Post by @Federation_Bot

Some #NetBSD questions that keep coming up.

We don't use modules for HW drivers in the default install. All baked into the kernel. If you're curious about desktop hardware, for x86 there are lists https://wiki.netbsd.org/laptops/ https://wiki.netbsd.org/gpus/ (and the pci/usb manual pages)

x86 virtual machines. https://www.netbsd.org/docs/guide/en/chap-virt.html#chap-virt-guest

For disk encryption there's different options, such as creating a small root with the installer, then adding encrypted partitions later (see man cgdconfig). Also: cgdroot.

Chapter 30. Using virtualization: QEMU and NVMM

laptops

Supported discrete GPUs

#netbsd

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happyborg

@happyborg@fosstodon.org 9 hr. ago

@netbsd Thanks for providing a gentle intro before I jump in and try #NetBSD.

I'm starting to think I will have to wait until my kit is old enough but note that there are benefits to an OS that favours those with older kit, or who can only afford s/h.

It's good for inclusion and recycling which is good in itself, will educate some and annoy the fuck out of tech fascists. 👍

Good chance it will run on my #HomeLab although expect I'd have to ditch #Proxmox which I like. #Incus?

JdeBP

@JdeBP@mastodonapp.uk 3 hr. ago

@happyborg

#NetBSD doesn't really favour older kit. It more favours the stuff that the comparatively small pool of developers can write for. It's the usual story. A developer with the time, money, hardware, and doco.

I have NetBSD running quite happily on machines with HDMI and USB; whereas there have been people talking about problems, on the FediVerse, with laptops that use PS/2 devices for their keyboards and touchpads, that have idiosyncratic manufacturer-specific extensions to PS/2, and I2C mixed in for good measure.

If the criterion were strictly 'older kit' the PS/2 devices would work and my USB devices would not. (-:

@netbsd

happyborg

@happyborg@fosstodon.org 2 hr. ago

@JdeBP @netbsd Sure, it's not the only criterion but PS/2 is not a great example. Not brand new plus standard is maybe better but there isn't a formula for this.