GhostBSD is evolving, and we have some exciting changes ahead! After discussions with contributors and careful evaluation, we are making a major shift in how we build and release GhostBSD. The goal is to provide a more stable, efficient, and predictable experience for our users.
Switching to FreeBSD RELEASE
Starting with the next release, GhostBSD will be built on FreeBSD RELEASE instead of STABLE. The upcoming version will be based on FreeBSD 14.2-RELEASEp1.
This change brings several benefits:
- Greater stability – RELEASE versions undergo extensive testing before they are finalized.
- Predictable updates – RELEASE follows a structured patching cycle, making it easier to maintain.
- Less troubleshooting overhead – STABLE often introduces unexpected issues, requiring additional time and effort to resolve.
By using FreeBSD RELEASE, we can spend less time fixing stability issues and more time developing and improving GhostBSD.
New Versioning Scheme
With this transition, we’re introducing a new versioning format to make releases more transparent:
Example: 25.01.R14.2p1
Breaking it down:
- 25 → The last two digits of the year (2025)
- 01 → The GhostBSD patch version
- R → Indicates RELEASE (if we ever release a STABLE-based version, this will be S)
- 14.2 → The FreeBSD version of the release is based on
- p1 → The FreeBSD patch level
This new versioning makes it easier to track which FreeBSD release GhostBSD is based on and ensures clarity in updates.
Aligning with FreeBSD’s Release Schedule
Going forward, GhostBSD will follow the FreeBSD release schedule, meaning new GhostBSD releases will be planned for the same month as new FreeBSD versions.
This alignment ensures:
- Timely integration of FreeBSD updates into GhostBSD.
- More predictable release cycles for users and contributors.
- Less delay between FreeBSD updates and GhostBSD releases.
Why Are We Making This Change?
Our primary focus has always been to provide a smooth and stable user experience. By switching to RELEASE, we can:
✔ Provide a more stable and reliable OS.
✔ Focus on software updates rather than fixing STABLE-related issues.
✔ Improve and develop our tools faster without unnecessary roadblocks.
✔ Reduce time spent troubleshooting unexpected problems from STABLE.
This change allows us to spend more time on what matters most—enhancing GhostBSD for our users.
Possibility of Updated ISO Releases
While we will continue with planned releases, we may also release updated ISOs when necessary, particularly for:
- Critical security patches
- Important bug fixes
This ensures that new installations start with the latest security and stability improvements without waiting for the next major release.
Looking Ahead
This transition marks an important step in GhostBSD’s evolution. By following FreeBSD RELEASE and aligning with its release schedule, we can deliver a more polished and reliable system while moving development forward faster.
We appreciate your support and feedback as we make these improvements. Join the discussion on our forums or Telegram user group to share your thoughts!
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