Row-3b
Row-1c Row-2c Row-3c
Row-1d Row-2d Row-3d
Row-1e Row-2e Row-3e
and you want to only view the first column of the file in your CLI, run the following:
awk {'print $1'} demo.txt
Column-1
Row-1a
Row-1b
Row-1c
Row-1d
Row-1e
If you want to print the second column of demo.txt, just replace $1 with $2
Pros of FreeBSD
- Excellent as Server8
- Very Stable6
- Helpful community4
- Free to use2
- Extremely simple updates and compiles of kernel and use2
- Good for Cloud - Nextcloud2
- Ports and packages system is mature and well-supported2
- Easy to install1
- Supported by major cloud platforms1
Pros of macOS
- Clean Interface4
- M11
- No promoted content1
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Cons of FreeBSD
- Slower to adopt non-server hardware than Linux1
- Poor support for laptops, especially wireless cards1
Cons of macOS
- Outdated window management1
