I actually prefer both operating systems very much, so since you're asking a somewhat beginners question I'll approach this as such: From a new user perspective I'd say that FreeBSD is likely the better choice. If you check the
OpenBSD goals you'll notice some specific things:
- Provide the best development platform possible.
- Greater integration of cryptographic software.
- Focus on being developer-oriented in all senses, including holding developer-only events called hackathons.
In short it's fair to say that OpenBSD focuses on security and development. So some aspects of the OS might be obscure for you if you're not already familiar with development. That's not saying OpenBSD can't cope, absolutely not, but the learning curve can definitely be harder, provided that you're indeed a new user.
FreeBSD has a somewhat broader perspective. The mission statement is basically "
The power to serve" and if you want to know more about what FreeBSD has to say about itself they're basically directing you to
other sources of advocacy because that is the only fair thing to do.
So my 2 cents on all this: FreeBSD is an operating system which is provided and maintained by a massive group of highly motivated individuals who all try to provide the best experience possible (but the same can be said about OpenBSD!). This experience can range from developing new user friendly utilities such as
pkg(8) (the 'new' (it's been in use for some years now) package manager)) but also shows itself when you look at the
FreeBSD handbook and the other massive amounts of
available documentation and even the FreeBSD community (now hinting at this forum).
That's why I think that FreeBSD is more likely to provide an easier experience if you're just starting out with all this.
The power to serve (FreeBSD) vs.
Only two remote holes in the default install, in a heck of a long time! (OpenBSD).
Different operating systems, different communities, different approaches but all awesome.
