FreeBSD 13.2

Basic Information

• Model: FreeBSD 13.2-RELEASE
• Version: 13.2
• Release Date: April 11, 2023
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: 96 MB (minimal installation), 2-4 GB (general-purpose desktop)
  • Storage: 1.5 GB (minimal installation), 8 GB (general-purpose desktop)
  • Processor: i386-compatible (486 or better), AMD64, Intel EM64T, PowerPC, ARM, RISC-V
• Supported Operating Systems: Not applicable (it is an operating system).
• Latest Stable Version: FreeBSD 13.5-RELEASE (as of March 11, 2025)
• End of Support Date: FreeBSD 13.2-RELEASE will be supported until at least three months after FreeBSD 13.3-RELEASE. The FreeBSD 13 release series will be supported until at least January 31, 2026.
• End of Life Date: FreeBSD 13.2 became EOL in 2024.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not explicitly stated, but updates are provided through the end of support date.
• License Type: Permissive BSD license, primarily BSD-2-Clause.
• Deployment Model: Installable on bare metal servers, desktops, laptops, embedded platforms, and virtual machines (QCOW2, VHD, VMDK, raw images).

FreeBSD 13.2-RELEASE, launched in April 2023, represents a stable iteration within the FreeBSD 13 series. It supports a broad range of architectures from older i386 to modern AMD64, ARM, and RISC-V. While minimal installations require modest resources, typical desktop use benefits from more RAM and storage. The project utilizes a permissive BSD-2-Clause license, fostering broad adoption in both open-source and proprietary contexts. Support for the 13.2-RELEASE extends beyond its immediate successor, with the entire 13.x series supported until early 2026.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 96 MB for basic installations; 2-4 GB recommended for general-purpose desktop use.
• Processor:
  • i386-compatible (486 or better, including Intel Pentium series, Xeon, Celeron, AMD K5, K6, Athlon, Duron, Transmeta Crusoe, Cyrix, NexGen).
  • AMD64 (AMD Athlon64, Opteron, Sempron, Turion, Phenom, Epyc, Ryzen).
  • Intel EM64T (Intel Xeon, Core 2, Core i series, Pentium D).
  • PowerPC, PowerPC64, PowerPC64le, PowerPCSPE.
  • ARMv6, ARMv7, AArch64.
  • RISC-V64.
• Storage: Minimum 1.5 GB for installation; 8 GB recommended for general-purpose desktop. Additional space for Ports Collection (3 GB) and source code (1 GB, plus 5 GB for recompilation).
• Display: Not specified, but supports graphical desktop environments with adequate memory and disk space.
• Ports: Support for ISA, VLB, EISA, AGP, PCI expansion buses. Limited support for MCA. USB devices are supported.
• Operating System: Not applicable (it is an operating system).

FreeBSD 13.2 is highly adaptable, supporting a wide array of processor architectures from legacy i386 to modern 64-bit AMD and Intel, as well as ARM, PowerPC, and RISC-V. Minimum RAM and storage are low for embedded or specialized uses, but a general desktop environment benefits significantly from 2-4 GB RAM and 8 GB storage. The system also supports various expansion buses and USB devices, making it compatible with diverse hardware configurations.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: FreeBSD 13.5-RELEASE (as of March 11, 2025).
• OS Support: Not applicable (it is an operating system).
• End of Support Date: FreeBSD 13.2-RELEASE is supported until at least three months after FreeBSD 13.3-RELEASE. The FreeBSD 13 release series is supported until at least January 31, 2026.
• Localization: Supports various keymaps and localization settings during installation.
• Available Drivers: Includes updated Intel WiFi drivers and a new Realtek WiFi driver. WireGuard VPN driver (wg(4)) is re-integrated into the kernel. Supports a wide range of storage controllers, network interfaces, and other devices.

FreeBSD 13.2 offers robust support across multiple hardware architectures, including amd64, i386, PowerPC, ARM, and RISC-V. It provides updated drivers for network hardware, including Intel and Realtek WiFi, and integrates the WireGuard VPN driver directly into the kernel. The system is highly localized, allowing users to select appropriate keymaps and language settings. Support for the 13.2 release is tied to the broader 13.x series, ensuring ongoing maintenance and security updates until early 2026.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) enabled by default for 64-bit executables.
  • OpenSSH updated to version 9.3p1 (or 9.2p1 in some contexts), offering secure remote access with encryption and key-based authentication.
  • OpenSSL updated to version 1.1.1t, including security and bug fixes.
  • Kernel TLS (KTLS) with receive offload support for TLS 1.3.
  • Strong password policy enforcement via Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) for password length, strength, and complexity.
  • Support for SHA256, SHA512, and Blowfish password hashing algorithms.
  • Native support for mtree(8) as a basic Intrusion Detection System (IDS).
  • Disk encryption using GELI.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Various vulnerabilities are identified and patched, including those related to OpenSSH, unbound, and other components. Examples include race conditions, information disclosure, and heap-based buffer overflows.
• Blacklist Status: No general blacklist status; security advisories are issued for specific vulnerabilities.
• Certifications: Not explicitly stated for 13.2.
• Encryption Support: OpenSSL 1.1.1t, Kernel TLS 1.3, disk encryption (GELI), encrypted SSH connections.
• Authentication Methods: Password-based authentication (with PAM enforcement), SSH key-based authentication (recommended), Kerberos.
• General Recommendations: Use key-based SSH authentication, enforce strong password policies, keep the system updated, and consult security advisories.

FreeBSD 13.2 prioritizes security with ASLR enabled by default for 64-bit executables and updated cryptographic libraries like OpenSSH and OpenSSL. It offers robust authentication mechanisms, including strong password policies via PAM and secure SSH key-based authentication. While known vulnerabilities are periodically discovered, the FreeBSD project actively provides patches and advisories. Overall, FreeBSD 13.2 maintains a strong security posture, providing tools for encryption, intrusion detection, and secure remote access.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Not explicitly detailed in the provided information for 13.2.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Improved performance and reliability due to updates in OpenZFS 2.1.9 and Bhyve hypervisor supporting more than 16 vCPUs. Enhanced Intel Alder Lake support.
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly detailed, but users seek energy-efficient processors for home servers.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Benchmarks in previous FreeBSD releases showed significant performance improvements compared to older FreeBSD versions and Linux.

FreeBSD 13.2 focuses on performance enhancements through updated components like OpenZFS 2.1.9, which improves reliability and performance. The bhyve hypervisor now supports more than 16 vCPUs, benefiting virtualized environments. Improved Intel Alder Lake support also contributes to better performance on modern hardware. While specific benchmark scores for 13.2 are not detailed, the continuous development aims for competitive performance against other operating systems.

User Reviews & Feedback

Users generally appreciate FreeBSD 13.2 for its stability, performance, and security enhancements. Key strengths highlighted include the default enablement of ASLR for 64-bit executables, the re-integration of the WireGuard VPN driver, and updates to core components like OpenSSH, OpenSSL, and OpenZFS. The improved support for modern CPUs, such as Intel 12th and 13th generation hybrid CPUs, is also a positive point, with workarounds for potential file system corruption issues. Users also value the permissive BSD license, which allows for flexible use in both open-source and commercial projects.

Weaknesses sometimes involve hardware compatibility with the newest components, where users might need to wait for updated drivers or choose slightly older hardware for optimal stability. Some users also note that while the system is robust for servers and specialized applications, achieving a fully functional desktop environment with cutting-edge graphics can still require additional effort.

Recommended use cases include servers, networking appliances, embedded systems, and as a base for custom applications where stability, security, and performance are paramount. Its robust networking stack and ZFS integration make it suitable for data storage and virtualization.

Summary

FreeBSD 13.2-RELEASE, released in April 2023, is a robust and stable Unix-like operating system offering a strong foundation for various computing environments. Its strengths lie in its broad hardware support across multiple architectures (amd64, i386, ARM, PowerPC, RISC-V), enhanced security features like default ASLR for 64-bit executables, and updated core components such as OpenSSH 9.3p1, OpenSSL 1.1.1t, and OpenZFS 2.1.9. The re-integration of the WireGuard VPN driver and improved bhyve hypervisor capabilities further bolster its appeal for modern deployments.

The system maintains a permissive BSD-2-Clause license, which is highly valued for its flexibility in both open-source and commercial applications, allowing integration into proprietary products without stringent copyleft restrictions. Minimum technical requirements are low for basic installations, making it suitable for embedded systems, while general-purpose desktops and servers benefit from more generous resource allocation.

However, potential weaknesses include occasional challenges with the absolute newest hardware components, sometimes requiring users to select slightly older, well-supported hardware for optimal driver compatibility. While the project actively addresses known vulnerabilities through patches and advisories, users must remain vigilant with updates.

Overall, FreeBSD 13.2 is an excellent choice for users and organizations prioritizing stability, security, and performance in server, networking, and specialized computing roles. Its continuous development and strong community support ensure a reliable and secure operating environment. It is particularly recommended for infrastructure roles, virtualization hosts, and as a secure platform for custom software development.

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.