After years of Linux, I tried GhostBSD and found it incredibly stable – and nearly unbreakable
After years of Linux, I tried GhostBSD and found it incredibly stable – and nearly unbreakable
https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-tried-ghostbsd-found-it-incredibly-stable-nearly-unbreakable/
Publish Date: 2026-04-29 11:49:00
Source Domain: www.zdnet.com
Screenshot by Jack WallenZDNET
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ZDNET key takeaways
- GhostBSD is more UNIX than Linux.
- GhostBSD is a great option for rock-solid stability.
- You can install and use GhostBSD for free.
GhostBSD has had many changes over the years. When GhostBSD was first released, it was based on FreeBSD. In 2018, the developers decided they would switch it up and rebase the OS on TrueOS. Then, in 2020, TrueOS called it quits, and GhostBSD decided to migrate back to FreeBSD.
This shift was the right choice. First off, FreeBSD is an outstanding OS that has come a very long way. In fact, the latest FreeBSD was the first time I’d ever considered BSD as an option for everyday use. FreeBSD is rock-solid (like most BSDs) because it’s a complete system. Unlike Linux, which only provides a kernel and drivers (with third parties adding the remaining bits), FreeBSD gives you everything.
Also: My 5 favorite open source operating systems that aren’t Linux
By switching to FreeBSD, GhostBSD also benefits from the latest upstream improvements, which include enhanced hardware support, security updates, and kernel advancements.
There have been other changes as well, such as:
- The default shell has been switched to zsh.
- XLibre is now the default display server.
- Enterprise WPA (802.1X/EAP) and WireGuard support was added to NetworkMGR.
- Update Station now supports major version upgrades based on the boot environment.
- Software Station benefits from a faster bisect-based package search.
- Refreshed visual identity with a new wallpaper.
- Updated icon themes and new theme variants.
There is one major difference between GhostBSD and FreeBSD: the default desktop environment. While FreeBSD defaults to KDE Plasma, GhostBSD opts for Mate. With GhostBSD going with a lighter-weight desktop environment, the OS feels considerably faster.
The choice of Mate also means GhostBSD is fairly streamlined, meaning you don’t get much preinstalled software. You get a few Mate tools,…
