OpenBSD vs. NetBSD?

[OS]

Which will be best for a firewall/gateway/router/temp-file server/DoD box/?

What is the normal install size, ease of install and which is the most Slack like?

Thanks,
Owen

[Ashcrow]

Chances are you'd be happier with OpenBSD. Both OS's can easily be used as a firewall/gateway etc .... OpenBSD was originally based of NetBSD so there are a good amount of items that work the same. The reason I think OpenBSD would be a better choice in this case is because you have firewall in the requirements .. and since OpenBSD has the best security record and is pretty darn easy to maintain security on it I'd assume it is the best choice.

[Gnu/Vince]

NetBSD. Earlier this year I would've said OpenBSD, but since I've had problems with it when I used cheap hardware (motherboard + netwrok cards) and that those problems were not present with NetBSD, I settled my choice. Also, if security concerns you, don't worry, NetBSD is as much secure as OpenBSD. They both come with every services closed (actually, NetBSD has less, OpenSSH is off by default). Minimum install is also smaller since Perl is not installed by default. There are about 1300 more ports (pkgsrc actually) to choose from. Plus, you can download the ISO's. So feel free to check it out!

BTW, there's a Dreamcast running a web server. I have to find that address again

[OS]

Ok, what about the ease of install, size, speed, and Slack resemblence? I am not too concerned with security...it's just gotta work decently.

Also, if I ever get cable what will work best? The ISP will @Home.

Thanks,
Owen

[Gnu/Vince]

Originally posted by OS:
<STRONG>Ok, what about the ease of install, size, speed, and Slack resemblence? I am not too concerned with security...it's just gotta work decently.

Also, if I ever get cable what will work best? The ISP will @Home.

Thanks,
Owen</STRONG>


Ease of install: pretty much the same, except NetBSD has nifty graphical windows:
*************
* Window *
*************

Size: NetBSD: depends what you install. Everything but X is ~204MB. Should be the same with OpenBSD

Speed: No idea, it's not noticeable.

Ressemblance of Slack: Not like Slack at all

No idea about Cable thing. Last time I did a cable thing, dhclient fxp0 and bang I got a working connection...

[ 10 May 2001: Message edited by: wmHardRock ]

[S0larfluX]

Either one will be fine, but I prefer NetBSD because there's more up-to-date software in pkgsrc ( == ports on OpenBSD/FreeBSD).

Also, if you seek help on IRC, #netbsd is much friendlier place to ask questions than #openbsd; both are on EFNet...

I like the layout of the NetBSD guide better than the OpenBSD FAQ as well.

Other than that, they are quite similar.

[freebsd]

Check here -&gt; http://bsdvault.net/viewtopic.php?topic=132&forum=3 to see why I suggest you to choose NetBSD over OpenBSD.

&gt;&gt; I am not too concerned with security. it's just gotta work decently

OpenBSD breaks easily if you have a tiny misconfiguration or using cheap hardware.
Get a 2GB hard drive, don't use any smaller, if you plan to buildworld.

[hellbee]

I recommend the following variations on the distributions you asked about, which are stripped down to suit the purpose of a firewall/router. Remember that a basic tenet of security is to only enable what you need. These products fit that principle.
http://www.dubbele.com - Excellent http://emBSD.org - Haven't tried this one, but sounds promising.