FreeBSD 12.4

Basic Information

FreeBSD 12.4-RELEASE is a Unix-like operating system derived from BSD, developed at the University of California, Berkeley. It serves as a robust platform for modern servers, desktops, and embedded systems.

• Model/Version: FreeBSD 12.4-RELEASE
• Release Date: December 5, 2022.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: Typically low for base installation, exact minimums vary by architecture and usage.
  • Processor: Supports a wide range of architectures including amd64 (x86_64), i386 (x86), powerpc, powerpc64, powerpc64le, powerpcspe, armv6, armv7, aarch64 (arm64), and riscv64.
  • Storage: Minimal disk space for a base system, typically a few gigabytes.
• Supported Architectures: amd64, i386, powerpc, powerpc64, powerpc64le, powerpcspe, armv6, armv7, aarch64, and riscv64.
• Latest Stable Version (as of November 2025): The latest production release is FreeBSD 14.3 (released June 10, 2025), and the latest legacy release is FreeBSD 13.5 (released March 11, 2025). FreeBSD 12.4 was the fifth and final point release of the 12-stable series.
• End of Support Date: December 31, 2023.
• End of Life Date: December 31, 2023.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not explicitly stated, but end of life implies no further official updates.
• License Type: Primarily under the permissive BSD license.
• Deployment Model: Available via bootable ISO images, network installation, USB memory sticks, pre-installed virtual machine images (QCOW2, VHD, VMDK, raw formats), and cloud instances (e.g., Google Compute Engine).

Technical Requirements

FreeBSD 12.4 is designed for broad hardware compatibility, focusing on stability and performance across various platforms.

• RAM: While specific minimums are not always detailed, FreeBSD is known for its efficiency. A few hundred megabytes are typically sufficient for a basic server installation, with more required for graphical environments or demanding applications.
• Processor:
  • AMD64 (x86_64): Supports AMD Athlon™64, Opteron™, Sempron™, Turion™, Phenom™ processors, and most multi-core Intel® Xeon™ processors, Intel® Core™ 2 and later, Intel® Core™ i series, Intel® Pentium® D, Intel® Centrino® Duo and Centrino® Pro platforms.
  • i386 (x86): Supports Intel® processors from 80486 onwards (including Pentium®, Pentium® Pro, Pentium® II, Pentium® III, Pentium® 4, Xeon™, and Celeron® variants), and i386™-compatible AMD processors (Am486®, Am5x86®, K5, AMD-K6®, Athlon™, Duron™).
  • Other Architectures: Includes support for various PowerPC, ARM (armv6, armv7, aarch64), and RISC-V processors.
• Storage: A minimal installation requires a few gigabytes of disk space. More is needed for additional software, user data, and swap space.
• Display: Basic VGA compatibility is standard. Specific display drivers are often available through the ports system for accelerated graphics.
• Ports: Standard PC ports (USB, Ethernet, etc.) are generally supported.
• Operating System: FreeBSD 12.4 itself is the operating system.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

FreeBSD 12.4 demonstrates strong compatibility with a wide array of server-grade and older desktop hardware across multiple architectures. Its design prioritizes efficient resource utilization, making it suitable for systems with varying hardware specifications. While it offers extensive processor support, particularly for x86 and x86_64, newer desktop components, especially graphics cards and Wi-Fi chips, may sometimes see driver support lag behind Linux. The system's flexibility allows for deployment on anything from embedded devices to high-performance servers.

Support & Compatibility

FreeBSD 12.4, as a point release, received support for a defined period, which has now concluded.

• Latest Version: FreeBSD 12.4-RELEASE was the final release in the 12-STABLE branch.
• OS Support (Architectures): Supports amd64, i386, powerpc, powerpc64, powerpc64le, powerpcspe, armv6, armv7, aarch64, and riscv64.
• End of Support Date: December 31, 2023.
• Localization: FreeBSD supports various locales and character sets, allowing for internationalization. Specific details on language packs or localized interfaces are managed through the ports system.
• Available Drivers: Includes updated kernel drivers such as ena(4) (version 2.6.1) and improvements to if_epair(4) for multi-core traffic processing. The base system provides a solid foundation of drivers, with additional hardware support often available via the ports collection. Driver support for server hardware is generally excellent, while support for the latest consumer desktop hardware (e.g., graphics cards, Wi-Fi) may sometimes require more effort or lag behind Linux.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

FreeBSD 12.4's official support period ended on December 31, 2023, meaning it no longer receives security advisories or updates from the FreeBSD Security Team. Users are strongly encouraged to upgrade to a newer, supported release. During its active lifecycle, FreeBSD 12.4 offered robust compatibility, particularly for server-grade hardware, and benefited from continuous updates to its core components and drivers. The project's commitment to supporting multiple architectures ensures its versatility across different deployment scenarios. However, for cutting-edge desktop components, the community-driven nature of driver development means that support might not be as immediate or comprehensive as in some Linux distributions.

Security Status

FreeBSD is recognized for its strong security posture, built on a foundation of robust features and best practices.

• Security Features:
  • Firewalls: Integrates three distinct firewall solutions: PF (Packet Filter), IPFW (IP Firewall), and IPFILTER.
  • User Management: Enforces strong password policies, supports limited user accounts, and utilizes the 'wheel' group for privileged access.
  • SSH Hardening: Recommendations include disabling root login via SSH, using SSH key authentication, and changing the default SSH port.
  • System Updates: Regular updates are crucial for mitigating known security risks.
  • Jails: Provides a lightweight virtualization mechanism for process isolation, enhancing security by compartmentalizing services.
  • Mandatory Access Control (MAC): The MAC framework offers additional granular security controls.
  • Encryption Support: Offers multiple encryption mechanisms for data at rest and in transit. OpenSSL was updated to version 1.1.1q in 12.4.
  • System Auditing: Features a built-in Security Event Auditing system for tracking and analyzing security events.
• Known Vulnerabilities: As of its end-of-life, FreeBSD 12.4 had several known vulnerabilities that were patched during its support cycle. These included issues like TCP spoofing in pf, heap-based buffer overflows in libc, information disclosure in the msdosfs driver, Wi-Fi encryption bypasses, and improper handling of IPv6 fragment headers.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable for the operating system itself.
• Certifications: No specific security certifications are widely publicized for FreeBSD 12.4.
• Encryption Support: Comprehensive support for encryption protocols and tools, including an updated OpenSSL 1.1.1q.
• Authentication Methods: Supports strong password policies, SSH key-based authentication, and can be configured for two-factor authentication.
• General Recommendations: Maintain minimal installations, regularly update the system and packages, configure firewalls, harden SSH, enforce strong user authentication, disable unnecessary network services, and conduct regular security audits.

Analysis on Overall Security Rating

FreeBSD 12.4, during its supported lifecycle, maintained a strong security rating due to its robust architecture, built-in security features, and the project's diligent approach to identifying and patching vulnerabilities. The availability of multiple firewall options, MAC framework, and jails provides administrators with powerful tools for system hardening and isolation. However, since FreeBSD 12.4 reached its end of life on December 31, 2023, it no longer receives official security updates. Running an unsupported version exposes systems to known and newly discovered vulnerabilities, making it critical for users to upgrade to a currently supported release to maintain a secure environment.

Performance & Benchmarks

FreeBSD is often lauded for its performance characteristics, particularly in server and networking contexts.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores for FreeBSD 12.4 are not readily available in general searches. Performance comparisons often occur between different FreeBSD versions or against Linux distributions.
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • Stability and Responsiveness: Users frequently report FreeBSD as being highly stable and feeling more responsive under heavy loads compared to some Linux distributions, attributed to its kernel scheduler and memory management.
  • Network Performance: Known for excellent network performance, making it a strong choice for routers, firewalls, and high-traffic web servers.
  • Resource Utilization: Offers efficient resource utilization, contributing to its performance on various hardware.
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly detailed in general release information. Power consumption is highly dependent on hardware and workload.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed.
• Comparison with Similar Assets (e.g., Linux):
  • Stability and Security: FreeBSD is often considered more stable and secure out-of-the-box than many Linux distributions.
  • Performance: While both can achieve stellar performance, FreeBSD is often preferred for specific server tasks where stability and low latency are critical. Some anecdotal evidence suggests FreeBSD can feel snappier for desktop use and show slight improvements in filesystem and archiving benchmarks.
  • Hardware Compatibility: Linux generally boasts wider hardware compatibility, especially for consumer desktop and cutting-edge components, while FreeBSD excels with server-grade hardware.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status

FreeBSD 12.4 maintains the project's reputation for delivering a high-performance and stable operating system. Its kernel and system architecture are optimized for demanding server workloads, offering excellent network throughput and responsiveness under stress. While direct benchmark figures for 12.4 are not widely published, the general consensus positions FreeBSD as a strong contender against Linux for server applications, often surpassing it in specific areas like network performance and perceived system responsiveness. The efficient use of system resources makes it a viable option for a range of hardware, from embedded systems to powerful servers.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for FreeBSD 12.4, and FreeBSD in general, consistently highlight its strengths in stability, reliability, and security, particularly for server and infrastructure roles.

• Strengths:
  • Stability and Reliability: Widely praised for its rock-solid stability, making it a preferred choice for critical systems.
  • Security: Users appreciate its robust security features and the project's focus on secure defaults.
  • Performance: Often cited for excellent performance, especially in networking and server applications, with some users noting a "snappier" feel.
  • ZFS Integration: The native and robust integration of the ZFS file system is a significant advantage for many users.
  • Documentation: The FreeBSD Handbook and other documentation are highly regarded for their comprehensiveness and quality.
  • Cohesive Base System: The integrated base system, where the kernel and userland utilities are developed together, is seen as a strength, contributing to consistency and ease of management.
• Weaknesses:
  • Desktop Hardware Support: Support for the latest desktop hardware, particularly graphics cards and Wi-Fi chipsets, can sometimes lag behind Linux, requiring more manual configuration or older hardware.
  • Learning Curve: For users accustomed to Linux, the different system administration tools and philosophy can present a steeper learning curve.
  • Software Availability: While the Ports and Packages system offers a vast array of software, some cutting-edge or niche applications might be available on Linux sooner or exclusively.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Servers: Ideal for web servers, file servers, database servers, and other critical network services due to its stability and performance.
  • Networking Devices: Frequently used for routers, firewalls (e.g., pfSense, OPNsense), and network appliances.
  • Embedded Systems: Its efficiency and reliability make it suitable for embedded platforms.
  • Virtualization Hosts: A strong choice for hosting virtual machines due to its stability and ZFS support.

Summary

FreeBSD 12.4-RELEASE, launched on December 5, 2022, represented a significant point in the FreeBSD 12-stable series, offering a robust, secure, and high-performance operating system. It supported a broad spectrum of architectures, including amd64, i386, ARM, PowerPC, and RISC-V, making it highly versatile for various deployment environments, from embedded systems to enterprise servers. The release incorporated numerous bug fixes and updates to core components like OpenSSL and OpenSSH, enhancing its security and functionality.

Strengths: FreeBSD 12.4 excelled in stability, reliability, and security, making it a preferred choice for critical infrastructure. Its efficient kernel scheduler and memory management contributed to its responsiveness, especially under heavy server loads and in networking applications. The integrated ZFS file system provided advanced data integrity and management features. The comprehensive documentation and a cohesive base system were also notable advantages.

Weaknesses: The primary drawback for some users, particularly those seeking a desktop operating system, was the comparatively slower adoption of drivers for the latest consumer-grade hardware, such as graphics cards and Wi-Fi chipsets, when compared to Linux. The learning curve for new users, especially those migrating from Linux, could also be a factor due to differences in system administration philosophies.

Recommendations: FreeBSD 12.4 was highly recommended for server deployments, network appliances (routers, firewalls), and embedded systems where stability, security, and performance are paramount. Its robust design made it an excellent platform for hosting virtual machines and critical services. However, it is crucial to note that FreeBSD 12.4 reached its end of life on December 31, 2023. Therefore, for any new deployments or existing systems, upgrading to a currently supported FreeBSD release (such as FreeBSD 14.x or 13.x) is strongly advised to ensure ongoing security updates and support.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.