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One of the great joys about using Linux full time is the fact that I can also appreciate other operating systems like BSD. Like Linux, BSD is open source, provides the user with the freedom to distribute the code to others at no cost, and allows users tremendous freedom with regard to tweaking it to meet their needs. But there are some fairly significant differences, too. One of the biggest differences is this: Linux is presented in distribution releases whereas BSD is either kept intact or distributed as a forked release. In other words, each BSD is a completely separate operating system.

Some of the most commonly known BSDs include FreeBSD, OpenBSD and NetBSD. Each BSD has its own benefits and applications for use. FreeBSD for instance, is where the Darwin OS is derived from for Apple's use on the desktop. Hence, one of the various reasons why BSD might be the stronger contender for mass market adoption than Linux has already been proven, thanks to the efforts of the Apple Corporation. Let it be said, there are some strong arguments for its use in the mainstream desktop world outside of Apple's own derived version. Those arguments are:

1. BSD is dead simple

Unlike Linux, BSD user interests lay with stability, speed and control over their computing environment. You rarely hear from these BSD users, as they have nothing to preach. Use the desktop friendly FreeBSD or don't, it's not a concern to existing users or the operating system's developers. Because of this lack of interest in turning the world into users, the various versions of BSD are free to do what they were designed to do, and that is run computers/servers in their various capacities.

This also means that end users that use BSD on their own desktop PCs are free to do pretty much anything they wish without concern of violating a more restrictive license such as the GPL.

2. Create your own OS

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages for a business looking to protect their proprietary interests in an operating-system development effort is the fact that you can take most BSD/BSD-type licensed operating systems and do nearly anything you wish. Take bits and pieces of the code, create an OS like we have seen with Apple. Or simply create a BSD that more closely encompasses the vision of a smaller group of users as seen with the always interesting PC-BSD.

I have stated numerous times in the past that if Microsoft had a clue, they would have been all over one of the FreeBSD forks to create a truly coherent operating system that could truly compete on the same level as Linux. Yet with a BSD-themed license, a company like Microsoft could release the OS into the wild and maintain as much of their own IP (intellectual property as they deemed fit.

3. Speed

Despite being a Linux user myself, I am the first to admit that with very few exceptions on the desktop Linux front, the BSDs present the user with much faster boot times. In addition, the operating system also tends to run with greater speed overall.

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