GhostBSD 24.07.1 Released: A Significant Upgrade with Enhanced Performance and Stability

GhostBSD, the user-friendly FreeBSD-based operating system, has just released version 24.07.1, marking a significant shift in its package management system. This release brings several improvements and enhancements, including a transition to FreeBSD's PkgBase for building packages, a major update to the underlying FreeBSD operating system, and a variety of bug fixes and security enhancements.

Transitioning to PkgBase: A Boost in Performance and Stability

One of the key changes in GhostBSD 24.07.1 is the transition from building packages from its own ports to utilizing FreeBSD's PkgBase. This move, while requiring extensive testing, promises a noticeable improvement in performance and stability. By leveraging PkgBase, GhostBSD benefits from the extensive testing and maintenance efforts of the FreeBSD project, ensuring a robust and reliable package ecosystem.

A New Foundation: FreeBSD 14.1-STABLE

This release also brings an update to the underlying FreeBSD operating system, now running on 14.1-STABLE. This update provides access to the latest FreeBSD features, including performance enhancements, security patches, and bug fixes, further solidifying GhostBSD's stability and security posture.

More Than Just Updates: Enhanced User Experience

Beyond the core infrastructure changes, GhostBSD 24.07.1 also includes a range of enhancements that improve the user experience:

• NetworkMGR Improvements: The Network Manager, a key tool for managing network connections, has received a minor improvement, enhancing its functionality and ease of use.

• OpenSSH Security Fixes: Two critical security fixes have been incorporated into OpenSSH, enhancing the security of remote access and data transfer.

• Software Updates: Various other software packages have been updated to their latest versions, ensuring the inclusion of the latest bug fixes, security patches, and feature improvements.

Upgrade Path and Known Issues

Users of GhostBSD 24.04.2 can upgrade directly to 24.07.1. However, users on earlier versions are advised to back up their data and perform a fresh installation. It's important to note that due to the change to PkgBase, upgrading from versions prior to 24.04.2 might lead to unforeseen issues.

For a complete list of known issues, users can refer to the official GhostBSD project page on GitHub: https://github.com/orgs/ghostbsd/projects/4/views/21

Getting Started with GhostBSD 24.07.1

To download the latest version of GhostBSD, head over to the official website: https://www.ghostbsd.org/download

The website provides various download options, including images, checksums, hybrid ISO (DVD, USB), and torrents. Once you've downloaded the ISO, you can write it to a USB stick using the provided instructions for your operating system:

• BSD: dd if=Downloads/GhostBSD-24.07.1.iso of=/dev/da0 bs=4m conv=sync

• Linux: dd if=Downloads/GhostBSD-24.07.1.iso of=/dev/sdc bs=4M

• Mac: dd if=Downloads/GhostBSD-24.07.1.iso of=/dev/disk2 bs=10240

• Windows: Use dd.exe from http://www.chrysocome.net/dd with ./dd.exe if=Downloads/GhostBSD-24.07.1.iso of=USB Drive bs=84

Conclusion: A Robust and Evolving Operating System

GhostBSD 24.07.1 represents a significant step forward for the operating system, solidifying its position as a reliable and user-friendly option for those seeking a FreeBSD-based experience. With its improved performance, stability, and enhanced user experience, GhostBSD continues to evolve, offering a compelling alternative to traditional desktop operating systems. Whether you're a seasoned FreeBSD user or just starting out, GhostBSD 24.07.1 is well worth exploring.