Installation FAQ

I've installed FreeBSD, and I'm stuck at a # or a $ sign.

This # and $ signs are command prompts. You have successfully installed FreeBSD, and can begin entering Unix/FreeBSD commands to further configure, setup, and use your FreeBSD machine.

If you are looking for the GUI (Graphical User Interface), you must setup the XFree86 server and a desktop environment. XFree86 can be configured by going back into the /stand/sysinstall installation utility.

After logging in as root, insert the first installation CDROM, type "/stand/sysinstall" then press enter. This will bring you back into the installation utility where you can navigate the menus to Configure. The XFree86 menu item configures the X server, while the Desktop menu item configures and chooses the default desktop environment.

Many new and recent video cards are not supported by XFree86 3.3.6. However, XFree86 4.x is included on the FreeBSD CDROMs. For information on installing and configuring this, consult the XFree86 chapter of the FreeBSD Handbook.

For additional information on XFree86 (supported device, and so on), consult the XFree86 Project web site.

How do I install FreeBSD on an addition hard drive and keep booting from my existing one?

When your computer boots, it determines the boot device from either the BIOS or SCSI BIOS.

Usually, this will be your primary hard disk (primary channel, master) or SCSI ID 0. Whichever the case, the boot sequence requires a way to jump from the frist hard drive to your second, or perhaps even third, where FreeBSD is installed.

To do this, you will need to write the FreeBSD BootMgr to each drive. This is done from the Disklabel Editor window of the installation. Be sure to choose each drive (even if you don't wish to install FreeBSD there) and write the BootMgr to each of them.

When you boot, the BootMgr will load, showing options of the Operating Systems on the first drive and another option to jump to the next drive. When you jump to another drive, you will be given a new list of Operating Systems, and an option to jump to the previous or next drive.

How do I install FreeBSD with a USB Keyboard?

By default, Sysinstall attempst to use the PS/2 port keyboard. But do not worry, FreeBSD has support for USB keyboards as well.

In the kernel configuration menu, delete the atkbd0 device from the Input Device category. Continue installation as normal, you should be able to use your USB keyboard.