FreeBSD provides 32-bit binary compatibility with Linux®, allowing users to install and run most 32-bit Linux® binaries on a FreeBSD system without having to first modify the binary. It has even been reported that, in some situations, 32-bit Linux® binaries perform better on FreeBSD than they do on Linux®.
However, some Linux®-specific operating system features are not supported under FreeBSD. For example, Linux® binaries will not work on FreeBSD if they overly use i386™ specific calls, such as enabling virtual 8086 mode. In addition, 64-bit Linux® binaries are not supported at this time.
After reading this chapter, you will know:
How to enable Linux® binary compatibility on a FreeBSD system.
How to install additional Linux® shared libraries.
How to install Linux® applications on a FreeBSD system.
The implementation details of Linux® compatibility in FreeBSD.
Before reading this chapter, you should:
Know how to install additional third-party software.
All FreeBSD documents are available for download at http://ftp.FreeBSD.org/pub/FreeBSD/doc/
Questions that are not answered by the
documentation may be
sent to <[email protected]>.
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