What is OpenBSD?

OpenBSD is a free, open-source operating system that is built to be very secure and reliable. It is a version of the BSD family of Unix-like systems, and its developers focus on code correctness and strong default security settings.

Let's break it down

  • Open: anyone can look at, change, and share the source code.
  • BSD: a family of Unix-style operating systems that started at the University of California, Berkeley.
  • Operating system: the basic software that lets a computer’s hardware run programs and manage resources.
  • Free, open-source: you don’t have to pay for it, and the code is publicly available.
  • Security-focused: the developers spend extra effort to find and fix bugs, and the default settings protect the system from attacks.
  • Reliable: it aims to run for long periods without crashing or needing frequent reboots.

Why does it matter?

Because many computers and network devices need to stay up and safe, OpenBSD offers a system that is designed to resist hacking and to keep running smoothly. It also provides a learning platform for anyone who wants to understand how secure software is built from the ground up.

Where is it used?

  • As the core of firewalls and routers, using OpenBSD’s built-in packet filter (pf).
  • In embedded devices such as network appliances, VPN gateways, and IoT hubs.
  • By security researchers and auditors who need a clean, well-documented code base to study.
  • In academic courses that teach operating-system concepts and secure coding practices.

Good things about it

  • Extremely thorough code auditing results in fewer security bugs.
  • Simple, consistent design makes the system easy to understand once you learn the basics.
  • Excellent, up-to-date documentation that is beginner-friendly.
  • Strong default security settings mean you get protection out of the box.
  • Permissive licensing allows anyone to use the code in commercial or personal projects.

Not-so-good things

  • Limited hardware driver support compared with more mainstream OSes, so some newer devices may not work.
  • Fewer commercial applications and games are available, which can be a drawback for everyday desktop use.
  • The learning curve can be steep for users who are new to Unix-like systems.
  • Updates to hardware drivers and peripheral support can be slower than in larger, more commercial distributions.