Sustain
Episode 239: Deb Goodkin of FreeBSD
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- FreeBSD is an independent operating system derived from Unix at Bell Labs, distinct from Linux.
- The FreeBSD Foundation supports the FreeBSD Project financially, in development, and advocacy.
- FreeBSD focuses on security, collaborating with ARM and governments on projects addressing memory safety.
- FreeBSD promotes diversity through community engagement, events, and partnerships, targeting inclusivity in tech.
Deep dives
Overview of FreeBSD - A Unique Operating System
FreeBSD is an independent operating system that originated from Unix at Bell Labs, then evolved at Berkeley before forking into netBSD and FreeBSD. Unlike Linux, FreeBSD runs on various architectures like RISC-V and ARM64, and can operate on different CPUs like AMD and Intel. While it can run on Macs, it's commonly used on PCs due to its versatile adaptability across different systems.
FreeBSD Foundation - Supporting the Operating System
The FreeBSD Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit, focuses on supporting the FreeBSD operating system and its community. The Foundation funds development projects, engages in legal agreements, secures infrastructure, and oversees hardware support. It collaborates with companies, funds external and internal developers, and ensures the project's advancement through secure and quality-controlled software development.
Security Prioritization in FreeBSD
FreeBSD emphasizes security due to global mandates and guidelines. Projects like 'TURI-BSD,' between ARM and the University of Cambridge, address memory safety. The UK and US governments sponsor security research on FreeBSD-based systems. With a dedicated security team and policy analysts, FreeBSD actively participates in international security conversations and implements guidelines to safeguard digital infrastructure.
Community Engagement and Diversity Initiatives
FreeBSD maintains diverse communication channels, including forums, mailing lists, and events, to engage its community. The Foundation conducts surveys to gather user feedback and enhance user experiences. Efforts to enhance diversity involve participating in women in computing events, promoting STEM careers among women, and fostering inclusivity within the tech industry. Additionally, initiatives targeting university partnerships aim to introduce more individuals, especially women, to open source and FreeBSD.
Celebrating FreeBSD - A Continuous Spotlight
FreeBSD celebrates 'FreeBSD Day' with a week-long event showcasing use cases, user stories, and live streams on YouTube. The celebration highlights the versatility and benefits of FreeBSD across commercial and individual applications. Through engaging content, FreeBSD aims to raise awareness, attract new users, and showcase the collaborative and passionate community behind the project.
Promoting FreeBSD Contributions and Community Accessibility
The FreeBSD Foundation encourages contributions, particularly in documentation, to enhance user experiences and attract new developers. By curating informative content, tutorials, and stories, FreeBSD strives to simplify onboarding processes and foster a welcoming community environment. Initiatives like Michael Lucas's educational books and community-driven events play a significant role in educating users and promoting engagement with FreeBSD.
Exploring FreeBSD's Mascot and the Rich History of BSD Logos
BSD's distinct logo, a daemon named Beastie, serves as the mascot of the project rather than the official logo. The daemon symbolizes the BSD project's history and architecture. The FreeBSD Foundation chooses logo designs like a 'bobblehead' within a red circle, aligning with each BSD project's unique logo, reflecting diverse project identities and histories.
Book Spotlight on 'Absolute FreeBSD' by Michael Lucas
Michael Lucas's 'Absolute FreeBSD' serves as a comprehensive guide to FreeBSD, offering practical insights and detailed information for users and system administrators. Known for its engaging and humorous writing style, the book simplifies complex technical concepts and enhances the learning experience for FreeBSD enthusiasts. Lucas's book plays a pivotal role in educating users, promoting FreeBSD's usage, and elevating the project's visibility within the tech community.
Guest
Deb Goodkin
Panelist
Richard Littauer
Show Notes
This episode of Sustain features host Richard Littauer having a conversation with guest Deb Goodkin, the Executive Director of the FreeBSD Foundation. They discuss the history, development, and distinct characteristics of FreeBSD as an operating system independent from Linux, and the foundational support provided by the FreeBSD Foundation. The conversation delves into the organization’s efforts in software development, security, community engagement, and plans to increase diversity. They also highlight the celebration of FreeBSD Day and Deb’s passion for maintaining and promoting FreeBSD. Press download now to hear more!
[00:00:55] Deb explains her role and clarifies that FreeBSD is an independent operating system, originally derived from Unix developed at Bell Labs.
[00:02:27] Richard mentions “BSD” stands for “Berkeley Software Distribution.” Deb confirms the existence of the BSD license and its relevance.
[00:03:27] Deb admits it’s challenging to determine the number of FreeBSD users due to the nature of the BSD license but estimates hundreds of thousands based on device usage.
[00:04:08] Deb distinguishes the FreeBSD Foundation from the FreeBSD Project, explaining the foundation’s role in supporting the project and the community through funding, development, and advocacy.
[00:06:47] Deb compares the FreeBSD Foundation to other foundations like the GNOME Foundation and the Linux Foundation, emphasizing FreeBSD’s focus on software development and community support.
[00:08:15] Deb reveals most of the foundation’s funding comes from corporate sponsors. She highlights the foundation’s increasing focus on security in response to global standards and government guidelines, mentioning FreeBSD’s involvement in security research and development.
[00:12:45] There’s a discussion on the foundation’s approach to policy and standards, noting the limited resources but emphasizing the importance of corporate and community input in deciding priorities and projects.
[00:15:52] Richard questions Deb about feedback mechanisms used to gauge the FreeBSD community’s concerns about security. He wonders about the participation dynamics. Deb details the communication channels within the FreeBSD community, mentions a recent community survey and what the responses revealed, and explains the 1% negative feedback.
[00:19:56] The conversation shifts towards diversity and inclusion within FreeBSD, questioning the foundation’s strategies to enhance geographical and demographic diversity. Deb discusses the foundation’s efforts to increase gender diversity, mentioning initiatives targeting women, especially through involvement in computing events and universities.
[00:24:05] Richard inquires about the prevalence of women in executive roles within open source foundations, sparking a conversation on gender dynamics in leadership and the intense dedication required in these roles. Deb shares her admiration for the passion and intelligence within the FreeBSD community and emphasizes the foundation’s commitment to supporting the project and its people.
[00:26:51] Why is Deb so passionate about FreeBSD? She reflects on her deep connection with the community, her continuous learning in the field, and her desire to see the project thrive long-term.
[00:29:06] Richard acknowledges the upcoming FreeBSD Day, and Deb shares how it showcases the uses of FreeBSD with a week of activities.
[00:31:26] Find out here you can learn more about FreeBSD and Deb’s work online.
{00:33:34] Richard asks about the FreeBSD logo, confused by the demon mascot. Deb clarifies that the mascot, named Beastie, is a playful representation related to the UNIX’s background processes (daemons) and not an actual logo.
Spotlight
- [00:35:34] Richard’s spotlight is Philip Pullman’s Trilogy book series.
- [00:36:12] Deb’s spotlight is Michael Lucas’s book, Absolute FreeBSD.
Links
- SustainOSS
- SustainOSS Twitter
- SustainOSS Discourse
- podcast@sustainoss.org
- SustainOSS Mastodon
- Open Collective-SustainOSS (Contribute)
- Richard Littauer Socials
- Deb Goodkin X/Twitter
- Deb Goodkin LinkedIn
- FreeBSD Foundation
- 2024 FreeBSD Community Survey is Here-FreeBSD Foundation
- FreeBSD Foundation YouTube
- The FreeBSD Project
- His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman-Wikipedia
- Absolute FreeBSD by Michael W. Lucas (no starch press)
Credits
- Produced by Richard Littauer
- Edited by Paul M. Bahr at Peachtree Sound
- Show notes by DeAnn Bahr Peachtree Sound
Special Guest: Deb Goodkin.
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