FreeBSD 15.1 installer Distribution vs Packages (experimental )

[fullox]

I have installed FreeBSD 100s of times now and I'm unable to get the install to use the distribution setup out of the new options in current installs. I've been confused and getting trouble compiling the kernel. I end up using git to download the kernel source when using packages option to install the OS because I like compiling the kernel due to a previous learning experience with Nvidia drivers back in FreeBSD 6.1.
freebsd-update fetch doesn't work in 15.1 and has some error saying the kernel is mismatched or I did something that broke it. You can't customize the kernel without breaking base system updates?(or is that a seperate issue since I have not had a distribution install in 1.5 years) live so long without asking questions...
I can't remember exactly what happens with the older distribution setup. So what I'm asking is, does freebsd-update update the kernel and I shouldn't compile the kernel then? and why am I running into problems using that command from FreeBSD's kit using package(experimental) now that I think of it I haven't been able to install FreeBSD from the distribution set for a year and a half now.
I always come back to FreeBSD to play with it and see what has changed over the years, primarily I use it in virtual machines these days on Host Windows 11.
I don't usually write about FreeBSD problems, sorry if it's hard to understand but I did my best.

Some hints on this post on questions. Maybe you can explain how to use the distribution setup? Should I download the dvd iso for virtualbox cause the network install won't ever work on disc1.

freebsd-update is incompatible with the use of packaged base, Please see https://wiki.freebsd.org/PkgBase for more information

I just noticed this I checked it right as i was finishing my post

 

[mer]

Sounds like the installer default was switched in 15.1.
freebsd-update works in my 15.1 systems BUT the systems started at 13.0, migrated to 14.0, migrated to 15.0 and kept updated with freebsd-update.

I don't have any input beyond that.

 

[Emrion]

You have three ways to update/upgrade a FreeBSD system:

- Binary patches (freebsd-update): https://docs.freebsd.org/en/books/handbook/cutting-edge/#updating-upgrading-freebsdupdate
- pkgbase (all is managed by pkg(8)): https://docs.freebsd.org/en/books/handbook/cutting-edge/#_upgrading_a_host_using_freebsd_base (don't modify your /usr/local/etc/pkg/repos/FreeBSD-base.conf file, this instruction deserves a PR).
- By source: https://docs.freebsd.org/en/books/handbook/cutting-edge/#makeworld

You're not supposed to use an hybrid way, though the use of a custom kernel is explicitly evoqued with freebsd-update.

In your case, you have several problems: The checksum of FreeBSD-kernel package will be incorrect and if you update/upgrade your system, it will probably overwrite your custom kernel. The idea to lock the FreeBSD-kernel package is certainly very bad. Maybe leave it to install, pull the new code with git and recompile/install your custom kernel.

I have to say, it's just an idea. I won't certainly never recompile a kernel if I'm not obliged (hardware problems or whatever). It's probably simpler (and documented) to reinstall without the pkgbase option (and then use freebsd-update).