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FreeBSD ate my RAM
22 days ago
- Memory usage reporting is complex due to OS caching mechanisms like disk caching in RAM for performance, which can be freed when needed.
- Virtual Memory (VM) systems manage RAM pages in queues (active, inactive, laundry, wired, free), making it hard to define 'used' vs. 'free' memory accurately.
- Tools like fastfetch, btop, and htop use different heuristics to report memory usage, leading to discrepancies in displayed values.
- btop had bugs on FreeBSD, including integer overflow with 32-bit variables and incorrect cache reporting due to using a legacy sysctl parameter.
- Fixes were implemented for btop and htop to correctly account for ZFS ARC cache and filesystem buffers, improving memory monitoring accuracy.
- The author contributed patches to open-source projects, highlighting the importance of understanding OS internals for accurate system monitoring.
Moving to FreeBSD from Linux
17 days ago
- The author transitioned from long-term Mac OS usage, including various models from Mac SE/30 to Mac Pro, to Hackintosh and then Windows.
- After using Linux (Arch Linux with Sway) for nearly 10 years, frustrations arose due to frequent breakages and systemd-related issues.
- While working with networking, the author deployed OpenBSD and FreeBSD machines, developing a liking for BSD systems due to ease of control.
- A keyboard failure after a Linux kernel update prompted a move to FreeBSD, chosen for its ports tree, leading to a successful installation and configuration.
- After 6 months, FreeBSD works well with minor drawbacks like no browser source in OBS and lack of AnyDesk/RustDesk support, but overall it's a positive experience.
GitLab on FreeBSD
17 days ago
- Install and set up a GitLab server on FreeBSD using a Bhyve VM with a FreeBSD-15.1-RELEASE image.
- Configure PostgreSQL database with necessary extensions and adjust connection limits, then set up Redis with socket permissions and group access.
- Install and configure GitLab with specific worker settings, global Git configurations, asset compilation, and integration with Nginx for web access.
- Finalize setup with GitLab secret generation, service enabling, and accessing the web interface using the root account.
- Consider additional steps such as adding HTTPS certificates to Nginx for secure access.
FreeBSD 16 removes last GPL-licensed software, a first among *BSDs
11 days ago
- FreeBSD has removed the last GPL-licensed software from its base system in version 16-CURRENT, retiring the entire GNU subtree.
- This removal includes the replacement of dialog with bsddialog, marking a significant milestone in becoming GPL-free among major BSD systems.
- OpenBSD still includes some GPL components historically but aims to replace them; NetBSD acknowledges limitations in removing GPL software.
- FreeBSD's achievement is celebrated as a big step toward software freedom, making it a standout among major BSD distributions.
- The change is notable for highlighting the ongoing efforts within BSD communities to reduce reliance on GPL-licensed tools.
Bootstrapping GDC with DMD
12 days ago
- FreeBSD lacks a GDC package; a wrapper program enables bootstrapping GDC using DMD.
- GDC is written in D since GCC 12; DMD can bootstrap stage1 GDC with flag translation via a wrapper.
- The wrapper, gdc-wrapper, translates GCC-style flags for DMD, allowing GDC builds on FreeBSD and other systems.
FreeBSD 16 Retires the Last of Its GPL Code from Its Base System
11 days ago
- FreeBSD 16 source tree has removed the last GNU GPL licensed code, dialog, from its base system.
- The FreeBSD installer transitioned to bsddialog, and dpv, the last user of dialog, has been retired.
- The change was merged into the source tree after a ticket opened in February, retiring the GNU sub-tree.
- FreeBSD 16.0 is expected to be released in December 2027.
FreeBSD Laptop Support Continues Improving with WiFi, GPU and Audio Driver Work
10 days ago
- FreeBSD Foundation's Laptop Support and Usability Project receives over $750k funding to improve FreeBSD on laptops.
- Modern power management like S0ix is a key focus, aiming for at least 8 hours of active use on relevant laptop models.
- Kernel scheduler enhancements are being made to better support hybrid processors with performance and power-optimized cores.
- Open-source graphics drivers from Linux kernel are being updated, with ports of Linux 6.13 and 6.14 DRM states under review.
- Three WiFi 6 drivers are now supported: Intel IWLWIFI, Realtek RTW89, and MediaTek MT76.
- Audio driver support is being enhanced, and GPIO interrupts are being leveraged for low-latency touchpad handling.
- Progress on laptop usability, including power, graphics, WiFi, and touchpad improvements, is detailed in monthly status reports.
FreeBSD ports frozen after someone commits the 150MB Linux Copilot binary
2 days ago
- FreeBSD project froze its ports repository for over 48 hours after a 150MB binary file was committed.
- The commit caused GitHub mirroring to fail due to GitHub's 100MB file size limit and introduced questionable licensing.
- The binary is the entire github-copilot-cli Linux binary, committed accidentally by the port maintainer.
- The FreeBSD port is not a native port but a wrapper to run the Linux binary via Linuxulator.
- No security compromise was detected; users' systems are not at risk.
- The FreeBSD team is rolling back the commit, fixing the issue, and investigating how it happened.
- The ports tree remains frozen at the time of writing.

Hasty Briefsbeta

freebsd

FreeBSD ate my RAM

Moving to FreeBSD from Linux

GitLab on FreeBSD

FreeBSD 16 removes last GPL-licensed software, a first among *BSDs

Bootstrapping GDC with DMD

FreeBSD 16 Retires the Last of Its GPL Code from Its Base System

FreeBSD Laptop Support Continues Improving with WiFi, GPU and Audio Driver Work

FreeBSD ports frozen after someone commits the 150MB Linux Copilot binary