If you would like to compare FreeBSD and Linux, then keep in mind following points:
* SMP support
* Portability
* Reliability/robust
* Performance
* Security
* Filesystem
* Support (community and vendor)
* Clean code and well documented API
* Amount of software/applications
* 3rd party apps support
| Feature | FreeBSD | Linux |
| SMP support | Good (v5.x/6.x+) | Very Good (2.6+) |
| Reliability/robust | Very Good | Good |
| Performance | Very Good | Good |
| Security (out of box) | Very good | Good |
| Filesystem | Good | Good |
| Oracle/ERP apps | Not supported | Very good |
| Package management | Excellent (ports & binary) | Depends on distribution (Debian – excellent, RPM based – ok (go for yum)) |
| Dell/IBM/HP server support | N/A (FreeBSD works with these vendors systems; at least I have very good experience with HP boxes) | Very good |
| Support (community and vendor) | Good | Good |
Based upon my personal experience I recommend FreeBSD for Internet server (webserver or mail servers). They are extremely stable. FreeBSD is known to handle heavy load efficiently.
However, if you are looking to run 4 or 8 way SMP server or Oracle database server, use Linux (go for RHEL or Suse enterprise Linux). Linux has excellent support from these vendors.
In addition, OpenBSD is my choice for firewall/NAT/DMZ. 😀 If anyone has more information, just comment it below.
Further reading:
- Bob Bruce and Murray Stokely: FreeBSD vs. Linux vs. Windows 2000 comparison sheet
- Why FreeBSD