This post explores the evolution and architecture of Apple’s Darwin OS and the XNU kernel, tracing its roots from Mach and BSD to its modern role in macOS, iOS, and Apple Silicon. The hybrid kernel design balances modularity and performance, combining Mach microkernel features with BSD Unix services. The post details Darwin’s development history, from Mach origins to Apple Silicon adaptations, and examines key components like scheduling, memory management, virtualization, and secure computing. XNU’s resilience and scalability are highlighted as foundational to Apple’s platforms.
Netgraph is FreeBSD's powerful, graph-based networking subsystem that supports modular, real-time packet processing inside the kernel. Introduced in FreeBSD 3.4 (1999), it allows developers to create complex networking topologies by connecting nodes in a graph structure. This modularity enables rapid development and deployment of new networking features, making it a powerful tool for developers. Netgraph operates on nodes and hooks, allowing for dynamic assembly of networking configurations. Control messages enable real-time adjustments, providing administrators with granular control over data flow. Its graph-based architecture gives it an advantage in high-performance networking applications, particularly in carrier-grade systems like Juniper’s Junos OS. While Netgraph offers flexibility and performance, it can be complex to manage and requires specialized tools for troubleshooting. It is particularly effective in scenarios like VPNs and firewalls, where dynamic traffic handling and real-time adjustments are crucial.
OpenBSD has released errata patches for iked, isakmpd, sshd, and rpki-client for versions 7.6 and 7.5. These updates address security vulnerabilities and are available as binary updates for amd64, arm64, and i386 platforms via the syspatch utility. Source code patches can be accessed on the respective errata pages. Users are advised to apply these updates to ensure system security.
The FreeBSD Foundation participated in FOSDEM 2025 in Brussels, hosting a stand and engaging with the open-source community. Their team answered numerous questions about FreeBSD, distributed stickers and mugs, and connected with both existing and potential users. The event provided valuable insights into how to better present and explain the benefits of FreeBSD to a wider audience.
The recent addition of the -f option in sysctl(8) allows users to apply multiple settings from a file in a single command. This update, contributed by Klemens Nanni, streamlines configuration management by eliminating the need for scripting or entering multiple commands. The feature is particularly useful for local edits and integration with config management tools. It will be available in upcoming OpenBSD 7.7 snapshots and releases.
The article discusses whether FreeBSD Jails can be considered containers. It highlights that FreeBSD Jails, introduced in 2000, are a form of OS-level virtualization similar to containers. The author argues that the term "containers" predates Docker and Linux-based solutions, and FreeBSD Jails fit the original definition. However, some argue that FreeBSD Jails lack the features of modern OCI containers. The article also references opinions from experts like Allan Jude and comparisons with other container technologies like Solaris Zones and HP-UX Containers. Ultimately, the debate centers on whether FreeBSD Jails are containers in the traditional sense or if the term should be reserved for OCI-compliant solutions.
The "Valuable News" weekly series provides summaries of news, articles, and updates primarily related to UNIX/BSD/Linux systems. This edition highlights recent developments in OpenBSD, FreeBSD, hardware innovations, and other relevant tech news. Key updates include FreeBSD's progress on laptop support, OpenBSD's advancements, and notable hardware releases like the Bolt Graphics Zeus GPU.
Flua is Lua, built into FreeBSD base, and includes an ever-growing set of libraries to make it even easier to automate FreeBSD.
This guide walks you through setting up a Minecraft server inside a FreeBSD Jails container. Unlike Docker or Podman, FreeBSD Jails offer a secure and lightweight containerization solution. The process involves preparing the FreeBSD environment, creating and configuring the Jail, building the Minecraft server from FreeBSD Ports, and connecting to the server using the Minecraft client. The steps include fetching the FreeBSD base system, setting up the Jail configuration, installing necessary packages, and configuring the Minecraft server. This method ensures a secure and isolated environment for running the Minecraft server.
MidnightBSD versions using xz 2.4.x or higher are vulnerable to a DOS in the multithreaded liblzma decompress code. This includes 3.2.x before 3.2.3 and 4 current before earlier. Patch applied to stable/3.2 branch. 4-current updated to 5.6.3 and then patch applied.
OpenZFS provides enterprise-level storage features for FreeBSD and other systems, offering stability, data integrity, and cost-effectiveness. This cheat sheet covers essential features like creating storage pools, RAID configurations, and dataset management. It also includes commands for snapshots, clones, encryption, and maintenance tasks like scrub operations. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced admin, this resource helps you deploy and manage OpenZFS efficiently.
Recent security vulnerabilities have been identified in the expat library (bsdxml in the base system). These issues have been addressed by updating to expat 2.7.1 in the current and stable/3.2 branches. The update will be included in the upcoming MidnightBSD 3.2.3 release. Users are advised to apply the updates to mitigate potential risks.
This episode of BSD Now covers FediMeteo, a global weather service running on a small FreeBSD VPS, and discusses critical topics like controlling NTP for core infrastructure. Additional segments include setting up a 2013 Mac Pro as a FreeBSD desktop, terminal tips, and efficient file copying techniques. The hosts also address listener feedback and provide insights into BSD system management.
In March 2025, HardenedBSD focused on infrastructure improvements, including expanding power capacity and preparing for a mini-split HVAC unit. Development was quiet, but notable changes included stricter permissions in the src tree and disabling the retain option in jemalloc to mitigate vulnerabilities. The project also began research for supporting larger code repositories and resumed work on arm64 support. A call for donations was made to fund a crucial HVAC unit for cooling servers during the summer. Additionally, plans were announced to support different compiler toolchains, starting with Rust.
Errata patches for libexpat have been released for OpenBSD 7.6 and 7.5. Binary updates for the amd64, arm64 and i386 platform are available via the syspatch utility.
The FreeBSD Foundation has published its February 2025 monthly report for the Laptop Support and Usability Project. Key highlights include advancements in laptop sleep states, such as the development of the acpi_spmc power management driver, which enables deeper sleep states using S0ix and s2idle. Additionally, the project has expanded support for WiFi 4 and WiFi 5 on modern chipsets, allowing for high throughput rates. Efforts to improve compatibility with Linux WiFi drivers through the LinuxKPI layer are also ongoing.
The pkgsrc developers have released the 86th quarterly branch, pkgsrc-2025Q1, featuring over 29,000 packages. Notable additions include Chromium 131.0.6778.204, Elm 0.19.1, and pytorch 2.5, while updates include XFCE 4.20 and PHP 8.4.5. The release also introduces support for multiple PHP versions and ends support for several platforms due to lack of use. Users with local PHP config changes will need to re-apply them to version-specific files.
The Valuable News series provides weekly summaries of news and articles primarily focused on UNIX, BSD, and Linux systems. This edition highlights key updates, including FreeBSD 14.2 on ThinkPad X220, UEFI multiboot configurations, and developments in Rust-based tools for UNIX systems. It also covers hardware news, privacy tips, and updates on community projects.
The web-browser, an indispensable piece of software for all modern desktop Operating Systems, and FreeBSD is not excused this requirement. This video is looking at the browsers available for FreeBSD and GhostBSD in 2025.
The Future Looking Back At Us: Joanne McNeil on Cyberpunk, Why ZFS reports less available space, We are destroying software, FreeBSD 13.5 Overcomes UFS Y2038 Problem To Push It Out To Year 2106, 1972 UNIX V2 "Beta" Resurrected, Some thoughts on why 'inetd activation' didn't catch on, If you believe in “Artificial Intelligence”, take five minutes to ask it about stuff you know well, and more.