Updated: January 29, 2026

A centralized resource page for new FreeBSD users

New to FreeBSD? This page brings together commonly used resources to help you get started.

Whether you’re installing FreeBSD for the first time, exploring it in a virtual machine, or looking for ways to get involved, these links reflect tools and guides frequently recommended by the FreeBSD community.

This page is intended as a starting point and will continue to grow over time.

If you are looking for an introduction to the FreeBSD Project and ways to get involved, the FreeBSD Project maintains a dedicated Newbies page. The resources below complement that page with additional Foundation guides, installation resources, and community learning materials.

Start Here: Core Documentation

If you’re new to FreeBSD, these official resources are the best place to begin.

FreeBSD Handbook (Official)

The FreeBSD Handbook is the primary reference for FreeBSD users. It covers everything from initial installation to system administration.

Topics include:

  • Installation and setup

  • System configuration

  • Networking, storage, and security

  • Desktop environments

FreeBSD Handbook – Introduction

https://docs.freebsd.org/en/books/handbook/parti/

FreeBSD Handbook – Installation

https://docs.freebsd.org/en/books/handbook/bsdinstall/

Installing FreeBSD (Desktop & Virtual Machines)

FreeBSD can be installed on physical hardware or explored safely in a virtual environment.

Desktop Environments

If you’re interested in using FreeBSD as a desktop system, this Foundation resource walks through common setup options:

Installing a Desktop Environment on FreeBSD

https://freebsdfoundation.org/resource/installing-a-desktop-environment-on-freebsd/

This guide is frequently discovered through searches such as:

  • FreeBSD desktop

  • FreeBSD desktop environment

  • FreeBSD install GUI

In addition to written guides, several FreeBSD contributors have shared walkthroughs demonstrating desktop setup and usability, including videos referenced in the FreeBSD Foundation Executive Director’s laptop installation series.

Virtual Machines (Recommended for Beginners)

Running FreeBSD in a virtual machine is one of the easiest ways to get started.

If you’re using VirtualBox or another VM tool, this resource is a helpful entry point:

Installing FreeBSD with VirtualBox | FreeBSD Foundation

https://freebsdfoundation.org/resource/installing-freebsd-with-virtualbox/

Common topics include:

  • Installing FreeBSD on VirtualBox

  • FreeBSD ISO downloads

  • FreeBSD VM setup

Learn with the Community

FreeBSD has an active, long-standing community. Participation is welcome at every experience level.

Community spaces include:

Additional community resources commonly recommended by contributors include:

These spaces are useful for asking questions, sharing knowledge, and learning from real-world use cases. 

Books Recommended by the Community

Some users prefer learning with a book alongside hands-on practice.

  • Absolute FreeBSD — by Michael W. Lucas 

    A system-administration focused guide that explains how and why FreeBSD works.  (Amazon, Kobo, BookShop.org, Google Books)

  • The Design and Implementation of the FreeBSD Operating System – by Marshall McKusick, George Neville-Neil, Robert Watson 

    A deeper look at FreeBSD internals and operating system design. (Amazon, Kobo, BookShop.org, Google Books)

These are optional resources but commonly recommended once you’re comfortable with the basics.

Videos & Talks

If you prefer video-based learning, the FreeBSD Foundation publishes talks and walkthroughs covering topics such as:

  • Installation guides

  • FreeBSD on laptops and desktops

  • System internals and tooling

FreeBSD YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBSDProject

The FreeBSD Foundation’s Executive Director, Deb Goodkin, has also been documenting her experience running FreeBSD on a laptop as part of an ongoing series. The posts share practical insights from installing FreeBSD, configuring a desktop environment, and using the system for everyday work, including references to documentation, videos, and community resources that may be helpful to new users.

Want to Contribute?

There are many ways to contribute to FreeBSD, and writing code is only one of them.

Common contribution paths include:

  • Testing and reporting bugs

  • Improving documentation

  • Helping other users

  • Advocacy and community support

How to Contribute to FreeBSD

Contributing to FreeBSD | FreeBSD Documentation Portal

FreeBSD is a large project, and everyone starts somewhere. Take your time, explore what interests you, and use the resources that fit your learning style.

 

Interested in more resources? Visit our Resources page to explore additional FreeBSD Foundation and Project materials.