This build has been upgraded to FreeBSD 12.1-RELEASE P3 and brings updates to many packages. It is not recommended to perform an in-place upgrade via the firmware update page because of recent changes to the partition layout with a revision older than 6625.
LibreSSL 4.1.0 has been released, featuring enhancements and bug fixes. This version includes improvements to elliptic curve cryptography, new SHA assembly implementations, and better CPU capabilities detection. It also introduces compatibility changes and new features like the tlspeercertcommonname() API. The release aligns with OpenBSD 7.7 and reflects modern, safe programming practices.
Klemens Nanni has updated OpenBSD's pkg_add -u command to no longer advise users to remove files during updates, addressing confusion caused by misleading messages. Previously, the command displayed messages intended for pkg_delete(1), leading to unnecessary file deletions. This change improves clarity and accuracy during package updates, enhancing the user experience. The update is part of ongoing efforts to refine OpenBSD's package management system.
The FreeBSD Operating System provides the sysctl system call and utility to get and set system state at runtime. The kernel exposes available parameters for sysctl as objects in a Management Information Base (MIB). Today, FreeBSD includes thousands of sysctl parameters. Moreover, parameters can be added or removed dynamically. Each computer probably builds a different MIB. WebSysctl aims to collect all possible sysctl parameters along with their properties.
The "Valuable News" weekly series provides a curated summary of news, articles, and updates primarily focused on UNIX, BSD, and Linux systems. This edition highlights recent developments, tutorials, and community discussions, including guides on setting up NetBSD, configuring FreeBSD, and exploring hardware like the ZimaBoard 2.
Alexander Bluhm's work on making tcp_input() MP-safe has been successfully committed. This update allows TCP input to run in parallel on multiple CPUs, enhancing performance. The change was tested by Mark Patruck and is now available for users running OpenBSD -current or snapshot versions. While not yet optimized, this improvement makes testing faster and more convenient. Users can expect better throughput and reduced contention on the socket lock.
OpenBSD 7.7, released on April 28, 2025, is the 58th release of the OpenBSD operating system. This version introduces a wide range of improvements, including platform-specific enhancements for arm64, amd64, and other architectures. Key updates include optimized kernel performance, enhanced SMP (Symmetric Multiprocessing) support, and new features in the network stack. The release also includes significant updates to userland tools, such as tmux, OpenSSH, and LibreSSL. Additionally, OpenBSD 7.7 offers improved hardware support, expanded driver functionality, and a robust set of ports and packages for various applications. Security improvements, such as splitting user authentication in sshd, further enhance the system's reliability.
The FreeBSD Core Team and the FreeBSD Foundation invite you to participate in the 2025 Community Survey. This survey aims to gather quantitative data from the public to help guide the project's priorities and efforts. Your input is valuable, and the survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Prompt participation is encouraged as the survey will remain open for a limited time. Your feedback will help shape the future of the FreeBSD community.
As you may know, GhostBSD is a user-friendly desktop BSD operating system built with FreeBSD. Its mission is to deliver a simple, stable, and accessible desktop experience for users who want FreeBSD’s power without the complexity of manual setup. This article isn’t meant to be technical. Instead, it offers a high-level view of what happened through the years with GhostBSD, where the project stands today, and where we want to take it next.
bpflogd(8) is a new daemon introduced to log packets from BPF interfaces to log files. Unlike pflogd(8), it supports logging from multiple Ethernet interfaces and uses libevent for non-blocking file descriptors. It captures full packets by default and allows filtering via pcap-filter expressions. The daemon is designed to assist in debugging network issues, such as DHCP-related problems, by continuously logging packets. It is currently under testing and may be included in future OpenBSD releases.
This episode of BSD Now covers essential topics for BSD users, including robust backup solutions with OpenZFS, insights into maintaining a 17-year-old ThinkPad, and practical tips like determining if FreeBSD needs a reboot. It also features personal stories, such as a techie's all-nighter turned weekender, and explores tools like the Tinker Writer Deck. Ideal for both beginners and experienced users, this episode offers a mix of technical advice and relatable experiences.
FreeCAD does many amazing things, allows us to create all kinds of geometries and assemblies, but we can also use FreeCAD for analysis of the things we make. One fascinating approach is Computational Fluid Dynamics or CFD, (essentially a tool to show how fluids interact with objects).
Why choose BSD in 2025? Author believes there are several compelling reasons: