Before the FreeBSD veterans jump down my throat, I know that the “freebsd-update” command (and its accompanying unofficial binary security updates) has been available in the ports collection for ages.

However, as a relatively recent FreeBSD convert, I think its a pretty big deal that it is now offically supported as part of the base install. You see, a lot of Linux folks have gotten pretty used to typing “aptitude update” and then “aptitude upgrade” in order to install security updates. As a result, the idea of moving to FreeBSD and having to deal with source code, patches, compiling, etc. seems pretty old school and even a little scary. I know its not (if you can read the handbook) but it is certainly a barrier to entry for some. Continue reading →