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Please read What is DesktopBSD first.
Q) Why should I use BSD instead of Linux, Windows … at all?
A) Because you can!
For more of an explanation, Windows isn't Unix-like in the least. If you want, and or need, a UNIX operating system then one of the BSDs is a good choice.
As for Linux, simple answer, it's about choice. The BSD system development philosophy is different then the Linux development philosophy, and some people prefer the BSD philosophy to the Linux philosophy. On top of that, BSD doesn't mimic UNIX, it's a real derivate of UNIX.
The BSD operating systems are not clones, but open source derivatives of AT&T’s Research UNIX operating system, which is also the ancestor of the modern UNIX System V.
BSD isn't about hype, it doesn't make false promises, it's a honest operating system. You will get a rock stable and fast, modern operating system, with decades of experience instead of the latest mumbo jumbo which drives you maybe crazy because of unstable behavior and so on. And remember, FreeBSD or BSD in common, isn't about Windows bashing like in other places at the WWW. It's an alternative, but it doesn't even try to compete with it, because it convinces with quality not hype. At best you can describe it as an healthy and intelligent competition.
A nice article, FreeBSD is not Windows.
Q) I am a complete BSD beginner. Should I use DesktopBSD?
A) Absolutely! DesktopBSD is designed for users than are new to BSD or have very little BSD experience. Not only is DesktopBSD an excellent place to start, but with features being added all the time, experienced users may also be enticed to use DesktopBSD simply because it is easier to Maintain, Utilise and Administer this fully functional, and powerful O/S. Not only do you have the ability to use Graphical User Interface (GUI) tools for day to day running of your desktop, you can always open a console and learn a few commands without disrupting your GUI tools functionality. A great way to get your feet wet!
Q) Is BSD Another Linux distribution?
A) No, DesktopBSD is not a Linux distribution. It is a distribution of FreeBSD, and although similar to the untrained eye, they are two very different operating systems.
The main difference being that the BSD's have their own kernels with tools that are engineered to work with the kernel. Linux has a kernel developed by Linus Torvalds and tools from various places (e.g. GNU userland) to make up the core of the operating system. Two very informative articles, for a more in depth explanation, are
"Explaining BSD" from Greg Lehey
or
Dru Lavignes - FreeBSD: An Open Source Alternative to Linux
Q) Why should I use DesktopBSD(FreeBSD) at all, instead of Linux?
A) You should use it because it is a BSD! Aside from that reason, here are a few helpful pointers that can help with making that decision.
Q) Is DesktopBSD a FreeBSD fork?
A) DesktopBSD isn't a “fork” - it's a customized FreeBSD installation that mainly consists of the DesktopBSD Tools and a collection of configuration files and software for desktop use. You can install the DesktopBSD tools on “normal” FreeBSD systems too, but you probably have to modify a few configuration files to make them work perfectly. DesktopBSD will be always based on a recent FreeBSD STABLE release or well-tested snapshot.
Q) Why do you use KDE instead of Gnome, ICEWM, etc..?
A) KDE is easy to work with and has many useful features and well-integrated components such as the PIM package (Personal Information Manager). Additionally, KDE is probably easier for people that used Windows before, but this is rather a nice side-effect than a main reason for this choice.
Of course, there are other great desktop environments out there that are in some ways superior to KDE, but we decided to use only KDE so we can have better support for that one and have better integration of the DesktopBSD Tools with that environment.
Q) Why DesktopBSD? There's already PC-BSD!
A) DesktopBSD and PC-BSD are two very different installations. PC-BSD have similar goals to us which is to assist the end users intergration into BSD, and both are based on FreeBSD but that is where the similarities end. DesktopBSD development started about one year before PC-BSD suddenly appeared. Neither is a copy of the other, and DesktopBSD is not about rivalry against PC-BSD. In fact, it's quite possible that PC-BSD and DesktopBSD can profit from each other in the future. And guess what? In the end, you have the power of choice!
Q) What is the difference between DesktopBSD and PC-BSD?
A) Many, so I will point out an obvious one to illustrate the point. DesktopBSD uses all of the powerful and functional features that FreeBSD offers. We utilise FreeBSD as it was designed to be used, with added, easy to use, GUI tools where needed most. An example of this is the famous “Ports” system and DesktopBSD's Package Manager. After installation of a few ports using the Package Manager, you could just as easy switch to a console and install further packages. You are in effect using the same system to install your programs. PC-BSD utilises a new system of installing packages using a *.pbi package. It is a self contained, and self installing package system that is reminicent of the *.exe files, and contains all the various libraries needed to install the package. Regardless if you have the libraries installed or not, each *.pbi contains everything it needs. It does not intergrate with the system installed but wraps itself around the operating system and uses what it needs. If you switch to a console to install via the ports system you are in effect using a different system.
Q) DesktopBSD needs more documentation!
A) Ahh yes. We are working on this right now. If you would like to help us have a look at How to contribute to DesktopBSD
Q) DesktopBSD needs to be more “newbie” friendly.
A) DesktopBSD is designed to cater to the “newbie”. If you see an area we can improve on, consider sending us an email suggesting your improvement. Who knows, it may be integrated, and you will have helped DesktopBSD become just that little bit better.
Q) I've found an error with package X, what should I do?
A) This all depends on what package it is. If it is a DesktopBSD tool, then you need to report it using our tracker. If the package is a FreeBSD package then you will need to submit a bug report to the FreeBSD maintainers. If you are unable to decipher which is which, post a query on our forums and someone will be able to help you find a resolution.
Q) Will DesktopBSD have its own repository in the future for the Package Manager?
A) The simple answer to this at the moment is no. DesktopBSD developers have previously held discussions regarding a repository, however no definitive answer has formally been released.
Q) The Package Manager is slow! How can I improve my download speed?
A) Newer version of the DesktopBSD Package Manager support portsnap, which reduces update times and bandwidth usage to a minimum. If you want to keep using cvsup, it also includes a tool that finds the fastest cvsup repository to download from using ping speed tests from your modem/router. If you know of a faster one, you can manually input the address into the Package Manager.
Q) DesktopBSD packages have wierd names how do I found out more about a package?
A) There are a few options to find out more about packages/ports. One is to click on the “Long Description” button provided in the Package Manager. You can visit the web site of the package if it has one, or browse the “freshports” website for detailed infomation.
Q) DesktopBSD needs feature X!
A) Please open a ticket in the tracker or post a feature proposal in the forums.