I am still pretty sure that hal has been deprecated, BUT if something you are suggesting needs it, then yes it should be in the instructions.
How gracious of you.
Is this not for compiling a kernel to change defaults?:
If those code snippets aren't related to compiling the kernel, what files do I paste that in to?
You obviously don't know the first thing about installing FreeBSD from scratch and your reading comprehension leaves something to be desired.
They aren't pasted into anything, they are options you can choose during the default build process. If you had
ever set up FreeBSD 12 yourself you would know that.
Then perhaps you should stop point new people to a tutorial for 10 year old computers when they ask about how to install FreeBSD on a laptop in 2018? Most beginners are probably not thinking of a computer that old.
Perhaps you better know a little more of what you're talking about before you question my methods. Thinkpads from that time period are very popular with FreeBSD users.
Then perhaps you should make that clear at the beginning of your "beginner's guide" as most beginners are going to want something that simple.
If it's simple you want then FreeBSD just isn't for you. Sorry to be the one to have to break it to you...
There are plenty of guides out there that use pkg. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, I'm the only person who uses ports in their tutorial. I recommend you check out the tutorials authored by
vermaden, he has several nice ones.
Then maybe you shouldn't call it a beginner's guide but a "how I do it" guide?
It's clearly a Beginners Guide as it's targeted for someone who has never used a terminal.
Not telling people the easy way (packages) because you prefer to do it the more flexible way probably doesn't belong in something called a "Beginner's guide".
I taught myself to use ports and is what I've used exclusively the last 14 years. It was an invaluable learning experience for me and a skill everyone should be fluent in IMO.
Try reading more slowly. I do give the reader the option to use pkg, explain the pros and cons of each and refer them to the Handbook if they choose to use pkg.
You have the option of building programs from source though ports or using pre-compiled binary packages through the pkg system. Using pkg is much faster, but by using ports you can choose your own program options and it's the way I've always done it so that's what we'll use in this tutorial.
Ports are also updated more often than packages. Therefore, it will be easier to keep your 3rd party software up to date when new vulnerabilities are discovered, and by starting out using ports you'll get a feel for compiling programs and gain more CLI time for experience purposes in the process.
I recommend not to mix ports and packages, so once you start using ports stay with it. After you gain some experience you may want to rebuild your system and switch from ports to packages. If you'd rather start using the pkg system consult the FreeBSD Handbook.
You have a lot of knowledge and can be very helpful.
Opinions vary greatly and run the full spectrum as evidenced earlier today in another thread.
I just wish you would think beyond how you do things when you claim something is for beginners.
I'll keep that in mind. Right now I have #1 google ranking on a search for "FreeBSD desktop tutorial" and with the exception of a few people most I've had contact with over the last couple years have managed to successfully set up a FreeBSD desktop using it.
Now that you have an idea what you'd like to see in a Beginners Tutorial, I invite you to write one of your own. Who knows, in a year or so you may rise to the top to take my place on a google search just like I did if you work at it.