Welcome To OpenBSD 101

OpenBSD is an ultra-secure, freely available, multi-platform BSD-based UNIX-like operating system. And is arguably the most secure operating system in the world.

The goal of this site is to attract new users to OpenBSD by providing useful information for first time users.

Some of the information in this tutorial can be found in the OpenBSD FAQ section. Though here the FAQ has been trimmed down and presented in an easier to read format covering the following areas:

  • Installation - demonstration and explanation of a FTP installation
  • Patching - patch files, source files and kernel building
  • Updating - updating ports, Xenocara and system sources using cvsup
  • Security - security suggestions for after the default install
  • Tips and Tricks - suggestions and configurations for new users

Why Use OpenBSD?

  • If you've been using Linux for a few years and have chosen the command line lifestyle over a gui lifestyle then OpenBSD should interest you. Though users can easily make OBSD look gui.
  • OpenBSD is thought of by many security professionals as the most secure UNIX-like operating system, as the result of a never-ending comprehensive source code security audit.
  • OpenBSD is a full-featured UNIX-like operating system available in source form at no charge.

Miscellaneous Things

[obsd daemon]

What these pages are not intended to be. They are:

  • ... not intended for intermediate or advance users of OpenBSD.
  • ... not a replacement for the OFFICIAL OpenBSD documentation.
  • ... not a complete reference, which should be obvious.

Offsite Links And References

  • Donate to the OpenBSD or OpenSSH projects.
  • Obtaining OpenBSD - Locations of FTP, HTTP, AFS and RSYNC mirrors.
  • Man Page Lookup searches for man pages name and section as given in the selection menu and the query dialog.
  • Mailing lists are an important means of communication among users and developers of OpenBSD.
  • Newsgroups - alt.os.openbsd, comp.unix.bsd.openbsd.misc, comp.unix.bsd.openbsd.announce, openbsd.misc
  • OpenBSD Journal - Good resource for the OpenBSD community.
  • UNIX and BSD books - Ordering from these links is a way of helping to fund the OpenBSD project.
  • Absolute OpenBSD - Is written for experienced UNIX users who want to add OpenBSD to their repertoire.
  • Secure Architectures with OpenBSD - Offers guidance on how to build secure systems using OpenBSD.
  • Mastering FreeBSD and OpenBSD Security - Deep explanations on how to secure your most critical systems.
  • OpenBSD Ports - A web interface that will track the latest port news.
  • OpenCON - The only conference entirely dedicated to OpenBSD.