What is OpenBSD? Who it is for
OpenBSD is a member of the BSD family of Unix-like systems rather than a Linux distribution. It uses none by default as its desktop and pkg_add for software, and it follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
OpenBSD at a glance
- Foundation: a member of the BSD family of Unix-like systems rather than a Linux distribution
- Desktop: none by default
- Software tools: pkg_add
- Release style: numbered releases on a fixed schedule
- Installer: a text-based installer
Who OpenBSD suits
OpenBSD suits people who put security and clean code first.
Strengths
- Design choices that put privacy and security ahead of convenience.
- Fine control over how the system is built and what it contains.
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
Things to consider
- Extra isolation or anonymity can mean slower performance and some programs behaving differently.
- It expects you to read documentation and solve problems yourself, so it is not the best first Linux system.
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- As a rough guide, about 1 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try OpenBSD from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the OpenBSD bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare OpenBSD
Installing software on OpenBSD
OpenBSD uses pkg_add. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
pkg_info -Q name doas pkg_add name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenBSD good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but OpenBSD is aimed more at people who put security and clean code first. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does OpenBSD use?
OpenBSD uses none by default. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does OpenBSD need?
As a rough guide, about 1 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is OpenBSD based on another distribution?
OpenBSD is a member of the BSD family of Unix-like systems rather than a Linux distribution.
How often is OpenBSD updated?
OpenBSD follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
How can I try OpenBSD without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.