Berkeley Software Distribution Facts for Kids

Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) is a special kind of operating system that works like UNIX. Think of an operating system as the main program that makes your computer run, like Microsoft Windows or macOS. BSD has been available for free since 1989, meaning anyone can use and share it without paying.

BSD was first created by people at a famous university in Berkeley, California, USA, starting in 1977. At first, it was a project to improve the UNIX system. Now, computer experts and enthusiasts from all over the world help to develop and improve BSD.

What is BSD?
- How BSD Started
- Different Kinds of BSD
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What is BSD?

BSD stands for Berkeley Software Distribution. It's a family of operating systems that are very powerful and flexible. They are often used for servers, which are computers that store websites and other online information. They are also used in many devices you might not even realize, because they are very stable and secure.

How BSD Started

The story of BSD began at the University of California, Berkeley. Researchers there started adding new tools and features to the original UNIX operating system. Over time, these additions became so important that they were released as a separate package called "Berkeley Software Distribution." This package eventually grew into its own full operating system.

Different Kinds of BSD

There isn't just one BSD; there are many different versions, often called "flavors" or "distributions." Each one is developed by a different group of people and has its own special features. Some of the most well-known types of BSD include: