diff --git a/en_US.ISO8859-1/books/faq/book.sgml b/en_US.ISO8859-1/books/faq/book.sgml index e1c70ac5f2..f9a87a189c 100644 --- a/en_US.ISO8859-1/books/faq/book.sgml +++ b/en_US.ISO8859-1/books/faq/book.sgml @@ -4,227 +4,272 @@ ]> + + Frequently Asked Questions for FreeBSD 2.X and 3.X - -Frequently Asked Questions for FreeBSD 2.X and 3.X + + + The FreeBSD Documentation Project + + - - -The FreeBSD Documentation Project - - + $FreeBSD: doc/en_US.ISO_8859-1/books/faq/book.sgml,v 1.41 2000/02/17 21:13:20 jim Exp $ -$FreeBSD: doc/en_US.ISO_8859-1/books/faq/book.sgml,v 1.40 2000/02/14 21:14:49 jim Exp $ + + This is the FAQ for FreeBSD versions 2.X and 3.X. All entries + are assumed to be relevant to FreeBSD 2.0.5 and later, unless + otherwise noted. Any entries with a <XXX> are under + construction. If you are interested in helping with this project, + send email to the the FreeBSD documentation project mailing list + <freebsd-doc@FreeBSD.org>. + The latest version of this document is always available from the + FreeBSD World Wide Web + server. It may also be downloaded as one large HTML file with HTTP or as plain text, + postscript, or PDF from the FreeBSD FTP + server. You may also want to Search the + FAQ. + + - This is the FAQ for FreeBSD versions 2.X and 3.X. All entries are - assumed to be relevant to FreeBSD 2.0.5 and later, unless otherwise noted. - Any entries with a <XXX> are under construction. - If you are interested in helping with this project, send - email to the the FreeBSD documentation project mailing list <freebsd-doc@FreeBSD.org>. - The latest version of this document is always available from the FreeBSD World Wide Web server. - It may also be downloaded as one large HTML file with HTTP or as plain text, postscript, or PDF from the FreeBSD FTP server. You may also want to Search the FAQ. + + Preface - + Welcome to the FreeBSD 2.X-3.X FAQ! - -Preface + As is usual with Usenet FAQs, this document aims to cover the + most frequently asked questions concerning the FreeBSD operating + system (and of course answer them!). Although originally intended + to reduce bandwidth and avoid the same old questions being asked + over and over again, FAQs have become recognized as valuable + information resources. -Welcome to the FreeBSD 2.X-3.X FAQ! + Every effort has been made to make this FAQ as informative as + possible; if you have any suggestions as to how it may be improved, + please feel free to mail them to the FAQ maintainer. + + + + + What is FreeBSD? + + + + Briefly, FreeBSD 2.X is a UN*X-like operating system based + on U.C. Berkeley's 4.4BSD-lite release for the i386 platform. + It is also based indirectly on William Jolitz's port of U.C. + Berkeley's Net/2 to the i386, known as 386BSD, though very + little of the 386BSD code remains. A fuller description of + what FreeBSD is and how it can work for you may be found on + the FreeBSD home + page. + + FreeBSD is used by companies, Internet Service Providers, + researchers, computer professionals, students and home users + all over the world in their work, education and recreation. + See some of them in the FreeBSD Gallery. + + For more detailed information on FreeBSD, please see the + FreeBSD + Handbook. + + + + + + What are the goals of FreeBSD? + + + + The goals of the FreeBSD Project are to provide software + that may be used for any purpose and without strings attached. + Many of us have a significant investment in the code (and + project) and would certainly not mind a little financial + compensation now and then, but we're definitely not prepared + to insist on it. We believe that our first and foremost + "mission" is to provide code to any and all comers, and for + whatever purpose, so that the code gets the widest possible + use and provides the widest possible benefit. This is, we + believe, one of the most fundamental goals of Free Software + and one that we enthusiastically support. -As is usual with Usenet FAQs, this document aims to cover the most -frequently asked questions concerning the FreeBSD operating system -(and of course answer them!). Although originally intended to reduce -bandwidth and avoid the same old questions being asked over and over -again, FAQs have become recognized as valuable information resources. + That code in our source tree which falls under the GNU + General Public License (GPL) or GNU Library General Public + License (LGPL) comes with slightly more strings attached, + though at least on the side of enforced access rather than the + usual opposite. Due to the additional complexities that can + evolve in the commercial use of GPL software, we do, however, + endeavor to replace such software with submissions under the + more relaxed BSD copyright whenever possible. + + + + + + Why is it called FreeBSD? + + + + + + It may be used free of charge, even by commercial + users. + + + + Full source for the operating system is freely + available, and the minimum possible restrictions have + been placed upon its use, distribution and incorporation + into other work (commercial or non-commercial). + + + + Anyone who has an improvement and/or bug fix is free + to submit their code and have it added to the source tree + (subject to one or two obvious provisos). + + + + For those of our readers whose first language is not + English, it may be worth pointing out that the word ``free'' + is being used in two ways here, one meaning ``at no cost'', + the other meaning ``you can do whatever you like''. Apart + from one or two things you + cannot do with the FreeBSD code, + for example pretending you wrote it, you really can do + whatever you like with it. + + + + + + What is the latest version of FreeBSD? + + + + Version 3.4 + is the latest stable version; it was + released in December, 1999. This is also the latest + release version. + + Briefly explained, -STABLE is aimed + at the ISP or other corporate user who wants stability and a + low change count over the wizzy new features of the latest + -CURRENT snapshot. Releases can come + from either "branch," but you should only use + -CURRENT if you're sure that you're + prepared for its increased volatility (relative to + -STABLE, that is). + + Releases are only made every + few months. While many people stay more up-to-date with + the FreeBSD sources (see the questions on FreeBSD-CURRENT and FreeBSD-STABLE) than that, doing so + is more of a commitment, as the sources are a moving + target. + + + + + + What is FreeBSD-CURRENT? + + + + FreeBSD-CURRENT + is the development version of the operating system, which will + in due course become 4.0-RELEASE. As such, it is really only + of interest to developers working on the system and die-hard + hobbyists. See the relevant + section in the handbook for details on + running -CURRENT. + + If you are not familiar with the operating system or are + not capable of identifying the difference between a real + problem and a temporary problem, you should not use + FreeBSD-CURRENT. This branch sometimes evolves quite quickly + and can be un-buildable for a number of days at a time. + People that use FreeBSD-CURRENT are expected to be able to + analyze any problems and only report them if they are deemed + to be mistakes rather than ``glitches''. Questions such as + ``make world produces some error about groups'' on the + -CURRENT mailing list are sometimes treated with + contempt. + + Every now and again, a snapshot release is + also made of this -CURRENT development code, CDROM + distributions of the occasional snapshot even now being made + available. The goals behind each snapshot release are: + + + + To test the latest version of the installation + software. + + + + To give people who would like to run -CURRENT but who + don't have the time and/or bandwidth to follow it on a + day-to-day basis an easy way of bootstrapping it onto + their systems. + + + + To preserve a fixed reference point for the code in + question, just in case we break something really badly + later. (Although CVS normally prevents anything horrible + like this happening :) + + + + To ensure that any new features in need of testing + have the greatest possible number of potential + testers. + + -Every effort has been made to make this FAQ as informative as -possible; if you have any suggestions as to how it may be improved, -please feel free to mail them to the FAQ maintainer. + No claims are made that any snapshot can be considered + ``production quality'' for any purpose. For stability and + tested mettle, you will have to stick to full + releases. - -What is FreeBSD? + Snapshot releases are directly available from ftp://current.FreeBSD.org/pub/FreeBSD/ + and are generated, on the average, once a day for both the + 4.0-CURRENT and 3.0-STABLE branches. + + -Briefly, FreeBSD 2.X is a UN*X-like operating system based on -U.C. Berkeley's 4.4BSD-lite release for the i386 platform. It is -also based indirectly on William Jolitz's port of U.C. Berkeley's -Net/2 to the i386, known as 386BSD, though very little of the 386BSD -code remains. A fuller description of what FreeBSD is and how -it can work for you may be found on the FreeBSD home page. + + + What is the FreeBSD-STABLE concept? + + + + Back when FreeBSD 2.0.5 was released, we decided to + branch FreeBSD development into two parts. One branch was + named -STABLE, + with the intention that only well-tested bug fixes and small + incremental enhancements would be made to it (for Internet + Service Providers and other commercial enterprises for whom + sudden shifts or experimental features are quite + undesirable). The other branch was -CURRENT, + which essentially has been one unbroken line leading towards + 4.0-RELEASE (and beyond) since 2.0 was released. If a little + ASCII art would help, this is how it looks: -FreeBSD is used by companies, Internet Service Providers, researchers, -computer professionals, students and home users all over the world -in their work, education and recreation. See some of them in the -FreeBSD Gallery. - -For more detailed information on FreeBSD, please see the -FreeBSD Handbook. - - - - -What are the goals of FreeBSD? - -The goals of the FreeBSD Project are to provide software that may -be used for any purpose and without strings attached. Many of us -have a significant investment in the code (and project) and would -certainly not mind a little financial compensation now and then, -but we're definitely not prepared to insist on it. We believe -that our first and foremost "mission" is to provide code to any -and all comers, and for whatever purpose, so that the code gets -the widest possible use and provides the widest possible benefit. -This is, we believe, one of the most fundamental goals of Free -Software and one that we enthusiastically support. - -That code in our source tree which falls under the GNU General -Public License (GPL) or GNU Library General Public License (LGPL) -comes with slightly more strings attached, though at least on the -side of enforced access rather than the usual opposite. Due to the -additional complexities that can evolve in the commercial use of -GPL software, we do, however, endeavor to replace such software -with submissions under the more relaxed BSD copyright whenever -possible. - - - - -Why is it called FreeBSD? - - - - - -It may be used free of charge, even by commercial users. - - - - -Full source for the operating system is freely available, and -the minimum possible restrictions have been placed upon its -use, distribution and incorporation into other work (commercial -or non-commercial). - - - - -Anyone who has an improvement and/or bug fix is free to submit -their code and have it added to the source tree (subject to -one or two obvious provisos). - - - - - -For those of our readers whose first language is not English, it -may be worth pointing out that the word ``free'' is being used in two -ways here, one meaning ``at no cost'', the other meaning ``you can do -whatever you like''. Apart from one or two things you cannot -do with the FreeBSD code, for example pretending you wrote it, you -really can do whatever you like with it. - - - - -What is the latest version of FreeBSD? - -Version 3.4 is the latest stable version; it was released -in December, 1999. This is also the latest release version. - -Briefly explained, -STABLE is aimed at the ISP or other -corporate user who wants stability and a low change count over -the wizzy new features of the latest -CURRENT snapshot. -Releases can come from either "branch," but you should only use --CURRENT if you're sure that you're prepared for its -increased volatility (relative to -STABLE, that is). - -Releases are only made every few months. While many people stay more up-to-date with the -FreeBSD sources (see the questions on FreeBSD-CURRENT and FreeBSD-STABLE) than that, doing so is more of a -commitment, as the sources are a moving target. - - - - -What is FreeBSD-CURRENT? - -FreeBSD-CURRENT is the -development version of the operating system, which will in due -course become 4.0-RELEASE. As such, it is really only of interest -to developers working on the system and die-hard hobbyists. -See the relevant section -in the handbook for -details on running -CURRENT. - -If you are not familiar with the operating system or are not -capable of identifying the difference between a real problem and -a temporary problem, you should not use FreeBSD-CURRENT. This -branch sometimes evolves quite quickly and can be un-buildable -for a number of days at a time. People that use FreeBSD-CURRENT -are expected to be able to analyze any problems and only report them -if they are deemed to be mistakes rather than ``glitches''. Questions -such as ``make world produces some error about groups'' on the --CURRENT mailing list are sometimes treated with contempt. - -Every now and again, a snapshot release is also made of this -CURRENT development -code, CDROM distributions of the occasional snapshot even now being -made available. The goals behind each snapshot release are: - - - - - -To test the latest version of the installation software. - - - - -To give people who would like to run -CURRENT but who don't -have the time and/or bandwidth to follow it on a day-to-day -basis an easy way of bootstrapping it onto their systems. - - - - -To preserve a fixed reference point for the code in question, -just in case we break something really badly later. (Although -CVS normally prevents anything horrible like this happening :) - - - - -To ensure that any new features in need of testing have the -greatest possible number of potential testers. - - - - - -No claims are made that any snapshot can be considered -``production quality'' for any purpose. For stability -and tested mettle, you will have to stick to full releases. - -Snapshot releases are directly available from ftp://current.FreeBSD.org/pub/FreeBSD/ and are generated, -on the average, once a day for both the 4.0-CURRENT and 3.0-STABLE -branches. - - - - -What is the FreeBSD-STABLE concept? - -Back when FreeBSD 2.0.5 was released, we decided to branch FreeBSD -development into two parts. One branch was named -STABLE, with the -intention that only well-tested bug fixes and small incremental -enhancements would be made to it (for Internet Service Providers -and other commercial enterprises for whom sudden shifts or -experimental features are quite undesirable). The other branch was --CURRENT, which -essentially has been one unbroken line leading towards 4.0-RELEASE -(and beyond) since 2.0 was released. If a little ASCII art would -help, this is how it looks: - - - 2.0 + 2.0 | | | [2.1-STABLE] @@ -249,546 +294,623 @@ help, this is how it looks: \|/ + [4.0-CURRENT continues] - + + The -CURRENT branch is slowly progressing towards 4.0 and + beyond, the previous 2.2-STABLE branch having been retired + with the release of 2.2.8. 3.4-STABLE has now replaced it, + with 3.4-RELEASE being released in mid-December 1999. + 4.0-CURRENT is now the "current branch", with the first 4.0 + releases appearing in Q1 2000. + + + + + + When are FreeBSD releases made? + + + + As a general principle, the FreeBSD core team only release + a new version of FreeBSD when they believe that there are + sufficient new features and/or bug fixes to justify one, and + are satisfied that the changes made have settled down + sufficiently to avoid compromising the stability of the + release. Many users regard this caution as one of the best + things about FreeBSD, although it can be a little frustrating + when waiting for all the latest goodies to become + available... -The -CURRENT branch is slowly progressing towards 4.0 and beyond, -the previous 2.2-STABLE branch having been retired with the release -of 2.2.8. 3.4-STABLE has now replaced it, with 3.4-RELEASE being released -in mid-December 1999. 4.0-CURRENT is now the "current branch", -with the first 4.0 releases appearing in Q1 2000. + Releases are made about every 4 months on average. - + For people needing (or wanting) a little more excitement, + there are SNAPs released more frequently, particularly during + the month or so leading up to a release. + + - -When are FreeBSD releases made? + + + Is FreeBSD only available for PCs ? + -As a general principle, the FreeBSD core team only release a new -version of FreeBSD when they believe that there are sufficient new -features and/or bug fixes to justify one, and are satisfied that the -changes made have settled down sufficiently to avoid compromising the -stability of the release. Many users regard this caution as one of -the best things about FreeBSD, although it can be a little -frustrating when waiting for all the latest goodies to become -available... + + FreeBSD 3.x currently runs on the DEC Alpha as well as the + x86 architecture. Some interest has also been expressed in a + SPARC port, but details on this project are not yet + clear. + + If your machine has a different architecture and you need + something right now, we suggest you look at NetBSD or OpenBSD. + + + + + + Who is responsible for FreeBSD? + + + + The key decisions concerning the FreeBSD project, such as + the overall direction of the project and who is allowed to add + code to the source tree, are made by a core team of + some 15 people. There is a much larger team of over 150 committers who + are authorized to make changes directly to the FreeBSD source + tree. + + However, most non-trivial changes are discussed in advance + in the mailing lists, and there + are no restrictions on who may take part in the + discussion. + + + + + + Where can I get FreeBSD? + + + + Every significant release of FreeBSD is available via + anonymous ftp from the FreeBSD FTP site: + + + + For the current 2.2-STABLE release, 2.2.8R, see the + 2.2.8-RELEASE + directory. + + + + For the current 3.X-STABLE release, 3.4-RELEASE, see + the 3.4-RELEASE + directory. + + + + 2.2 Snapshot + releases are made once a day along the RELENG_2_2 branch (post + 2.2.8) as it slowly winds down in maintenance mode. The + RELENG_2_2 branch is currently being carefully maintained by + the legacy support folks and no changes other than those + strictly necessary for security or reliability enhancements + are now made. + + + + 3.X Snapshot + releases are also made once a day along the RELENG_3 branch + (post 3.0-RELEASE) as it continues on its way towards + 3.4-RELEASE. + + + + 4.0 Snapshot + releases are made once a day for the -CURRENT branch, these being of + service purely to bleeding-edge testers and + developers. + + -Releases are made about every 4 months on average. + FreeBSD is also available via CDROM, from the following + place(s): + +
+ Walnut Creek CDROM + 4041 Pike Lane, Suite F + Concord, CA 94520 + USA + + Orders: +1 800 786-9907 + Questions: +1 925 674-0783 + FAX: +1 925 674-0821 + email: WC Orders address + WWW: WC Home page +
-For people needing (or wanting) a little more excitement, there are -SNAPs released more frequently, particularly during the month or so -leading up to a release. + In Australia, you may find it at: - +
+ Advanced Multimedia Distributors + Factory 1/1 Ovata Drive + Tullamarine, Melbourne + Victoria + Australia + Voice: +61 3 9338 6777 - -Is FreeBSD only available for PCs ? + CDROM Support BBS + 17 Irvine St + Peppermint Grove, WA 6011 + Voice: +61 9 385-3793 + Fax: +61 9 385-2360 +
-FreeBSD 3.x currently runs on the DEC Alpha as well as the -x86 architecture. Some interest has also been expressed in a -SPARC port, but details on this project are not yet clear. + And in the UK: + +
+ The Public Domain & Shareware Library + Winscombe House, Beacon Rd + Crowborough + Sussex. TN6 1UL + Voice: +44 1892 663-298 + Fax: +44 1892 667-473 +
+ + + + + + Where do I find info on the FreeBSD mailing lists? + + + + You can find full information in the Handbook + entry on mailing-lists. + + + + + + Where do I find the FreeBSD Y2K info? + + + + You can find full information in the FreeBSD Y2K + page. + + + + + + What FreeBSD news groups are available? + + + + You can find full information in the Handbook entry on + newsgroups. + + + + + + Are there FreeBSD IRC (Internet Relay Chat) + channels? + + + + Yes, most major IRC networks host a FreeBSD chat + channel: + + + + Channel #FreeBSD on + EFNet is a FreeBSD forum, but don't go there for tech + support or to try and get folks there to help you avoid + the pain of reading man pages or doing your own research. + It is a chat channel, first and foremost, and topics there + are just as likely to involve sex, sports or nuclear + weapons as they are FreeBSD. You Have Been Warned! + Available at server irc.chat.org. + + + + Channel #FreeBSD on + DALNET is available at irc.dal.net in the + US and irc.eu.dal.net in Europe. + + + + Channel #FreeBSD on + UNDERNET is available at us.undernet.org + in the US and eu.undernet.org in Europe. + Since it is a help channel, be prepared to read the + documents you are referred to. + + + + Each of these channels are distinct and are not connected + to each other. Their chat styles also differ, so you may need + to try each to find one suited to your chat style. As with + *all* types of IRC traffic, if you're easily offended or can't + deal with lots of young people (and more than a few older + ones) doing the verbal equivalent of jello wrestling, don't + even bother with it. + + + + + + Books on FreeBSD + + + + There is a FreeBSD Documentation Project which you may + contact (or even better, join) on the doc mailing list: <freebsd-doc@FreeBSD.org>. + This list is for discussion of the FreeBSD documentation. For + actual questions about FreeBSD, there is the questions mailing list: <freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.org>. -If your machine has a different architecture and -you need something right now, we suggest you look at -NetBSD or -OpenBSD. + A FreeBSD ``handbook'' is available, and can be found as: + the FreeBSD + Handbook. Note that this is a work in progress, and + so parts may be incomplete. + + The definitive printed guide on FreeBSD is ``The Complete + FreeBSD'', written by Greg Lehey and published by Walnut Creek + CDROM Books. Now in its second edition, the book contains + 1,750 pages of install & system administration guidance, + program setup help, and manual pages. The book (and current + FreeBSD release) can be ordered from Walnut Creek, CheapBytes, or at your + favorite bookstore. The ISBN is 1-57176-227-2. + + However, as FreeBSD 2.2.X is based upon Berkeley + 4.4BSD-Lite2, most of the 4.4BSD manuals are applicable to + FreeBSD 2.2.X. O'Reilly and Associates publishes these + manuals: + + + + 4.4BSD System Manager's Manual + By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley + 1st Edition June 1994, 804 pages + ISBN: + 1-56592-080-5 + + + + 4.4BSD User's Reference Manual + By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley + 1st Edition June 1994, 905 pages + ISBN: + 1-56592-075-9 + + + + 4.4BSD User's Supplementary Documents + By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley + 1st Edition July 1994, 712 pages + ISBN: + 1-56592-076-7 + + + + 4.4BSD Programmer's Reference Manual + By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley + 1st Edition June 1994, 886 pages + ISBN: + 1-56592-078-3 + + + + 4.4BSD Programmer's Supplementary Documents + By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley + 1st Edition July 1994, 596 pages + ISBN: + 1-56592-079-1 + + + + A description of these can be found via WWW as: + + 4.4BSD + books description. Due to poor sales, however, these + manuals may be hard to get a hold of. + + For a more in-depth look at the 4.4BSD kernel + organization, you can't go wrong with: + + McKusick, Marshall Kirk, Keith Bostic, Michael J Karels, + and John Quarterman. - + The Design and Implementation of the 4.4BSD + Operating System. Reading, Mass. : + Addison-Wesley, 1996. + ISBN + 0-201-54979-4 - - Who is responsible for FreeBSD? - -The key decisions concerning the FreeBSD project, such as the -overall direction of the project and who is allowed to add code to -the source tree, are made by a core team of some 15 people. There is a much larger team of -over 150 committers who are authorized to make changes directly to the -FreeBSD source tree. + A good book on system administration is: -However, most non-trivial changes are discussed in advance in the -mailing lists, and there are no restrictions -on who may take part in the discussion. + Evi Nemeth, Garth Snyder, Scott Seebass & Trent R. + Hein, + ``Unix System Administration Handbook'', Prentice-Hall, + 1995 + ISBN: + 0-13-151051-7 + + NOTE make sure you get the second + edition, with a red cover, instead of the first + edition. + + This book covers the basics, as well as TCP/IP, DNS, NFS, + SLIP/PPP, sendmail, INN/NNTP, printing, etc.. It's expensive + (approx. US$45-$55), but worth it. It also includes + a CDROM with the sources for various tools; most of these, + however, are also on the FreeBSD 2.2.6R CDROM (and the FreeBSD + CDROM often has newer versions). + + + + + + How do I access your Problem Report database? + + + + The Problem Report database of all user change requests + may be queried (or submitted to) by using our web-based PR + submission + and query + interfaces. The send-pr(1) command can + also be used to submit problem reports and change requests via + electronic mail. + + + + + + Where can I get ASCII/PostScript versions of the + FAQ? + + + + The up-to-date FAQ is available from the FreeBSD Web + Server or any mirror as PostScript and plain text (7 bit ASCII + and 8-bit Latin1). + + As PostScript (about 370KB): + + + + http://www.FreeBSD.org/FAQ/FAQ.ps + + - + As ASCII text (about 220KB): - -Where can I get FreeBSD? - -Every significant release of FreeBSD is available via anonymous ftp -from the FreeBSD FTP site: + + + http://www.FreeBSD.org/FAQ/FAQ.ascii + + - - + As ISO 8859-1 text (about 220KB): - -For the current 2.2-STABLE release, 2.2.8R, see the -2.2.8-RELEASE directory. - - + + + http://www.FreeBSD.org/FAQ/FAQ.latin1 + + + + - -For the current 3.X-STABLE release, 3.4-RELEASE, see the -3.4-RELEASE directory. - - + + + Where can I get ASCII/PostScript versions of the + Handbook? + - -2.2 Snapshot releases are made once a day along the -RELENG_2_2 branch (post 2.2.8) as it slowly winds down in -maintenance mode. The RELENG_2_2 branch is currently being carefully -maintained by the legacy support folks and no changes other than -those strictly necessary for security or reliability enhancements -are now made. - - + + The up-to-date Handbook is available from the FreeBSD Web + Server or any mirror as PostScript and plain text (7 bit ASCII + and 8-bit Latin1). - -3.X Snapshot releases are also made once a day along the -RELENG_3 branch (post 3.0-RELEASE) as it continues on its way -towards 3.4-RELEASE. - - + As PostScript (about 1.7MB): - -4.0 Snapshot releases are made once a day for the --CURRENT branch, these being of service -purely to bleeding-edge testers and developers. - + + + http://www.FreeBSD.org/handbook/handbook.ps + + - - + As ASCII text (about 1080KB): + + + + http://www.FreeBSD.org/handbook/handbook.ascii + + + + As ISO 8859-1 text (about 1080KB): + + + + http://www.FreeBSD.org/handbook/handbook.latin1 + + + + + + + + The ASCII handbook isn't plain text! + + + + True, the ASCII and Latin1 versions of the FAQ and + Handbook aren't strictly plaintext; they contain underlines + and overprints that assume the output is going directly to a + dot matrix printer. If you need to reformat them to be + human-readable, run the file through col: + + + +$ col -b < inputfile > outputfile + + + + + + I'd like to become a FreeBSD Web mirror! + + + + Certainly! There are multiple ways to mirror the Web + pages. + + + + + + Using CVSUP: You can retrieve the formatted files + using CVSUP from cvsup.FreeBSD.org. Add this line to + your cvsup file: + + +www release=current hostname=/home base=/usr/local/etc/cvsup +prefix=/usr/local/www/data/www.FreeBSD.org delete old use-rel-suffix + + + + Using rsync: See the + mirroring page for information. + + + + Using ftp mirror: You can download the FTP server's + copy of the web site using your favorite ftp mirror tool. + Simply start at + ftp://ftp.FreeBSD.org/pub/FreeBSD/FreeBSD-CURRENT/www. + + + + + + + + I'd like to translate the documentation into + Friesian. + + + + Well, we can't pay, but we might arrange a free CD or + T-shirt and a Contributor's Handbook entry if you submit a + translation of the documentation. + + + + + + Other sources of information. + + + + The following newsgroups contain pertinent discussion for + FreeBSD users: -FreeBSD is also available via CDROM, from the following place(s): + + + + + comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.announce + (moderated) + + + + comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.misc + + + + comp.unix.bsd.misc + + + + Web resources: -
- Walnut Creek CDROM - 4041 Pike Lane, Suite F - Concord, CA 94520 - USA + - Orders: +1 800 786-9907 - Questions: +1 925 674-0783 - FAX: +1 925 674-0821 - email: WC Orders address - WWW: WC Home page -
+ + + The FreeBSD Home Page. + + + + If you have a laptop, be sure and see + Tatsumi + Hosokawa's Mobile Computing page in Japan. + + + + For information on SMP (Symmetric + MultiProcessing), please see the SMP support page. + + + + For information on FreeBSD + multimedia applications, please see the multimedia + page. If you're interested specifically in the Bt848 + video capture chip, then follow that link. + + -In Australia, you may find it at: - -
- Advanced Multimedia Distributors - Factory 1/1 Ovata Drive - Tullamarine, Melbourne - Victoria - Australia - Voice: +61 3 9338 6777 - - CDROM Support BBS - 17 Irvine St - Peppermint Grove WA 6011 - Voice: +61 9 385-3793 - Fax: +61 9 385-2360 -
- -And in the UK: - -
- The Public Domain & Shareware Library - Winscombe House, Beacon Rd - Crowborough - Sussex. TN6 1UL - Voice: +44 1892 663-298 - Fax: +44 1892 667-473 -
- - - - - Where do I find info on the FreeBSD mailing lists? - - -You can find full information in the Handbook entry on mailing-lists. - - - - -Where do I find the FreeBSD Y2K info? - -You can find full information in the FreeBSD Y2K page. - - - - -What FreeBSD news groups are available? - -You can find full information in theHandbook entry on newsgroups. - - - - - Are there FreeBSD IRC (Internet Relay Chat) channels? - - -Yes, most major IRC networks host a FreeBSD chat -channel: - - - - - -Channel #FreeBSD on EFNet is -a FreeBSD forum, but don't go there for tech support -or to try and get folks there to help you avoid the pain of -reading man pages or doing your own research. It is a chat -channel, first and foremost, and topics there are just as likely -to involve sex, sports or nuclear weapons as they are FreeBSD. -You Have Been Warned! -Available at server irc.chat.org. - - - - -Channel #FreeBSD on DALNET -is available at irc.dal.net in the US and -irc.eu.dal.net in Europe. - - - - -Channel #FreeBSD on UNDERNET is -available at us.undernet.org in the US and -eu.undernet.org in Europe. Since it is a help -channel, be prepared to read the documents you are referred to. - - - - - - -Each of these channels are distinct and are not connected to -each other. Their chat styles also differ, so you may need to try -each to find one suited to your chat style. As with *all* types -of IRC traffic, if you're easily offended or can't deal with lots -of young people (and more than a few older ones) doing the verbal -equivalent of jello wrestling, don't even bother with it. - - - - -Books on FreeBSD - -There is a FreeBSD Documentation Project which you may contact (or -even better, join) on the doc mailing list: -<freebsd-doc@FreeBSD.org>. -This list is for discussion of the FreeBSD documentation. For -actual questions about FreeBSD, there is the questions -mailing list: -<freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.org>. - -A FreeBSD ``handbook'' is available, and can be found as: -the FreeBSD Handbook. -Note that this is a work in progress, and so parts may be incomplete. - -The definitive printed guide on FreeBSD is ``The Complete FreeBSD'', -written by Greg Lehey and published by Walnut Creek CDROM Books. Now -in its second edition, the book contains 1,750 pages of install & -system administration guidance, program setup help, and manual pages. -The book (and current FreeBSD release) can be ordered from -Walnut Creek, -CheapBytes, or at your -favorite bookstore. The ISBN is 1-57176-227-2. - -However, as FreeBSD 2.2.X is based upon Berkeley 4.4BSD-Lite2, most -of the 4.4BSD manuals are applicable to FreeBSD 2.2.X. O'Reilly -and Associates publishes these manuals: - - - - - -4.4BSD System Manager's Manual -By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley -1st Edition June 1994, 804 pages -ISBN: 1-56592-080-5 - - - - -4.4BSD User's Reference Manual -By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley -1st Edition June 1994, 905 pages -ISBN: 1-56592-075-9 - - - - -4.4BSD User's Supplementary Documents -By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley -1st Edition July 1994, 712 pages -ISBN: 1-56592-076-7 - - - - -4.4BSD Programmer's Reference Manual -By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley -1st Edition June 1994, 886 pages -ISBN: 1-56592-078-3 - - - - -4.4BSD Programmer's Supplementary Documents -By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley -1st Edition July 1994, 596 pages -ISBN: 1-56592-079-1 - - - - - -A description of these can be found via WWW as: - -4.4BSD books description. Due to poor sales, however, these -manuals may be hard to get a hold of. - -For a more in-depth look at the 4.4BSD kernel organization, -you can't go wrong with: - -McKusick, Marshall Kirk, Keith Bostic, Michael J Karels, -and John Quarterman. - -The Design and Implementation of the 4.4BSD Operating -System. Reading, Mass. : Addison-Wesley, 1996. -ISBN 0-201-54979-4 - -A good book on system administration is: - -Evi Nemeth, Garth Snyder, Scott Seebass & Trent R. Hein, -``Unix System Administration Handbook'', Prentice-Hall, 1995 -ISBN: 0-13-151051-7 - -NOTE make sure you get the second edition, with a red cover, -instead of the first edition. - -This book covers the basics, as well as TCP/IP, DNS, NFS, -SLIP/PPP, sendmail, INN/NNTP, printing, etc.. It's expensive -(approx. US$45-$55), but worth it. It also -includes a CDROM with the sources for various tools; most of -these, however, are also on the FreeBSD 2.2.6R CDROM (and the -FreeBSD CDROM often has newer versions). - - - - -How do I access your Problem Report database? - -The Problem Report database of all user change requests -may be queried (or submitted to) by using our web-based PR -submission -and query interfaces. The send-pr(1) command -can also be used to submit problem reports and change requests via -electronic mail. - - - - -Where can I get ASCII/PostScript versions of the FAQ? - -The up-to-date FAQ is available from the FreeBSD Web Server or any -mirror as PostScript and plain text (7 bit ASCII and 8-bit Latin1). - -As PostScript (about 370KB): - - - -http://www.FreeBSD.org/FAQ/FAQ.ps - - - - - -As ASCII text (about 220KB): - - - -http://www.FreeBSD.org/FAQ/FAQ.ascii - - - - - -As ISO 8859-1 text (about 220KB): - - - -http://www.FreeBSD.org/FAQ/FAQ.latin1 - - - - - - - - -Where can I get ASCII/PostScript versions of the Handbook? - -The up-to-date Handbook is available from the FreeBSD Web Server or any -mirror as PostScript and plain text (7 bit ASCII and 8-bit Latin1). - -As PostScript (about 1.7MB): - - - -http://www.FreeBSD.org/handbook/handbook.ps - - - - - -As ASCII text (about 1080KB): - - - -http://www.FreeBSD.org/handbook/handbook.ascii - - - - - -As ISO 8859-1 text (about 1080KB): - - - -http://www.FreeBSD.org/handbook/handbook.latin1 - - - - - - - - -The ASCII handbook isn't plain text! - -True, the ASCII and Latin1 versions of the FAQ and Handbook aren't -strictly plaintext; they contain underlines and overprints that -assume the output is going directly to a dot matrix printer. If you -need to reformat them to be human-readable, run the file through col: - - - $ col -b < inputfile > outputfile - - - - - - -I'd like to become a FreeBSD Web mirror! - -Certainly! There are multiple ways to mirror the Web pages. - - - - - -Using CVSUP: You can retrieve the formatted files using CVSUP -from cvsup.FreeBSD.org. Add this line to your cvsup file: - -www release=current hostname=/home base=/usr/local/etc/cvsup -prefix=/usr/local/www/data/www.FreeBSD.org delete old use-rel-suffix - - - - - - -Using rsync: See the mirroring page for information. - - - -Using ftp mirror: You can download the FTP server's copy of -the web site using your favorite ftp mirror tool. Simply start at -ftp://ftp.FreeBSD.org/pub/FreeBSD/FreeBSD-CURRENT/www. - - - - - - - - -I'd like to translate the documentation into Friesian. - -Well, we can't pay, but we might arrange a free CD or T-shirt and a -Contributor's Handbook entry if you submit a translation of the -documentation. - - - - -Other sources of information. - -The following newsgroups contain pertinent discussion for FreeBSD -users: - - - - - -comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.announce (moderated) - - - - -comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.misc - - - - -comp.unix.bsd.misc - - - - - -Web resources: - - - - - -The FreeBSD Home Page. - - - - -If you have a laptop, be sure and see -Tatsumi Hosokawa's Mobile Computing page in Japan. - - - - -For information on SMP (Symmetric -MultiProcessing), please see the SMP support page. - - - - -For information on FreeBSD multimedia -applications, please see the multimediapage. If you're interested specifically in -the Bt848 video capture chip, then follow that link. - - - - - -The FreeBSD handbook also has a fairly complete -bibliography -section which is worth reading if you're looking for actual -books to buy. - - - + The FreeBSD handbook also has a fairly complete bibliography + section which is worth reading if you're looking for actual + books to buy. + + + + diff --git a/en_US.ISO_8859-1/books/faq/book.sgml b/en_US.ISO_8859-1/books/faq/book.sgml index e1c70ac5f2..f9a87a189c 100644 --- a/en_US.ISO_8859-1/books/faq/book.sgml +++ b/en_US.ISO_8859-1/books/faq/book.sgml @@ -4,227 +4,272 @@ ]> + + Frequently Asked Questions for FreeBSD 2.X and 3.X - -Frequently Asked Questions for FreeBSD 2.X and 3.X + + + The FreeBSD Documentation Project + + - - -The FreeBSD Documentation Project - - + $FreeBSD: doc/en_US.ISO_8859-1/books/faq/book.sgml,v 1.41 2000/02/17 21:13:20 jim Exp $ -$FreeBSD: doc/en_US.ISO_8859-1/books/faq/book.sgml,v 1.40 2000/02/14 21:14:49 jim Exp $ + + This is the FAQ for FreeBSD versions 2.X and 3.X. All entries + are assumed to be relevant to FreeBSD 2.0.5 and later, unless + otherwise noted. Any entries with a <XXX> are under + construction. If you are interested in helping with this project, + send email to the the FreeBSD documentation project mailing list + <freebsd-doc@FreeBSD.org>. + The latest version of this document is always available from the + FreeBSD World Wide Web + server. It may also be downloaded as one large HTML file with HTTP or as plain text, + postscript, or PDF from the FreeBSD FTP + server. You may also want to Search the + FAQ. + + - This is the FAQ for FreeBSD versions 2.X and 3.X. All entries are - assumed to be relevant to FreeBSD 2.0.5 and later, unless otherwise noted. - Any entries with a <XXX> are under construction. - If you are interested in helping with this project, send - email to the the FreeBSD documentation project mailing list <freebsd-doc@FreeBSD.org>. - The latest version of this document is always available from the FreeBSD World Wide Web server. - It may also be downloaded as one large HTML file with HTTP or as plain text, postscript, or PDF from the FreeBSD FTP server. You may also want to Search the FAQ. + + Preface - + Welcome to the FreeBSD 2.X-3.X FAQ! - -Preface + As is usual with Usenet FAQs, this document aims to cover the + most frequently asked questions concerning the FreeBSD operating + system (and of course answer them!). Although originally intended + to reduce bandwidth and avoid the same old questions being asked + over and over again, FAQs have become recognized as valuable + information resources. -Welcome to the FreeBSD 2.X-3.X FAQ! + Every effort has been made to make this FAQ as informative as + possible; if you have any suggestions as to how it may be improved, + please feel free to mail them to the FAQ maintainer. + + + + + What is FreeBSD? + + + + Briefly, FreeBSD 2.X is a UN*X-like operating system based + on U.C. Berkeley's 4.4BSD-lite release for the i386 platform. + It is also based indirectly on William Jolitz's port of U.C. + Berkeley's Net/2 to the i386, known as 386BSD, though very + little of the 386BSD code remains. A fuller description of + what FreeBSD is and how it can work for you may be found on + the FreeBSD home + page. + + FreeBSD is used by companies, Internet Service Providers, + researchers, computer professionals, students and home users + all over the world in their work, education and recreation. + See some of them in the FreeBSD Gallery. + + For more detailed information on FreeBSD, please see the + FreeBSD + Handbook. + + + + + + What are the goals of FreeBSD? + + + + The goals of the FreeBSD Project are to provide software + that may be used for any purpose and without strings attached. + Many of us have a significant investment in the code (and + project) and would certainly not mind a little financial + compensation now and then, but we're definitely not prepared + to insist on it. We believe that our first and foremost + "mission" is to provide code to any and all comers, and for + whatever purpose, so that the code gets the widest possible + use and provides the widest possible benefit. This is, we + believe, one of the most fundamental goals of Free Software + and one that we enthusiastically support. -As is usual with Usenet FAQs, this document aims to cover the most -frequently asked questions concerning the FreeBSD operating system -(and of course answer them!). Although originally intended to reduce -bandwidth and avoid the same old questions being asked over and over -again, FAQs have become recognized as valuable information resources. + That code in our source tree which falls under the GNU + General Public License (GPL) or GNU Library General Public + License (LGPL) comes with slightly more strings attached, + though at least on the side of enforced access rather than the + usual opposite. Due to the additional complexities that can + evolve in the commercial use of GPL software, we do, however, + endeavor to replace such software with submissions under the + more relaxed BSD copyright whenever possible. + + + + + + Why is it called FreeBSD? + + + + + + It may be used free of charge, even by commercial + users. + + + + Full source for the operating system is freely + available, and the minimum possible restrictions have + been placed upon its use, distribution and incorporation + into other work (commercial or non-commercial). + + + + Anyone who has an improvement and/or bug fix is free + to submit their code and have it added to the source tree + (subject to one or two obvious provisos). + + + + For those of our readers whose first language is not + English, it may be worth pointing out that the word ``free'' + is being used in two ways here, one meaning ``at no cost'', + the other meaning ``you can do whatever you like''. Apart + from one or two things you + cannot do with the FreeBSD code, + for example pretending you wrote it, you really can do + whatever you like with it. + + + + + + What is the latest version of FreeBSD? + + + + Version 3.4 + is the latest stable version; it was + released in December, 1999. This is also the latest + release version. + + Briefly explained, -STABLE is aimed + at the ISP or other corporate user who wants stability and a + low change count over the wizzy new features of the latest + -CURRENT snapshot. Releases can come + from either "branch," but you should only use + -CURRENT if you're sure that you're + prepared for its increased volatility (relative to + -STABLE, that is). + + Releases are only made every + few months. While many people stay more up-to-date with + the FreeBSD sources (see the questions on FreeBSD-CURRENT and FreeBSD-STABLE) than that, doing so + is more of a commitment, as the sources are a moving + target. + + + + + + What is FreeBSD-CURRENT? + + + + FreeBSD-CURRENT + is the development version of the operating system, which will + in due course become 4.0-RELEASE. As such, it is really only + of interest to developers working on the system and die-hard + hobbyists. See the relevant + section in the handbook for details on + running -CURRENT. + + If you are not familiar with the operating system or are + not capable of identifying the difference between a real + problem and a temporary problem, you should not use + FreeBSD-CURRENT. This branch sometimes evolves quite quickly + and can be un-buildable for a number of days at a time. + People that use FreeBSD-CURRENT are expected to be able to + analyze any problems and only report them if they are deemed + to be mistakes rather than ``glitches''. Questions such as + ``make world produces some error about groups'' on the + -CURRENT mailing list are sometimes treated with + contempt. + + Every now and again, a snapshot release is + also made of this -CURRENT development code, CDROM + distributions of the occasional snapshot even now being made + available. The goals behind each snapshot release are: + + + + To test the latest version of the installation + software. + + + + To give people who would like to run -CURRENT but who + don't have the time and/or bandwidth to follow it on a + day-to-day basis an easy way of bootstrapping it onto + their systems. + + + + To preserve a fixed reference point for the code in + question, just in case we break something really badly + later. (Although CVS normally prevents anything horrible + like this happening :) + + + + To ensure that any new features in need of testing + have the greatest possible number of potential + testers. + + -Every effort has been made to make this FAQ as informative as -possible; if you have any suggestions as to how it may be improved, -please feel free to mail them to the FAQ maintainer. + No claims are made that any snapshot can be considered + ``production quality'' for any purpose. For stability and + tested mettle, you will have to stick to full + releases. - -What is FreeBSD? + Snapshot releases are directly available from ftp://current.FreeBSD.org/pub/FreeBSD/ + and are generated, on the average, once a day for both the + 4.0-CURRENT and 3.0-STABLE branches. + + -Briefly, FreeBSD 2.X is a UN*X-like operating system based on -U.C. Berkeley's 4.4BSD-lite release for the i386 platform. It is -also based indirectly on William Jolitz's port of U.C. Berkeley's -Net/2 to the i386, known as 386BSD, though very little of the 386BSD -code remains. A fuller description of what FreeBSD is and how -it can work for you may be found on the FreeBSD home page. + + + What is the FreeBSD-STABLE concept? + + + + Back when FreeBSD 2.0.5 was released, we decided to + branch FreeBSD development into two parts. One branch was + named -STABLE, + with the intention that only well-tested bug fixes and small + incremental enhancements would be made to it (for Internet + Service Providers and other commercial enterprises for whom + sudden shifts or experimental features are quite + undesirable). The other branch was -CURRENT, + which essentially has been one unbroken line leading towards + 4.0-RELEASE (and beyond) since 2.0 was released. If a little + ASCII art would help, this is how it looks: -FreeBSD is used by companies, Internet Service Providers, researchers, -computer professionals, students and home users all over the world -in their work, education and recreation. See some of them in the -FreeBSD Gallery. - -For more detailed information on FreeBSD, please see the -FreeBSD Handbook. - - - - -What are the goals of FreeBSD? - -The goals of the FreeBSD Project are to provide software that may -be used for any purpose and without strings attached. Many of us -have a significant investment in the code (and project) and would -certainly not mind a little financial compensation now and then, -but we're definitely not prepared to insist on it. We believe -that our first and foremost "mission" is to provide code to any -and all comers, and for whatever purpose, so that the code gets -the widest possible use and provides the widest possible benefit. -This is, we believe, one of the most fundamental goals of Free -Software and one that we enthusiastically support. - -That code in our source tree which falls under the GNU General -Public License (GPL) or GNU Library General Public License (LGPL) -comes with slightly more strings attached, though at least on the -side of enforced access rather than the usual opposite. Due to the -additional complexities that can evolve in the commercial use of -GPL software, we do, however, endeavor to replace such software -with submissions under the more relaxed BSD copyright whenever -possible. - - - - -Why is it called FreeBSD? - - - - - -It may be used free of charge, even by commercial users. - - - - -Full source for the operating system is freely available, and -the minimum possible restrictions have been placed upon its -use, distribution and incorporation into other work (commercial -or non-commercial). - - - - -Anyone who has an improvement and/or bug fix is free to submit -their code and have it added to the source tree (subject to -one or two obvious provisos). - - - - - -For those of our readers whose first language is not English, it -may be worth pointing out that the word ``free'' is being used in two -ways here, one meaning ``at no cost'', the other meaning ``you can do -whatever you like''. Apart from one or two things you cannot -do with the FreeBSD code, for example pretending you wrote it, you -really can do whatever you like with it. - - - - -What is the latest version of FreeBSD? - -Version 3.4 is the latest stable version; it was released -in December, 1999. This is also the latest release version. - -Briefly explained, -STABLE is aimed at the ISP or other -corporate user who wants stability and a low change count over -the wizzy new features of the latest -CURRENT snapshot. -Releases can come from either "branch," but you should only use --CURRENT if you're sure that you're prepared for its -increased volatility (relative to -STABLE, that is). - -Releases are only made every few months. While many people stay more up-to-date with the -FreeBSD sources (see the questions on FreeBSD-CURRENT and FreeBSD-STABLE) than that, doing so is more of a -commitment, as the sources are a moving target. - - - - -What is FreeBSD-CURRENT? - -FreeBSD-CURRENT is the -development version of the operating system, which will in due -course become 4.0-RELEASE. As such, it is really only of interest -to developers working on the system and die-hard hobbyists. -See the relevant section -in the handbook for -details on running -CURRENT. - -If you are not familiar with the operating system or are not -capable of identifying the difference between a real problem and -a temporary problem, you should not use FreeBSD-CURRENT. This -branch sometimes evolves quite quickly and can be un-buildable -for a number of days at a time. People that use FreeBSD-CURRENT -are expected to be able to analyze any problems and only report them -if they are deemed to be mistakes rather than ``glitches''. Questions -such as ``make world produces some error about groups'' on the --CURRENT mailing list are sometimes treated with contempt. - -Every now and again, a snapshot release is also made of this -CURRENT development -code, CDROM distributions of the occasional snapshot even now being -made available. The goals behind each snapshot release are: - - - - - -To test the latest version of the installation software. - - - - -To give people who would like to run -CURRENT but who don't -have the time and/or bandwidth to follow it on a day-to-day -basis an easy way of bootstrapping it onto their systems. - - - - -To preserve a fixed reference point for the code in question, -just in case we break something really badly later. (Although -CVS normally prevents anything horrible like this happening :) - - - - -To ensure that any new features in need of testing have the -greatest possible number of potential testers. - - - - - -No claims are made that any snapshot can be considered -``production quality'' for any purpose. For stability -and tested mettle, you will have to stick to full releases. - -Snapshot releases are directly available from ftp://current.FreeBSD.org/pub/FreeBSD/ and are generated, -on the average, once a day for both the 4.0-CURRENT and 3.0-STABLE -branches. - - - - -What is the FreeBSD-STABLE concept? - -Back when FreeBSD 2.0.5 was released, we decided to branch FreeBSD -development into two parts. One branch was named -STABLE, with the -intention that only well-tested bug fixes and small incremental -enhancements would be made to it (for Internet Service Providers -and other commercial enterprises for whom sudden shifts or -experimental features are quite undesirable). The other branch was --CURRENT, which -essentially has been one unbroken line leading towards 4.0-RELEASE -(and beyond) since 2.0 was released. If a little ASCII art would -help, this is how it looks: - - - 2.0 + 2.0 | | | [2.1-STABLE] @@ -249,546 +294,623 @@ help, this is how it looks: \|/ + [4.0-CURRENT continues] - + + The -CURRENT branch is slowly progressing towards 4.0 and + beyond, the previous 2.2-STABLE branch having been retired + with the release of 2.2.8. 3.4-STABLE has now replaced it, + with 3.4-RELEASE being released in mid-December 1999. + 4.0-CURRENT is now the "current branch", with the first 4.0 + releases appearing in Q1 2000. + + + + + + When are FreeBSD releases made? + + + + As a general principle, the FreeBSD core team only release + a new version of FreeBSD when they believe that there are + sufficient new features and/or bug fixes to justify one, and + are satisfied that the changes made have settled down + sufficiently to avoid compromising the stability of the + release. Many users regard this caution as one of the best + things about FreeBSD, although it can be a little frustrating + when waiting for all the latest goodies to become + available... -The -CURRENT branch is slowly progressing towards 4.0 and beyond, -the previous 2.2-STABLE branch having been retired with the release -of 2.2.8. 3.4-STABLE has now replaced it, with 3.4-RELEASE being released -in mid-December 1999. 4.0-CURRENT is now the "current branch", -with the first 4.0 releases appearing in Q1 2000. + Releases are made about every 4 months on average. - + For people needing (or wanting) a little more excitement, + there are SNAPs released more frequently, particularly during + the month or so leading up to a release. + + - -When are FreeBSD releases made? + + + Is FreeBSD only available for PCs ? + -As a general principle, the FreeBSD core team only release a new -version of FreeBSD when they believe that there are sufficient new -features and/or bug fixes to justify one, and are satisfied that the -changes made have settled down sufficiently to avoid compromising the -stability of the release. Many users regard this caution as one of -the best things about FreeBSD, although it can be a little -frustrating when waiting for all the latest goodies to become -available... + + FreeBSD 3.x currently runs on the DEC Alpha as well as the + x86 architecture. Some interest has also been expressed in a + SPARC port, but details on this project are not yet + clear. + + If your machine has a different architecture and you need + something right now, we suggest you look at NetBSD or OpenBSD. + + + + + + Who is responsible for FreeBSD? + + + + The key decisions concerning the FreeBSD project, such as + the overall direction of the project and who is allowed to add + code to the source tree, are made by a core team of + some 15 people. There is a much larger team of over 150 committers who + are authorized to make changes directly to the FreeBSD source + tree. + + However, most non-trivial changes are discussed in advance + in the mailing lists, and there + are no restrictions on who may take part in the + discussion. + + + + + + Where can I get FreeBSD? + + + + Every significant release of FreeBSD is available via + anonymous ftp from the FreeBSD FTP site: + + + + For the current 2.2-STABLE release, 2.2.8R, see the + 2.2.8-RELEASE + directory. + + + + For the current 3.X-STABLE release, 3.4-RELEASE, see + the 3.4-RELEASE + directory. + + + + 2.2 Snapshot + releases are made once a day along the RELENG_2_2 branch (post + 2.2.8) as it slowly winds down in maintenance mode. The + RELENG_2_2 branch is currently being carefully maintained by + the legacy support folks and no changes other than those + strictly necessary for security or reliability enhancements + are now made. + + + + 3.X Snapshot + releases are also made once a day along the RELENG_3 branch + (post 3.0-RELEASE) as it continues on its way towards + 3.4-RELEASE. + + + + 4.0 Snapshot + releases are made once a day for the -CURRENT branch, these being of + service purely to bleeding-edge testers and + developers. + + -Releases are made about every 4 months on average. + FreeBSD is also available via CDROM, from the following + place(s): + +
+ Walnut Creek CDROM + 4041 Pike Lane, Suite F + Concord, CA 94520 + USA + + Orders: +1 800 786-9907 + Questions: +1 925 674-0783 + FAX: +1 925 674-0821 + email: WC Orders address + WWW: WC Home page +
-For people needing (or wanting) a little more excitement, there are -SNAPs released more frequently, particularly during the month or so -leading up to a release. + In Australia, you may find it at: - +
+ Advanced Multimedia Distributors + Factory 1/1 Ovata Drive + Tullamarine, Melbourne + Victoria + Australia + Voice: +61 3 9338 6777 - -Is FreeBSD only available for PCs ? + CDROM Support BBS + 17 Irvine St + Peppermint Grove, WA 6011 + Voice: +61 9 385-3793 + Fax: +61 9 385-2360 +
-FreeBSD 3.x currently runs on the DEC Alpha as well as the -x86 architecture. Some interest has also been expressed in a -SPARC port, but details on this project are not yet clear. + And in the UK: + +
+ The Public Domain & Shareware Library + Winscombe House, Beacon Rd + Crowborough + Sussex. TN6 1UL + Voice: +44 1892 663-298 + Fax: +44 1892 667-473 +
+ + + + + + Where do I find info on the FreeBSD mailing lists? + + + + You can find full information in the Handbook + entry on mailing-lists. + + + + + + Where do I find the FreeBSD Y2K info? + + + + You can find full information in the FreeBSD Y2K + page. + + + + + + What FreeBSD news groups are available? + + + + You can find full information in the Handbook entry on + newsgroups. + + + + + + Are there FreeBSD IRC (Internet Relay Chat) + channels? + + + + Yes, most major IRC networks host a FreeBSD chat + channel: + + + + Channel #FreeBSD on + EFNet is a FreeBSD forum, but don't go there for tech + support or to try and get folks there to help you avoid + the pain of reading man pages or doing your own research. + It is a chat channel, first and foremost, and topics there + are just as likely to involve sex, sports or nuclear + weapons as they are FreeBSD. You Have Been Warned! + Available at server irc.chat.org. + + + + Channel #FreeBSD on + DALNET is available at irc.dal.net in the + US and irc.eu.dal.net in Europe. + + + + Channel #FreeBSD on + UNDERNET is available at us.undernet.org + in the US and eu.undernet.org in Europe. + Since it is a help channel, be prepared to read the + documents you are referred to. + + + + Each of these channels are distinct and are not connected + to each other. Their chat styles also differ, so you may need + to try each to find one suited to your chat style. As with + *all* types of IRC traffic, if you're easily offended or can't + deal with lots of young people (and more than a few older + ones) doing the verbal equivalent of jello wrestling, don't + even bother with it. + + + + + + Books on FreeBSD + + + + There is a FreeBSD Documentation Project which you may + contact (or even better, join) on the doc mailing list: <freebsd-doc@FreeBSD.org>. + This list is for discussion of the FreeBSD documentation. For + actual questions about FreeBSD, there is the questions mailing list: <freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.org>. -If your machine has a different architecture and -you need something right now, we suggest you look at -NetBSD or -OpenBSD. + A FreeBSD ``handbook'' is available, and can be found as: + the FreeBSD + Handbook. Note that this is a work in progress, and + so parts may be incomplete. + + The definitive printed guide on FreeBSD is ``The Complete + FreeBSD'', written by Greg Lehey and published by Walnut Creek + CDROM Books. Now in its second edition, the book contains + 1,750 pages of install & system administration guidance, + program setup help, and manual pages. The book (and current + FreeBSD release) can be ordered from Walnut Creek, CheapBytes, or at your + favorite bookstore. The ISBN is 1-57176-227-2. + + However, as FreeBSD 2.2.X is based upon Berkeley + 4.4BSD-Lite2, most of the 4.4BSD manuals are applicable to + FreeBSD 2.2.X. O'Reilly and Associates publishes these + manuals: + + + + 4.4BSD System Manager's Manual + By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley + 1st Edition June 1994, 804 pages + ISBN: + 1-56592-080-5 + + + + 4.4BSD User's Reference Manual + By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley + 1st Edition June 1994, 905 pages + ISBN: + 1-56592-075-9 + + + + 4.4BSD User's Supplementary Documents + By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley + 1st Edition July 1994, 712 pages + ISBN: + 1-56592-076-7 + + + + 4.4BSD Programmer's Reference Manual + By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley + 1st Edition June 1994, 886 pages + ISBN: + 1-56592-078-3 + + + + 4.4BSD Programmer's Supplementary Documents + By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley + 1st Edition July 1994, 596 pages + ISBN: + 1-56592-079-1 + + + + A description of these can be found via WWW as: + + 4.4BSD + books description. Due to poor sales, however, these + manuals may be hard to get a hold of. + + For a more in-depth look at the 4.4BSD kernel + organization, you can't go wrong with: + + McKusick, Marshall Kirk, Keith Bostic, Michael J Karels, + and John Quarterman. - + The Design and Implementation of the 4.4BSD + Operating System. Reading, Mass. : + Addison-Wesley, 1996. + ISBN + 0-201-54979-4 - - Who is responsible for FreeBSD? - -The key decisions concerning the FreeBSD project, such as the -overall direction of the project and who is allowed to add code to -the source tree, are made by a core team of some 15 people. There is a much larger team of -over 150 committers who are authorized to make changes directly to the -FreeBSD source tree. + A good book on system administration is: -However, most non-trivial changes are discussed in advance in the -mailing lists, and there are no restrictions -on who may take part in the discussion. + Evi Nemeth, Garth Snyder, Scott Seebass & Trent R. + Hein, + ``Unix System Administration Handbook'', Prentice-Hall, + 1995 + ISBN: + 0-13-151051-7 + + NOTE make sure you get the second + edition, with a red cover, instead of the first + edition. + + This book covers the basics, as well as TCP/IP, DNS, NFS, + SLIP/PPP, sendmail, INN/NNTP, printing, etc.. It's expensive + (approx. US$45-$55), but worth it. It also includes + a CDROM with the sources for various tools; most of these, + however, are also on the FreeBSD 2.2.6R CDROM (and the FreeBSD + CDROM often has newer versions). + + + + + + How do I access your Problem Report database? + + + + The Problem Report database of all user change requests + may be queried (or submitted to) by using our web-based PR + submission + and query + interfaces. The send-pr(1) command can + also be used to submit problem reports and change requests via + electronic mail. + + + + + + Where can I get ASCII/PostScript versions of the + FAQ? + + + + The up-to-date FAQ is available from the FreeBSD Web + Server or any mirror as PostScript and plain text (7 bit ASCII + and 8-bit Latin1). + + As PostScript (about 370KB): + + + + http://www.FreeBSD.org/FAQ/FAQ.ps + + - + As ASCII text (about 220KB): - -Where can I get FreeBSD? - -Every significant release of FreeBSD is available via anonymous ftp -from the FreeBSD FTP site: + + + http://www.FreeBSD.org/FAQ/FAQ.ascii + + - - + As ISO 8859-1 text (about 220KB): - -For the current 2.2-STABLE release, 2.2.8R, see the -2.2.8-RELEASE directory. - - + + + http://www.FreeBSD.org/FAQ/FAQ.latin1 + + + + - -For the current 3.X-STABLE release, 3.4-RELEASE, see the -3.4-RELEASE directory. - - + + + Where can I get ASCII/PostScript versions of the + Handbook? + - -2.2 Snapshot releases are made once a day along the -RELENG_2_2 branch (post 2.2.8) as it slowly winds down in -maintenance mode. The RELENG_2_2 branch is currently being carefully -maintained by the legacy support folks and no changes other than -those strictly necessary for security or reliability enhancements -are now made. - - + + The up-to-date Handbook is available from the FreeBSD Web + Server or any mirror as PostScript and plain text (7 bit ASCII + and 8-bit Latin1). - -3.X Snapshot releases are also made once a day along the -RELENG_3 branch (post 3.0-RELEASE) as it continues on its way -towards 3.4-RELEASE. - - + As PostScript (about 1.7MB): - -4.0 Snapshot releases are made once a day for the --CURRENT branch, these being of service -purely to bleeding-edge testers and developers. - + + + http://www.FreeBSD.org/handbook/handbook.ps + + - - + As ASCII text (about 1080KB): + + + + http://www.FreeBSD.org/handbook/handbook.ascii + + + + As ISO 8859-1 text (about 1080KB): + + + + http://www.FreeBSD.org/handbook/handbook.latin1 + + + + + + + + The ASCII handbook isn't plain text! + + + + True, the ASCII and Latin1 versions of the FAQ and + Handbook aren't strictly plaintext; they contain underlines + and overprints that assume the output is going directly to a + dot matrix printer. If you need to reformat them to be + human-readable, run the file through col: + + + +$ col -b < inputfile > outputfile + + + + + + I'd like to become a FreeBSD Web mirror! + + + + Certainly! There are multiple ways to mirror the Web + pages. + + + + + + Using CVSUP: You can retrieve the formatted files + using CVSUP from cvsup.FreeBSD.org. Add this line to + your cvsup file: + + +www release=current hostname=/home base=/usr/local/etc/cvsup +prefix=/usr/local/www/data/www.FreeBSD.org delete old use-rel-suffix + + + + Using rsync: See the + mirroring page for information. + + + + Using ftp mirror: You can download the FTP server's + copy of the web site using your favorite ftp mirror tool. + Simply start at + ftp://ftp.FreeBSD.org/pub/FreeBSD/FreeBSD-CURRENT/www. + + + + + + + + I'd like to translate the documentation into + Friesian. + + + + Well, we can't pay, but we might arrange a free CD or + T-shirt and a Contributor's Handbook entry if you submit a + translation of the documentation. + + + + + + Other sources of information. + + + + The following newsgroups contain pertinent discussion for + FreeBSD users: -FreeBSD is also available via CDROM, from the following place(s): + + + + + comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.announce + (moderated) + + + + comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.misc + + + + comp.unix.bsd.misc + + + + Web resources: -
- Walnut Creek CDROM - 4041 Pike Lane, Suite F - Concord, CA 94520 - USA + - Orders: +1 800 786-9907 - Questions: +1 925 674-0783 - FAX: +1 925 674-0821 - email: WC Orders address - WWW: WC Home page -
+ + + The FreeBSD Home Page. + + + + If you have a laptop, be sure and see + Tatsumi + Hosokawa's Mobile Computing page in Japan. + + + + For information on SMP (Symmetric + MultiProcessing), please see the SMP support page. + + + + For information on FreeBSD + multimedia applications, please see the multimedia + page. If you're interested specifically in the Bt848 + video capture chip, then follow that link. + + -In Australia, you may find it at: - -
- Advanced Multimedia Distributors - Factory 1/1 Ovata Drive - Tullamarine, Melbourne - Victoria - Australia - Voice: +61 3 9338 6777 - - CDROM Support BBS - 17 Irvine St - Peppermint Grove WA 6011 - Voice: +61 9 385-3793 - Fax: +61 9 385-2360 -
- -And in the UK: - -
- The Public Domain & Shareware Library - Winscombe House, Beacon Rd - Crowborough - Sussex. TN6 1UL - Voice: +44 1892 663-298 - Fax: +44 1892 667-473 -
- - - - - Where do I find info on the FreeBSD mailing lists? - - -You can find full information in the Handbook entry on mailing-lists. - - - - -Where do I find the FreeBSD Y2K info? - -You can find full information in the FreeBSD Y2K page. - - - - -What FreeBSD news groups are available? - -You can find full information in theHandbook entry on newsgroups. - - - - - Are there FreeBSD IRC (Internet Relay Chat) channels? - - -Yes, most major IRC networks host a FreeBSD chat -channel: - - - - - -Channel #FreeBSD on EFNet is -a FreeBSD forum, but don't go there for tech support -or to try and get folks there to help you avoid the pain of -reading man pages or doing your own research. It is a chat -channel, first and foremost, and topics there are just as likely -to involve sex, sports or nuclear weapons as they are FreeBSD. -You Have Been Warned! -Available at server irc.chat.org. - - - - -Channel #FreeBSD on DALNET -is available at irc.dal.net in the US and -irc.eu.dal.net in Europe. - - - - -Channel #FreeBSD on UNDERNET is -available at us.undernet.org in the US and -eu.undernet.org in Europe. Since it is a help -channel, be prepared to read the documents you are referred to. - - - - - - -Each of these channels are distinct and are not connected to -each other. Their chat styles also differ, so you may need to try -each to find one suited to your chat style. As with *all* types -of IRC traffic, if you're easily offended or can't deal with lots -of young people (and more than a few older ones) doing the verbal -equivalent of jello wrestling, don't even bother with it. - - - - -Books on FreeBSD - -There is a FreeBSD Documentation Project which you may contact (or -even better, join) on the doc mailing list: -<freebsd-doc@FreeBSD.org>. -This list is for discussion of the FreeBSD documentation. For -actual questions about FreeBSD, there is the questions -mailing list: -<freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.org>. - -A FreeBSD ``handbook'' is available, and can be found as: -the FreeBSD Handbook. -Note that this is a work in progress, and so parts may be incomplete. - -The definitive printed guide on FreeBSD is ``The Complete FreeBSD'', -written by Greg Lehey and published by Walnut Creek CDROM Books. Now -in its second edition, the book contains 1,750 pages of install & -system administration guidance, program setup help, and manual pages. -The book (and current FreeBSD release) can be ordered from -Walnut Creek, -CheapBytes, or at your -favorite bookstore. The ISBN is 1-57176-227-2. - -However, as FreeBSD 2.2.X is based upon Berkeley 4.4BSD-Lite2, most -of the 4.4BSD manuals are applicable to FreeBSD 2.2.X. O'Reilly -and Associates publishes these manuals: - - - - - -4.4BSD System Manager's Manual -By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley -1st Edition June 1994, 804 pages -ISBN: 1-56592-080-5 - - - - -4.4BSD User's Reference Manual -By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley -1st Edition June 1994, 905 pages -ISBN: 1-56592-075-9 - - - - -4.4BSD User's Supplementary Documents -By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley -1st Edition July 1994, 712 pages -ISBN: 1-56592-076-7 - - - - -4.4BSD Programmer's Reference Manual -By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley -1st Edition June 1994, 886 pages -ISBN: 1-56592-078-3 - - - - -4.4BSD Programmer's Supplementary Documents -By Computer Systems Research Group, UC Berkeley -1st Edition July 1994, 596 pages -ISBN: 1-56592-079-1 - - - - - -A description of these can be found via WWW as: - -4.4BSD books description. Due to poor sales, however, these -manuals may be hard to get a hold of. - -For a more in-depth look at the 4.4BSD kernel organization, -you can't go wrong with: - -McKusick, Marshall Kirk, Keith Bostic, Michael J Karels, -and John Quarterman. - -The Design and Implementation of the 4.4BSD Operating -System. Reading, Mass. : Addison-Wesley, 1996. -ISBN 0-201-54979-4 - -A good book on system administration is: - -Evi Nemeth, Garth Snyder, Scott Seebass & Trent R. Hein, -``Unix System Administration Handbook'', Prentice-Hall, 1995 -ISBN: 0-13-151051-7 - -NOTE make sure you get the second edition, with a red cover, -instead of the first edition. - -This book covers the basics, as well as TCP/IP, DNS, NFS, -SLIP/PPP, sendmail, INN/NNTP, printing, etc.. It's expensive -(approx. US$45-$55), but worth it. It also -includes a CDROM with the sources for various tools; most of -these, however, are also on the FreeBSD 2.2.6R CDROM (and the -FreeBSD CDROM often has newer versions). - - - - -How do I access your Problem Report database? - -The Problem Report database of all user change requests -may be queried (or submitted to) by using our web-based PR -submission -and query interfaces. The send-pr(1) command -can also be used to submit problem reports and change requests via -electronic mail. - - - - -Where can I get ASCII/PostScript versions of the FAQ? - -The up-to-date FAQ is available from the FreeBSD Web Server or any -mirror as PostScript and plain text (7 bit ASCII and 8-bit Latin1). - -As PostScript (about 370KB): - - - -http://www.FreeBSD.org/FAQ/FAQ.ps - - - - - -As ASCII text (about 220KB): - - - -http://www.FreeBSD.org/FAQ/FAQ.ascii - - - - - -As ISO 8859-1 text (about 220KB): - - - -http://www.FreeBSD.org/FAQ/FAQ.latin1 - - - - - - - - -Where can I get ASCII/PostScript versions of the Handbook? - -The up-to-date Handbook is available from the FreeBSD Web Server or any -mirror as PostScript and plain text (7 bit ASCII and 8-bit Latin1). - -As PostScript (about 1.7MB): - - - -http://www.FreeBSD.org/handbook/handbook.ps - - - - - -As ASCII text (about 1080KB): - - - -http://www.FreeBSD.org/handbook/handbook.ascii - - - - - -As ISO 8859-1 text (about 1080KB): - - - -http://www.FreeBSD.org/handbook/handbook.latin1 - - - - - - - - -The ASCII handbook isn't plain text! - -True, the ASCII and Latin1 versions of the FAQ and Handbook aren't -strictly plaintext; they contain underlines and overprints that -assume the output is going directly to a dot matrix printer. If you -need to reformat them to be human-readable, run the file through col: - - - $ col -b < inputfile > outputfile - - - - - - -I'd like to become a FreeBSD Web mirror! - -Certainly! There are multiple ways to mirror the Web pages. - - - - - -Using CVSUP: You can retrieve the formatted files using CVSUP -from cvsup.FreeBSD.org. Add this line to your cvsup file: - -www release=current hostname=/home base=/usr/local/etc/cvsup -prefix=/usr/local/www/data/www.FreeBSD.org delete old use-rel-suffix - - - - - - -Using rsync: See the mirroring page for information. - - - -Using ftp mirror: You can download the FTP server's copy of -the web site using your favorite ftp mirror tool. Simply start at -ftp://ftp.FreeBSD.org/pub/FreeBSD/FreeBSD-CURRENT/www. - - - - - - - - -I'd like to translate the documentation into Friesian. - -Well, we can't pay, but we might arrange a free CD or T-shirt and a -Contributor's Handbook entry if you submit a translation of the -documentation. - - - - -Other sources of information. - -The following newsgroups contain pertinent discussion for FreeBSD -users: - - - - - -comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.announce (moderated) - - - - -comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.misc - - - - -comp.unix.bsd.misc - - - - - -Web resources: - - - - - -The FreeBSD Home Page. - - - - -If you have a laptop, be sure and see -Tatsumi Hosokawa's Mobile Computing page in Japan. - - - - -For information on SMP (Symmetric -MultiProcessing), please see the SMP support page. - - - - -For information on FreeBSD multimedia -applications, please see the multimediapage. If you're interested specifically in -the Bt848 video capture chip, then follow that link. - - - - - -The FreeBSD handbook also has a fairly complete -bibliography -section which is worth reading if you're looking for actual -books to buy. - - - + The FreeBSD handbook also has a fairly complete bibliography + section which is worth reading if you're looking for actual + books to buy. + + + +