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Gentoo Linux vs OpenBSD: What are the differences?
# Introduction
This Markdown document outlines the key differences between Gentoo Linux and OpenBSD in a concise manner.
1. **Package Management**: Gentoo Linux uses Portage as its package management system, which is source-based and allows for a high level of customization. On the other hand, OpenBSD utilizes the pkg_add tool to install binary packages, making it quicker and easier to set up and maintain system packages.
2. **Security Practices**: OpenBSD is renowned for its strong focus on security, implementing extensive code audits and proactive security measures. In contrast, while Gentoo Linux also prioritizes security, it does not have the same level of emphasis and specific security features that OpenBSD offers.
3. **System Initiatives**: Gentoo Linux emphasizes flexibility and user choice, allowing users to customize their system down to the kernel level. OpenBSD, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity and following strict guidelines for system configuration, making it a more straightforward and secure option for certain use cases.
4. **Community Support**: Gentoo Linux has a large and active community that contributes to its development and provides support through forums and documentation. OpenBSD, although it has a dedicated following, has a smaller community and may not have as extensive resources for users seeking help or guidance.
5. **License Philosophy**: Gentoo Linux allows users to choose from a variety of open-source licenses for their software, providing flexibility in licensing terms. OpenBSD adheres strictly to the OpenBSD license, which is more restrictive but aligns with the project's focus on security and code integrity.
6. **Default System Configurations**: Gentoo Linux offers a minimal installation by default, allowing users to build their system from the ground up. In contrast, OpenBSD provides a more complete and secure base system out of the box, reducing the need for extensive customization and configuration.
In Summary, Gentoo Linux and OpenBSD differ in package management, security practices, system initiatives, community support, license philosophy, and default system configurations.
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Learn MorePros of Gentoo Linux
Pros of OpenBSD
Pros of Gentoo Linux
- OpenRC or systemd init3
- Portage package manager3
- Control3
- Cross compiling2
- Flexibility2
- X86_64 architecture supported2
- Compile time optimizations2
- Per package dependency control2
- Customizable2
- Overlays2
- Extensive documentation2
- Source based distribution2
- Supports distributing compiling tasks2
- SPARC architecture supported1
- Generalized reduction is system vulnerabilities1
- Stable rolling release1
- Package slots1
- X86 architecture supported1
- Alpha architecture supported1
- ARM64 architecture supported1
- ARM architecture supported1
- HPPA architecture supported1
- MIPS architecture supported1
- PCC architecture supported1
- PCC64 architecture supported1
Pros of OpenBSD
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Cons of Gentoo Linux
Cons of OpenBSD
Cons of Gentoo Linux
- Dated documentation2
- Circular dependancy conflicts2
- No guided installation2
- Vulnerabilities related to its specific toolchains1
- System maintenance1
- Complexity1
- Compilation time1
Cons of OpenBSD
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What is Gentoo Linux?
It is a free operating system based on either Linux or FreeBSD that can be automatically optimized and customized for just about any application or need.
What is OpenBSD?
It is a free and secure UNIX-like operating system that emphasizes portability, standardization, correctness, proactive security & integrated cryptography.
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What companies use Gentoo Linux?
What companies use OpenBSD?
What companies use Gentoo Linux?
What companies use OpenBSD?
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What tools integrate with Gentoo Linux?
What tools integrate with OpenBSD?
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What are some alternatives to Gentoo Linux and OpenBSD?
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.
Arch Linux
A lightweight and flexible Linux distribution that tries to Keep It Simple.
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.
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.
Manjaro
It is an accessible, friendly, open-source Linux distribution and community. Based on Arch Linux, it provides all the benefits of cutting-edge software combined with a focus on getting started quickly, automated tools to require less manual intervention, and help readily available when needed.