Alternatives to GhostBSD

A desktop operating system based on FreeBSD with the MATE desktop and preinstalled software. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as GhostBSD.

  • MidnightBSD

    A BSD-derived desktop operating system for x86 and AMD64 PCs and virtual machines.

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    MidnightBSD is another desktop-focused BSD system with packages through mports and an app store, but it has a small developer community and supports only x86 and AMD64.

  • NomadBSD

    A persistent FreeBSD-based live system for USB flash drives with automatic hardware detection.

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    NomadBSD is a FreeBSD-based persistent live system that runs from a USB drive with automatic hardware detection, rather than an installed MATE desktop; its latest release dates from July 2024.

  • DragonFly BSD

    A free BSD operating system with the HAMMER2 filesystem, derived from FreeBSD.

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    DragonFly BSD is derived from FreeBSD but uses its own kernel design and HAMMER2 filesystem, with packages through DPorts that lag behind current FreeBSD ports.

  • FuguIta

    An OpenBSD-based live system that boots from DVD, USB memory or an external drive.

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    FuguIta is based on OpenBSD rather than FreeBSD and runs as a live system from DVD or USB, maintained by a single developer with some Japanese-only guides.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.