PacBSD is an independently developed, x86_64 general purpose GNU/BSD distribution versatile enough to suit any role. Development focuses on simplicity, minimalism, and code elegance. PacBSD is installed as a minimal base system, configured by the user upon which their own ideal environment is assembled by installing only what is required or desired for their unique purposes. GUI configuration utilities are not officially provided, and most system configuration is performed from the shell by editing simple text files. PacBSD strives to stay bleeding edge, and typically offers the latest stable versions of most software.
PacBSD uses Arch Linux’s Pacman package manager, which couples simple binary packages with an easy-to-use package build system. This allows users to easily manage and customize packages ranging from official PacBSD software to the user’s own personal packages to packages from 3rd party sources. The repository system also allows users to easily build and maintain their own custom build scripts, packages, and repositories, encouraging community growth and contribution.
The minimal PacBSD base package set resides in the streamlined core repository. In addition, the official extra, community, and testing repositories provide several thousand high-quality, packages to meet your software demands.
PacBSD uses a “rolling release” system which allows one-time installation and perpetual software upgrades. It is not generally necessary to reinstall or upgrade your PacBSD system from one “version” to the next. By issuing one command, an PacBSD system is kept up-to-date and on the bleeding edge.
PacBSD strives to keep its packages as close to the original upstream software as possible. Patches are applied only when necessary to ensure an application compiles and runs correctly with the other packages installed on an up-to-date PacBSD system.
To summarize: PacBSD is a versatile, and simple distribution designed to fit the needs of the competent BSD® user. It is both powerful and easy to manage, making it an ideal distro for servers and workstations. Take it in any direction you like. If you share this vision of what a GNU/BSD distribution should be, then you are welcomed and encouraged to use it freely, get involved, and contribute to the community.
Welcome to PacBSD!