It s a Unix(-like) System? An Introduction to TrueOS and Open Source Software. Copyright ixsystems, Inc. 2017

Transcription

1 It s a Unix(-like) System? An Introduction to TrueOS and Open Source Software Copyright ixsystems, Inc. 2017

2 Introduction Ken Moore - Senior software engineer at ixsystems. Core team member for TrueOS and creator of the Lumina desktop, both open source projects. Academic Background - B.S. degree in Physics and M.S. in theoretical nuclear astrophysics from Ohio University (mostly computer modeling) What I Do - I work primarily on streamlining and simplifying the usage of FreeBSD by creating tools such as the Lumina Desktop, SysAdm (system API for FreeBSD) and more.

3 What is Open Source Software? Open Source Software (OSS) is software for which the human-readable source code is available for use, study, re-use, modification, enhancement, and re-distribution by the users of that software" "Clarifying Guidance Regarding Open Source Software (OSS)" : 16 October 2009 memorandum from the DoD Chief Information Officer

4 What is Open Source Software? OSS is subject to a few different types of licenses in the open source community, but most FreeBSD-based software uses a small and permissive license called the BSD License. The BSD license allows the code to be reused freely while still providing protection for the original author. The licensed code is offered completely free of charge, but the author can not be sued if the program does not work as intended.

5 3-Clause BSD License

6 Let s Talk About FreeBSD FreeBSD is an advanced computer operating system used to power modern servers, desktops, and embedded platforms. A large community has continually developed it for more than thirty years. Its advanced networking, security, and storage features have made FreeBSD the platform of choice for many of the busiest web sites and most pervasive embedded networking and storage devices. FreeBSD website:

7 Let s Talk About FreeBSD FreeBSD is a free and open source, Unix-like operating system directly descended from Research Unix through the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD). For legal reasons FreeBSD cannot use the Unix name. FreeBSD is a direct descendant of BSD, which was also historically called "BSD Unix.

8 Let s Talk About FreeBSD

9 Let s Talk About FreeBSD FreeBSD is a server-focused OS with a strong emphasis on network performance and standardized frameworks, including package format, build system, and file hierarchy. It is a self-contained operating system with everything necessary to maintain itself included out-of-box. 3rd party packages can be added without breaking system cohesion.

10 Let s Talk About FreeBSD The structure of FreeBSD makes it a prime candidate for the foundation of an appliance based product which needs long term support and functionality. As such, FreeBSD is used in products all over the world: from internet service provider servers to video game consoles. It is also the base for all software projects at ixsystems. FreeBSD is sometimes referred to as the unknown giant of the computing world.

11 Companies and Products Using FreeBSD

12 Companies and Products Using FreeBSD Apple s ios, and MacOS Microsoft Azure Juniper Networks Junos Nintendo Switch Playstation 3, 4, and Vita Netflix (Servers) Panasonic Televisions McAffee SecurOS Whatsapp Trivago ixsystems FreeNAS and TrueNAS TrueOS (Our Project!)

13 Let s Talk About TrueOS TrueOS is an operating system built using FreeBSD Current as it s core. TrueOS takes the legendary security and stability of FreeBSD to the next level by treating graphical users as first-class citizens. There are also many improvements to the underlying FreeBSD system itself. TrueOS is fully featured and allows standard computing functionality (browse the web, watch videos, or listen to music) with ease. Similar to Windows, no knowledge of the underlying operating system is required for basic desktop use.

14 Let s Talk About TrueOS History It began as PC-BSD in 2005 by Kris Moore with the goal to provide an easy-to-use desktop experience based on the FreeBSD operating system. In 2006, ixsystems acquired the PC-BSD project and continually provides resources for its development. In 2016, the PC-BSD project evolved into TrueOS with an expanded goal to provide the best FreeBSD system experience ever: including server-based systems and desktops.

15 Let s Talk About TrueOS Features Uses an advanced file system called OpenZFS (ZFS). This is an enterprise-quality, next generation file system which provides software based RAID arrangements in addition to other important features like self-healing, instant snapshots, auto-compression, and more. There are thousands of free applications currently available for FreeBSD - photo editing, multimedia, databases, web servers, and more! TrueOS can also run software built for other operating systems. There is a native Linux-binary compatibility layer and the Wine utility provides Windows software emulation.

16 Let s Talk About TrueOS

17 Let s Talk About TrueOS What s the Difference? Although TrueOS and Linux are different, there is a lot in common. Most open source applications for Linux are also available natively for TrueOS/FreeBSD. TrueOS and FreeBSD have historically had trouble matching the hardware compatibility of Linux. Recently, an influx of community support has modernized the graphics driver implementation framework, resulting in FreeBSD and Linux synchronization. Currently, Nvidia video cards provide the best user experience for desktop systems, but Intel graphics are recommended for mobile/laptop hardware.

18 Let s Talk About TrueOS What TrueOS Brings to the Table Desktop or Server options - You don t have to be a command line expert to get started! The Lumina desktop - A graphical interface specifically designed for BSD-based operating systems SysAdm - A system administration framework with a remote API for managing FreeBSD systems. It also has a cross-platform graphical client! Boot Environments (BE) - A boot environment allows instant backups of the operating system. It is also used to provide fail-safe update mechanisms.

19 Let s Talk About Lumina Lumina is a graphical desktop environment providing easy access to all your system applications and user files. This is completely customizable: change the interface any way you like! Lumina is lightweight and fast. Compared to other open-source desktop environments (KDE, Gnome, etc.), Lumina has a very small footprint. Lumina is BSD licensed and fills the void left by other desktop environments with less permissive licenses. Lumina is designed specifically for BSD systems and provides access to OS features without requiring irrevocable surgery on the underlying server-based subsystems.

20 Let s Talk About Lumina

21 Let s Talk About Development Best Development Practices Use public version control (GitHub, Sourceforge, etc) a. Establish a personal history of work b. In many cases, this is better than a resumé at demonstrating what you are capable of accomplishing Multiple smaller commits are better than a single huge patch a. Time delay when developing commit is smaller b. Re-base/revert is easier (if necessary) Use what you are developing!! a. Easiest way to test/fix your project. b. Eat your own dogfood!

22 Let s Talk About Development Contributing to TrueOS Working with contributors is essential to our success at the TrueOS project. All of our code is available on GitHub and we accept pull requests from any interested people. There are many different repositories for various aspects of the project, including documentation. These have their own issue trackers, so you can easily browse and see if there is anything available that you may want to work on. Contribution is collaborative. The open-source world is a great place to learn while contributing something meaningful!

23 Let s Talk About Community Working With the Community Developing OSS is not the same as working within a corporate culture. With OSS, the ability to be flexible when working with others is essential and comes into play frequently. Harnessing community feedback is one of the most important factors for us while developing TrueOS. discourse.trueos.org

24 ixsystems South Office

25 ixsystems South Office ixsystems offers both open-source related and more general company internships at our office in downtown Maryville. We offer flexible hours around school schedules and a creative and fun work environment. Knowledgeable mentors to help grow your professional skillset. We also host the monthly BSD users group (KnoxBUG) at our office. This is a great place to meet others and learn about other open-source software!

26 ixsystems South Office

27 Helpful Links TrueOS Website - Forums - Gitter Chat - IRC - #trueos on Freenode IRC Repositories - ixsystems Website: Careers: ixsystems

28 Contact the TrueOS project or ixsystems Joshua Smith Digital Marketing Specialist