Hi I am wondering whether customers normally would prefer a Redhat server or FreeBSD ?
For:
Shared Hosting
Dedicated Server

I think that most people who know the difference would prefer FreeBSD... but linux is far better known, and I think that people who know vaguely what linux is but have never heard of FreeBSD would probably stick to linux.

What are the advantages of using FreeBSD?
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Dominic
What are the advantages of using FreeBSD?
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

1. Security.
2. Stability.
3. Performance.

Originally posted by cperciva


1. Security.
2. Stability.
3. Performance.

4. Consistency
5. Ease of updating

Oh, and also

6. FreeBSD development is done first in the -CURRENT branch before being backported to the -STABLE branch. (See the recent linux VM flamage for evidence of why linux's development structure sucks.)

FreeBSD development model is good, the developers are more knowledgeable.

7. FreeBSD operating system components are evaluated by the same dev team. Not by various sources plugged together. Everything in the OS components has to pass the single dev team first. Stability and security before features.

Originally posted by muppie
7. FreeBSD operating system components are evaluated by the same dev team.

Hmm, that's not quite true. -core only evaluates critical components plus issues referred to them by the committers. Most patches are reviewed by only by whichever committer is responsible for the code being patched. (Although, of course, everything is tested well before being MFC'd into -STABLE.)

I guess cperciva is right tho for customers who don't know FreeBSD they'll feel 'insecure' and opt for linux instead.

Originally posted by cperciva


Hmm, that's not quite true. -core only evaluates critical components plus issues referred to them by the committers. Most patches are reviewed by only by whichever committer is responsible for the code being patched. (Although, of course, everything is tested well before being MFC'd into -STABLE.)

I meant "dev team" == committers

There is so many advantages of using FreeBSD,
Then why hosting company didn't use them?
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Dominic
There is so many advantages of using FreeBSD,
Then why hosting company didn't use them?
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

There are so many advantages of having business plans...
But just look at the history of dot-coms.

Originally posted by Dominic
There is so many advantages of using FreeBSD,
Then why hosting company didn't use them?
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

For me specifically, we use WHM/CPanel and no support for FreeBSD yet :(

I run my site on FreeBSD, but I sell on Linux RedHat because it's better known among potential customers.

I have to make a choice in a couple of days between Redhat 7.2 and FreeBSD. I know that FreeBSD is more stable than prior versions of Linux, especially in the area of system crashes, BUT...
Is FreeBSD even better that Linux w/ Ext3 Journaling File System?

Also, a couple of other questions while we are on the topic:

I have no experience with Linux or FreeBSD. I am confident that I can learn what I need to know relatively quickly (I have always had a knack for that). If I have a VERY basic knowledge of Unix, which would be easier to learn?

Will all programs that work on RedHat work on FreeBSD?

Does FreeBSD have the hardware support of RedHat?

Will my clients know the difference?


Thanks for the help!!

OK being a FreeBSD guy, here's a biased opinion:

1. FreeBSD is easier to learn, and of course more consistent.
2. FreeBSD is easier to update / patch / upgrade
3. It is easier to install additional programs using FreeBSD
4. Most if not all programs will work on both Redhat and FreeBSD
5. FreeBSD supports most mainstream hardware out there. If you plan to install telephony card, or some unusual ones, Perhaps Windows will have better support for the driver ;)
6. Is FreeBSD still better than Linux with EXT3? Definitely Yes. (Linux ppl will argue this but I stick to my opinion).
7. Will your users know the difference? If you give them shell access yes they will know. The main difference is the directory hierarchy. The utils are slightly different too. If they are only into top / ps ax / php / perl / sh there won't be much difference.

Cheers