I have seen quite a few people saying FreeBSD is more stable than Linux [and I'm convinced about it too] but between

FreeBSD
OpenBSD
NetBSD and
BSD/OS

what you masters think is the best for a server?

Thanks
Balaji

Its rock solid and dependable once you've got everything up and configured properly. Heck it may even run forever :)

Here is my understanding of the differences:

FreeBSD: You'll want to use this on a server or desktop. It's a very powerful OS with support for most server/desktop-type systems.

OpenBSD: Concentrates on security and can work on multiple platforms. You'd want to use this on a security box, like a firewall or something. You can also use it on machines that FreeBSD won't install on (I don't think FreeBSD installs on SPARC, but I could be wrong).

NetBSD: This baby will run on almost anything. It concentrates on multiple platforms. It's made to run on older hardware and hardware not supported by either of the two above.

I hope that helps.

FreeBSD -- use this for your x86 servers and workstations.
OpenBSD -- use this for your routers and firewalls.
NetBSD -- use this for your toaster and microwave.

FreeBSD,

I lub it, its my first real experience with a nix type machine, i have two running, one on a DED, and one on a local server at home that basically mimics the one thats online. I stress test the one at home constantly to make sure all the work that leaves is sound. I lub this is OS. Granted that its not the easiest thing to learn, just get ur self a book or the online manual, spend a week messing around and you will have enough to get going.

FREEBSD lub it.! :)

Thanks very much for these inputs....

I had almost decided on FreeBSD but a little nudge from the old guard sure helps

Cheers
Balaji

All I gotta say is that my box is at 107 days uptime with freebsd.

I would add one comment. While I agree that FreeBSD is a more likely candidate for a server behind a firewall, for a server exposed to the net that could use some inherent protection I prefer OpenBSD. With the filesystem upgrade in 2.9 and in 3.0 it is now as fast as FreeBSD and more secure "out of the box". This is not to say that you can;t lock down FreeBSD if you chose to go that route.

As others have said - it's all good.

BSD/OS is very good if you want a commercial Unix product. The others are Open Source and hence essentially free.

I added BSD/OS to the list because all the top sites [uptime] in netcraft.com run on it.

Still it's a fine decision

Thx
B

I haven't tried the other BSD options. FreeBSD is the one we use here. It is really cool.
I really like it a lot. 4.4 is really good and worth a buy. Even as a standard Desktop it is lovely.. :)

have a great day :)

regards
amar