With the code branch for NetBSD 11 freshly created, the storied BSD operating system is preparing to reinforce its position as a bastion of portability and versatility in the Unix world. This imminent release, less than 18 months after NetBSD 10, comes at a critical juncture for open source, as other FOSS operating systems reevaluate the platforms they support and as legacy hardware faces fading attention. With NetBSD 11, the project is doubling down on its tradition of broad hardware compatibility while introducing refinements, new features, and procedural improvements aimed at both casual tinkerers and demanding professional deployments.
Since its inception in the early 1990s, NetBSD has carved out a reputation as the BSD that runs everywhere. Famous for its slogan, "Of course it runs NetBSD," the project has long served as an invaluable bridge between diverse hardware and a clean, classic Unix-like experience. Amidst fierce competition from the likes of FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and Linux, NetBSD has persisted as a quieter but essential pillar in the free operating system landscape.
Over the years, what most set NetBSD apart was its sweeping support for platforms—referred to as "ports." Each port meticulously adapts NetBSD to the quirks of a given processor, chipset, firmware, or system family. As modern computing leaves some architectures behind, NetBSD’s comprehensive efforts become both an act of preservation and a launchpad for experimentation.
Consequently, NetBSD now stands increasingly alone in actively pursuing compatibility with decades-old machines alongside bleeding-edge hardware. While OpenBSD also boasts a long platform list, its focus is narrower and more specialized, with notable compromises in hardware—such as the lack of Bluetooth support or Apple Silicon-specific limitations.
Other userland and kernel enhancements include:
While not flashy, these changes uphold NetBSD’s commitment to reliability and predictability across an astounding range of hardware, a trait unmatched by many other operating systems.
This highlights one of NetBSD's perennial tradeoffs: By supporting so many platforms, development resources are spread thin, necessitating careful choices about where to innovate versus where to maintain.
In a FOSS environment quickly shedding support for "yesterday’s" platforms, NetBSD stands alone, not by resisting change, but by valuing preservation, flexibility, and transparency. While its golden era as a general-purpose desktop OS may have faded, its new release schedule, continued emphasis on niche hardware, and incremental advances ensure it will remain essential for hardware archivists, computing historians, embedded builders, and those who refuse to abandon legacy systems.
For users who crave stability, simplicity, and the confidence their favorite OS will run on nearly anything, NetBSD 11 isn't just a relic—it’s a bold reaffirmation of the project’s foundational promise in a changing world.
Source: theregister.com NetBSD 11 prepares for launch with 57 supported platforms
Background
Since its inception in the early 1990s, NetBSD has carved out a reputation as the BSD that runs everywhere. Famous for its slogan, "Of course it runs NetBSD," the project has long served as an invaluable bridge between diverse hardware and a clean, classic Unix-like experience. Amidst fierce competition from the likes of FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and Linux, NetBSD has persisted as a quieter but essential pillar in the free operating system landscape.Over the years, what most set NetBSD apart was its sweeping support for platforms—referred to as "ports." Each port meticulously adapts NetBSD to the quirks of a given processor, chipset, firmware, or system family. As modern computing leaves some architectures behind, NetBSD’s comprehensive efforts become both an act of preservation and a launchpad for experimentation.
An Expansive Platform Ecosystem: 57 and Counting
The major headline for NetBSD 11 is the operating system's breadth: 57 distinct supported platforms. This list outpaces virtually every competitor, and it isn't limited to mere architectural iterations. NetBSD covers everything from modern x86-64 desktops to 30-year-old workstations, deeply embedded single-board devices, and obscure minicomputers. While the Linux kernel still retains broad hardware compatibility, rival distributions have recently pared back active support, especially for older or less commercially relevant systems.Tier 1 vs. Tier 2: Understanding NetBSD’s Support Model
NetBSD divides its ports into two main tiers:- Tier 1: These are actively maintained ports with robust, up-to-date infrastructure, ongoing testing, and timely fixes. There are currently eight such ports, focusing on contemporary architectures like x86 (both 32- and 64-bit), ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, SPARC, and support for virtualized environments via Xen (with both x86-32 and x86-64).
- Tier 2: These 49 additional ports represent a museum of computer history: DEC Alpha, Itanium, SuperH (SH3), HP PA-RISC, DEC VAX, and many more. Though not prioritized for updates and lacking certain guarantees, these are still usable and remain invaluable for hobbyists or archivists.
Platform Support in a Changing Market
The timing of NetBSD 11’s launch is significant. Linux distributions—Debian 13 among them—are set to jettison 32-bit x86 (i386) builds entirely, a shift likely to ripple downstream. FreeBSD 15 is also retiring its i386 edition, and the Linux kernel itself nearly dropped support for classic 486 chips in the last major release.Consequently, NetBSD now stands increasingly alone in actively pursuing compatibility with decades-old machines alongside bleeding-edge hardware. While OpenBSD also boasts a long platform list, its focus is narrower and more specialized, with notable compromises in hardware—such as the lack of Bluetooth support or Apple Silicon-specific limitations.
Key Improvements and New Features in NetBSD 11
Beyond its unrivaled hardware reach, NetBSD 11 brings enhancements aimed at reliability, usability, and modern system necessities.Refined Installation Media
To address both modern needs and legacy constraints, NetBSD 11 installation images are now split into small core images and full images. Core images are minimal, lacking debug and compatibility code, while full images offer a complete environment, including essential legacy and troubleshooting tools. This split is labeled with well-understood media terms: "CD-R" for minimal, "DVD-R" for comprehensive.- Small images enable installations on resource-constrained or embedded systems.
- Full images offer added convenience for users with diverse, potentially finicky hardware.
Enhanced Virtualization Capabilities
Virtualization enjoys continued focus. NetBSD 11 not only supports running as a guest in traditional Xen hypervisors, but broadens compatibility with PVH (Paravirtualized Hardware) mode—a hybrid approach blending paravirtual and hardware virtualization for efficiency and security. PVH NetBSD VMs now run smoothly on a growing list of platforms, including Amazon Firecracker and the widely used QEMU. This is particularly compelling for large-scale automation, cloud, and DevOps-centric applications, where lightweight, highly manageable VMs are desired.System Monitoring and Robustness
Mission-critical systems, especially those in industrial or embedded roles, rely on unwavering uptime. NetBSD 11 introduces improved system heartbeat and watchdog tools. These features enable the detection and (when configured) automatic recovery from system hangs or subsystem failures—a critical requirement for everything from robotics and vehicle control to network appliances.Other userland and kernel enhancements include:
- Expanded Linux emulation for compatibility with more Linux-targeted binaries and libraries
- Improvements to the RISC-V port, although this remains a work-in-progress and not yet Tier 1
- Updates across core system libraries and developer toolchains
Incremental Yet Strategic Kernel and Userland Updates
Each NetBSD release continues the tradition of measured, stability-oriented progress. The core kernel receives targeted performance tuning, device driver updates (within the limits of available developer resources), and bug fixes. System libraries and development environments—compilers, build systems, and associated userland tools—are modernized to keep the system viable for both new applications and decades-old source code.While not flashy, these changes uphold NetBSD’s commitment to reliability and predictability across an astounding range of hardware, a trait unmatched by many other operating systems.
Missed Opportunities and Deferred Changes
While NetBSD 11 represents a significant step forward, some anticipated features did not make the cut for this cycle.Wi-Fi and Graphics: Evolution Still Pending
Two notable absences are updated Wi-Fi stack features and newer graphics drivers. Both of these are recognized as core expectations by desktop and laptop users, and NetBSD’s development pace in these areas has struggled to keep up with Linux or even FreeBSD. The project team acknowledges these gaps but emphasizes plans for faster release cycles moving forward, aiming to bring these improvements sooner rather than later.This highlights one of NetBSD's perennial tradeoffs: By supporting so many platforms, development resources are spread thin, necessitating careful choices about where to innovate versus where to maintain.
NetBSD's Distinctive Position in 2025
As modern computing pivots toward streamlined, cloud-native, and often proprietary experiences, NetBSD occupies an unusual but increasingly valuable niche.Simplicity Without Systemd or Wayland
A defining point for many NetBSD users is the project’s refusal to adopt controversial Linux technologies such as systemd, Wayland, Snap, Flatpak, and OSTree. By holding fast to traditional init systems, X11, and conventional packaging, NetBSD delivers an experience prized for its consistency, transparency, and reliability—qualities that have eroded across much of the Linux world.- No systemd: Both a technical and philosophical stance, preserving familiar system administration paradigms
- No Wayland: Continuing the use of X11 as the primary window system, ensuring compatibility with legacy apps and remote desktop tools
- No Snap/Flatpak: A package ecosystem based on established Unix practices, with no reliance on containerized app deployment for the base system
ZFS, LVM, and Storage Flexibility
NetBSD’s reputation for simplicity does not preclude innovation in storage. While it lacks a full-scale, production-ready LVM or an OpenBSD-style partitioning system, NetBSD does offer limited support for ZFS—a capability rare among BSDs outside FreeBSD. This can be a decisive advantage for users needing advanced file system features (such as snapshots and self-healing storage) on unorthodox hardware.Competition: Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD
- Linux: Still dominant, but the creeping retrenchment on platform support, combined with increasing system complexity, has eroded some of its utility for edge cases, hackers, and vintage hardware projects.
- FreeBSD: A powerhouse for server usage and modern hardware, yet even it is scaling back legacy platform support.
- OpenBSD: Laser-focused on security, auditing, and select platforms, but with very different design priorities—and lacking some modern conveniences (e.g., advanced storage and device support).
- NetBSD: Uniquely balances longevity, simplicity, and ultimate hardware compatibility.
Critical Analysis: Strengths, Risks, and Future Trajectory
NetBSD 11’s release comes not just as an upgrade, but as a statement: There remains strong community and technical value in supporting the breadth and diversity of the world’s hardware. This approach stands in stark contrast to the industry-wide movement toward supporting only what is current and commercially popular.Notable Strengths
- Unmatched platform range: No other FOSS OS comes close in terms of supported hardware, from SPARC and PowerPC to classic 68k machines and modern ARM boards.
- Predictable and transparent architecture: The refusal to adopt controversial Linux features appeals to both seasoned sysadmins and purists.
- Flexibility for experimentation: With source-first design and permissive licensing, NetBSD is a playground for students, researchers, and embedded device developers.
- Sustained relevance in the embedded and special-purpose hardware world: Watchdog, virtualization, and compact installation improvements speak directly to this audience.
Potential Risks and Challenges
- Developer and resource bottlenecks: Supporting 57 platforms spreads finite developer energy thin, slowing progress in areas like graphics, wireless, and user-friendly features.
- Modern desktop experience lag: Reticence on newer graphics and Wi-Fi stacks hampers viability for mainstream desktop or laptop use; the project may risk falling further behind as hardware rapidly changes.
- Shrinking pool of vintage hardware users: As classic platforms become physically unobtainable, the value of maintaining active support may erode, unless offset by continued hardware retroprojects or emulation advances.
- Competition from Linux’s containerization and cloud tooling: Even traditionalists may eventually seek the operational efficiencies enabled by Snap, Flatpak, and systemd in large-scale, modern deployments—areas where NetBSD is less equipped today.
Looking Ahead: NetBSD In a New Era
NetBSD 11’s roll-out is planned to be brisk, with the project aiming for a short release cycle and hoping to hit release candidate status by EuroBSDCon and a final release shortly after. It's a strategy tailored to keep momentum high, minimize feature stagnation, and close the gap between aspiration and reality on deferred improvements.In a FOSS environment quickly shedding support for "yesterday’s" platforms, NetBSD stands alone, not by resisting change, but by valuing preservation, flexibility, and transparency. While its golden era as a general-purpose desktop OS may have faded, its new release schedule, continued emphasis on niche hardware, and incremental advances ensure it will remain essential for hardware archivists, computing historians, embedded builders, and those who refuse to abandon legacy systems.
For users who crave stability, simplicity, and the confidence their favorite OS will run on nearly anything, NetBSD 11 isn't just a relic—it’s a bold reaffirmation of the project’s foundational promise in a changing world.
Source: theregister.com NetBSD 11 prepares for launch with 57 supported platforms
