Installer for FreeBSD 15 will include optional KDE desktop environment setup
FreeBSD, the free and open-source Unix-like operating system, is set to make a significant leap forward with the upcoming release of version 15. This latest version will mark a departure from the traditional terminal-based installation method, offering users the option to install a graphical desktop environment directly during installation.
KDE Plasma Integration for a Smooth User Experience
At the heart of this update is the integration of KDE Plasma, a popular desktop environment, into the FreeBSD 15 installer (bsdinstall). This move is designed to provide a more user-friendly and streamlined experience from the get-go. Upon installation, users will be greeted with a graphical login screen instead of a text prompt, simplifying desktop deployment compared to previous releases where users had to manually install and configure a GUI post-installation.
Focus on Desktop and Laptop Usability
This development is a direct result of the FreeBSD Foundation's Laptop Support and Usability Project, which has been focusing on improving desktop and laptop usability, including graphics and power management. The project has been working on enhancing power management capabilities, such as handling Microsoft's Modern Standby, and making strides in graphics drivers, as evidenced by the importation of graphics drivers from Linux kernel 6.7 and 6.8 into FreeBSD's drm-kmod.
A Work in Progress: Towards a Fully Graphical Installer
While the graphical installer is currently a proof of concept, with the internal installer still using terminal dialogs, progress is being made. Efforts such as Lua scripting support and GTK+ dialog reimplementations indicate a move towards a more graphical installer environment in the future.
Embracing Modern Graphics and GPUs
The inclusion of KDE Plasma as a direct installation option aligns with efforts to support modern Intel GPUs and improved graphics drivers, some of which have been carried over from Linux kernel DRM modules. This integration supports Intel's 2023 "Meteor Lake" GPUs, signalling FreeBSD's commitment to staying current with the latest hardware.
The Future of FreeBSD's Graphical Desktop
While the graphical-desktop option will initially offer a minimal installation of KDE Plasma, discussions are ongoing about the choice of desktop environment for FreeBSD's graphical desktop. Some users prefer a smaller and simpler option like Xfce, and these preferences are being taken into account as the project continues to evolve.
Other Notable Improvements
In addition to the graphical desktop installation option, FreeBSD 15 is also making strides in other areas. Work is ongoing on improving USB input device handling, HDMI display control, and Wi-Fi support, including faster standards. The project is also working on handling scheduling tasks across heterogenous CPU cores, bringing FreeBSD in line with other BSD family members in terms of modern features.
Release Date and Beyond
FreeBSD 15 may be released by the end of this year, marking a significant milestone for the operating system. While the focus is on the graphical desktop installation option, it's important to note that fully graphical installers remain in early stages and may continue evolving beyond this release.
[1] FreeBSD Blog: FreeBSD 15 Release Targets
[2] Phoronix: FreeBSD 15 To Offer A Graphical Desktop Installation Option
[3] FreeBSD Journal: FreeBSD 15: A New Desktop Environment
[5] Ars Technica: FreeBSD 15 to offer graphical installer and KDE Plasma desktop option
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- The integration of KDE Plasma into the graphical installer (bsdinstall) of FreeBSD 15 is a result of the AI-driven FreeBSD Foundation's Laptop Support and Usability Project focusing on technology enhancements.
- With the upcoming release of FreeBSD 15, users will be able to install hardware like Intel GPUs and leverage software such as KDE Plasma or Xfce, which are part of the modern technology landscape.
