helloSystem: A FreeBSD-Based Desktop System with a Mac-Like Experience

December 20, 2023

helloSystem: A FreeBSD-Based Desktop System with a Mac-Like Experience

Introduction

helloSystem is a FreeBSD-based, desktop-oriented operating system that seeks to provide a macOS-style desktop interface and layout while using open source software[5]. It is a desktop system for creators with a focus on simplicity, elegance, and usability[3][2]. The design of helloSystem follows the "Less, but better" philosophy[2]. The project was created by Simon Peter, the founder of AppImage technology for GNU/Linux[4].

History and Team

helloSystem was partly inspired by the simplicity of Macintosh System 1[3]. Simon Peter, a software developer from Germany and the founder of AppImage technology, created helloSystem[4]. He started developing helloSystem mainly by removing what he didn't like about other open source desktops as an early and longtime Mac user[3].

Unique Features

helloSystem 0.8.1 brings core system improvements, UI enhancements, and bug fixes[1]. The update includes enhancements to the core system, such as USB tethering of Android phones and 5.1 audio systems working out of the box[1]. The user interface has also been improved, with USB sound devices now shown with their vendor and model in the Volume menu[1]. The “About This Computer” dialog has been updated to show information about the Xorg GPU driver being used[1]. The “Install FreeBSD” utility is now called “Install helloSystem”[1].

helloSystem uses something called application bundles to manage its applications[6]. These application packages are similar to AppImages often used on Ubuntu[4].

Installation Tips:-

System Requirements

2 GHz dual core Intel/AMD 64-bit processor

2 GiB RAM system memory (4 GiB recommended; before 0.7.0: 4 GiB minimum)

VGA capable of 800x600 screen resolution (1024x768 or more recommended)

Either a CD/DVD drive or a USB port for booting the installer media

On non-Macintosh hardware, a Raspberry Pi Keyboard and Hub is recommended as it allows the keyboard and system language to be detected automatically if it is attached while the system is starting up. On Macintosh hardware, the prev-lang:kbd EFI variable is usually set and is used to detect the keyboard and system language. Note that the key left to the space bar is used as the Command key (Alt key on PC keyboards, Apple key on Apple keyboards).

Troubleshooting Tips

helloSystem is still in its early stages of development, and users may encounter some issues. If you encounter problems, you can report them on the helloSystem GitHub issues page[5].

Conclusion

helloSystem is a promising project that offers a unique, Mac-like experience on a FreeBSD base. It's still in the early stages of development, but it's already showing a lot of potential. If you're interested in a simple, elegant desktop system, helloSystem is worth checking out.

Disclaimer

This article is provided by The Distrowrite Project for informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the helloSystem website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

Citations

[1] https://www.opensourcefeed.org/helloSystem-0.8.1-release/

[2] https://hellosystem.github.io

[3] https://github.com/helloSystem/hello/wiki

[4] https://www.ubuntubuzz.com/2023/02/hellosystem-new-promising-macintosh-like-free-desktop-os.html?m=1

[5] https://distrowatch.com/index-mobile.php?newsid=11783

[6] https://youtube.com/watch?v=o3z9QnMTLm8