Why FreeBSD and Mac?
My goal in this project is simple; to make MRI software management as easy as possible. I've chosen these two platforms because they contribute to this goal more than any other systems I've used. ( And I've used a lot of them... ) I've worked extensively with MRI software on SGI IRIX, several Linux distributions, UnixWare, FreeBSD, and OS X.What's "easy" about FreeBSD and Mac?
- Quick installation: Both systems are easy to install. The Mac, or course, is easier
to manage than any other computer over the long term, but getting
a FreeBSD system up and running is also fairly quick and painless
in most cases. Except for a few shortcomings such as the latest
browser plug-ins (which we don't really need in MRI research anyway),
most aspects of
setting up a FreeBSD system are pretty straightforward, and
require only minimal computer skills. If you use PC-BSD or
DesktopBSD (Desktop-enhanced, but fully compatible versions of
FreeBSD), the installation and maintenance will be that much easier.
With a typical PC and typical FreeBSD configuration, you can go
from a blank disk to browsing the WEB in under 1/2 hour.
- Set and Forget: These are two of the most stable systems I've ever worked with.
I cannot overstate the value of having systems that don't break down
spontaneously, especially when you have as many systems to manage
as I do.
All Unix systems have a reputation for stability, but FreeBSD
and OS X are a step above the rest in this respect. Once I've set
up a FreeBSD or OS X system, they typically
don't demand my attention again until
it's time to upgrade, or there's a hardware failure.
- Easy software installation:
FreeBSD ports and MacPorts are the most trouble-free ports systems
I've worked with. I initially worked with both Fink and MacPorts
(called Darwinports at that time), and over time was more satisfied
with MacPorts.
For full instructions on installing, uninstalling, or upgrading software using the ports systems, please see the FreeBSD ports or MacPorts WEB sites.
Ports and the corresponding binary packages can be managed from the command line (the fastest method for those who know their way around Unix), by using a menu driven interface such as FreeBSD's sysinstall, or a GUI (graphical user interface) such as the DesktopBSD Package Manager, or Porticus for MacPorts. The DesktopBSD package manager is a standard component of DesktopBSD, but can also be installed on FreeBSD and its other derivatives using the sysutils/desktopbsd-tools port.
DesktopBSD Package Manager 
Porticus 
