OpenBSD leader and creator Theo de Raadt explained OpenBSD 3.1 will only be available through the retail channels and not available as ISOs: “It simply does not make economic sense for us to reduce the CD sales we have now.” OpenBSD currently ships as a 3 CD set. With 3.1, available in June, there will be an extra fourth CD only available as an ISO for download. Additionally, the CD comes with a sheet of special OpenBSD stickers and a bonus music track. Read more at KernelTrap.
OpenBSD 3.1 Available Only on CDs
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Eugenia Loli
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This isn’t really new news, as the OpenBSD project has always taken that stance, to much debate in the forums. Everybody is welcome to download all the install files and make their own cd, bootable if you want, but I agree with Theo et al here, an ISO dilutes cd sales, when that and donations are what help keep the project alive.
Third party ISOs have been available, both of unofficial images, and of modified versions (ie, Darren Reed’s hacked version with IPFilter put back in), but with a project where security is one of the foremost goals, would you really trust somebody else’s ISO?
I wanted to post just about what you have written, Acher0n. Good job!
As a user of OpenBSD 3.0, I am very impressed with the project and believe it is very much worth the price of purchase. I have not yet purchase a copy, but I intend to do so once 3.1 is released. When you compare OpenBSD’s price to less secure closed-source “competitors”, you begin to see the value in OpenBSD. Acher0n makes an excellent point about trusting third -party iso images. The point of OpenBSD is to be secure, and the best way to ensure that is to get the CDs from the trusted source. Keep up the work, Theo & team!
Jeremiah Bailey
This is a good idea. I think Mandrake would benefit from following that lead.. I could never understand why they make iso’s available. That removes all incentive to actually buy the cd.. Especially if its a distro thats aimed at consumers, since they are less likely to buy expensive support packages. I think they should just make the source code available and that would be enough..
I’ve used it many times for firewall setups for clients. The only problem with it, is that it’s too stable
I have machines that have been up for over a year. I don’t want to take them down for an upgrade ’cause I don’t want to reset my uptime.
yay *nix!
For OpenBSD supports this is probably really good news, it means more money (likely) going to support the project. But, for someone like me, who is looking to convert from linux to a BSD this is really bad news. I can garantee that i wont go out there and purchase something im not sure im going to like, therefor OpenBSD has been knocked off my list of possibilities.
You can still download the binaries/source from the servers for an ftp/nfs install, you just cant download the ISO
If you can’t/won’t pay for OpenBSD 3.1 but want to try it perhaps you should try an older version first, then buy 3.1 of you like it. Or, try FreeBSD 4.5. It’s a very gentle introduction to *BSD, especially coming from Linux. The handbook is top notch. Once you’re comfortable with FreeBSD the switch to another BSD will be quite straightforward.
People have to eat. OpenBSD is a good project. I don’t use it presently, but I did shell out the cash to support Libranet 2.0. They decided to only release a pay-for version of 2.0, but give away 1.9.1 for those who are curious.
To reiterate what the first poster mentioned: This is not news. OpenBSD has never provided downloadable ISO images, nor are copies of the discs freely redistributable.
While I only play around with *nix I’m a supporter, and I’ve always wondered why so many people (and companies) give away so much hard work for free. I’m glad to see someone is standing up for themselves and asking for what they deserve.
Because *I* never had a spiffy broadband connection to download ISO’s from, and I need my phone line for other things, thank you very much.
A few bucks for a CD is never THAT bad.
“But, for someone like me, who is looking to convert from linux to a BSD this is really bad news.”
Try FreeBSD 4.5. I switched my server from Linux to FreeBSD 4.5 two weeks ago.
My only regret? that I didn’t switch to FreeBSD sooner….FreeBSD is a great OS.
Is it the backstreet boys?? OMG!
Besides Richard’s arguments, I’d like to notice that
_not_ all users of free, open source software live in
the USA or Western Europe. Thus, they will have
either to forget about OpenBSD or to buy third party
CDs (BTW, for only $0.50 per CD).
OpenBSD is worth the $$$, So is FreeBSD..
They give you a decent OS and the price is minimal.
Dear Ana Lyric,
You can install OpenBSD via the two boot disketts and an ftp installation. Thefore you don’t have to forget about about the hardened OS. A minimal installation is about 100-150 MBytes (i.e. without XFree and a GUI) and goes fast (normally:-)