OpenBSD 7.5

Basic Information

• Model: OpenBSD 7.5
• Version: 7.5
• Release Date: April 5, 2024.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: As low as 32MB (bootable with 24MB, 64MB for a truly usable system), 128MB for virtual machines, 256MB for production loads.
  • Storage: Minimum 256MB for a basic install, 1GB for production loads, 2GB for virtual machines, 8GB recommended for new users. The /usr partition requires at least 1.1GB for upgrades.
  • Processor: Single-core Atom CPUs are capable for production loads.
• Supported Architectures: OpenBSD 7.5 supports a wide range of hardware platforms, including alpha, amd64, arm64, armv7, hppa, i386, landisk, loongson, luna88k, macppc, octeon, powerpc64, riscv64, and sparc64.
• Latest Stable Version: While OpenBSD 7.5 was the latest stable release at its launch, the OpenBSD project follows a six-month release cycle. As of November 2025, OpenBSD 7.8 (released October 22, 2025) is the current latest stable version.
• End of Support Date: OpenBSD 7.5 reached its end of support on May 1, 2025. The project typically supports the two most recent releases.
• End of Life Date: May 1, 2025.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable. OpenBSD operates on a fixed release cycle, with security and reliability fixes provided for the two most recent stable releases. Users are expected to upgrade to newer versions to maintain support.
• License Type: Primarily BSD license variants (e.g., ISC, MIT), known for their permissive terms. The project generally avoids GPL-licensed components in its base system.
• Deployment Model: Suitable for bare-metal installations and virtualized environments.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 32MB (64MB for a usable system), 128MB for virtual machines, 256MB for production servers.
• Processor: Supports a broad array of architectures, including x86-64 (amd64), IA-32 (i386), ARM (armv7, arm64), PowerPC (macppc, powerpc64), RISC-V (riscv64), and SPARC64. Single-core CPUs are sufficient for many applications.
• Storage: A minimal installation can occupy as little as 256MB, with 1GB often sufficient for production systems and 2GB for virtual machines. For new users, 8GB is recommended. The /usr partition requires at least 1.1GB for system upgrades.
• Display: Supports console output and the X Window System for graphical environments.
• Ports: Compatible with standard PC ports relevant to the supported architectures.
• Operating System: OpenBSD 7.5 is a complete operating system and does not require another OS to run.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: OpenBSD 7.5 is designed to be exceptionally lightweight and efficient, allowing it to run effectively on a wide range of hardware, including older systems and resource-constrained devices. Its minimal resource footprint makes it an excellent choice for specialized roles such as network appliances, servers, and secure workstations where efficiency and stability are paramount. The system's portability across numerous architectures underscores its versatility.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: OpenBSD 7.5 was released on April 5, 2024. The OpenBSD project maintains a rapid release cycle, with OpenBSD 7.8 being the current stable version as of November 2025.
• OS Support: OpenBSD 7.5 supports 14 distinct hardware platforms, including mainstream architectures like amd64, arm64, and i386, as well as specialized platforms such as powerpc64, riscv64, and sparc64.
• End of Support Date: Support for OpenBSD 7.5 concluded on May 1, 2025, in line with the project's policy of supporting the two most recent releases.
• Localization: The primary language for OpenBSD is English, with core system components and documentation reflecting this. Limited internationalization features are available for various locales.
• Available Drivers: OpenBSD 7.5 includes extensive integrated hardware support. Notable improvements in this release include enhanced network hardware support (e.g., Intel I225/I226, Allwinner EMAC, Qualcomm IEEE 802.11ax wireless chips), and new drivers for specific display controllers (e.g., Apple display co-processor).

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: OpenBSD 7.5 demonstrates robust compatibility across a diverse set of hardware architectures, reflecting the project's commitment to portability. The continuous development cycle ensures that hardware support is regularly updated and expanded. While its hardware compatibility might not be as broad as some mainstream operating systems, it is highly stable and well-maintained for its supported platforms. The strict support window necessitates regular upgrades to newer releases to receive ongoing security and reliability fixes.

Security Status

• Security Features: OpenBSD 7.5 incorporates a comprehensive suite of security features, including Write XOR Execute (W^X), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), privilege separation, and the proactive use of pledge(2) and unveil(2) system calls to restrict process capabilities. It includes a static bounds checker and safer string functions (strlcpy/strlcat) to prevent common programming errors. The system features default encrypted swap space and, in 7.5, introduced support for encrypting the root partition during installation using either a passphrase or a key disk. For ARM64 systems, it enhances protection with pointer authentication (PAC) and branch target identification (BTI) mechanisms. The pinsyscalls(2) system call further refines control over system call execution, mitigating exploitation attempts.
• Known Vulnerabilities: OpenBSD maintains an exceptional security record, with only two remote holes in the default install reported over more than two decades. Vulnerabilities are typically addressed swiftly through errata patches.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; OpenBSD is an operating system, not a component that would be blacklisted.
• Certifications: OpenBSD does not pursue commercial security certifications, as it is a community-driven, open-source project rather than a commercial product.
• Encryption Support: Strong cryptographic primitives are integrated throughout the system. This includes default encrypted swap, full root disk encryption during installation (supporting both passphrase and key disk methods), and the use of softraid crypto.
• Authentication Methods: Standard UNIX-like user authentication, with robust support for secure remote access via OpenSSH.
• General Recommendations: Users are advised to keep their systems updated to the latest stable release, disable any unnecessary services, and adhere to OpenBSD's secure-by-default philosophy for optimal security posture.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: OpenBSD 7.5 continues the project's tradition of being one of the most security-focused operating systems available. Its "secure by default" approach, proactive development of exploit mitigation technologies, rigorous code auditing, and rapid response to identified issues contribute to an exceptionally high security rating. The introduction of root partition encryption and enhanced syscall control in 7.5 further solidifies its defensive capabilities against various attack vectors.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Direct comparative benchmark scores for the OpenBSD operating system itself are not widely published in the same manner as for application software. However, its design philosophy emphasizes efficiency and minimal overhead.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: OpenBSD 7.5 is known for its lightweight nature, efficiency, and low system resource utilization. Significant performance improvements were noted, particularly for many-core ARM64 systems, due to per-CPU caching in the PMAP implementation, leading to "significant speedups" by reducing lock contention. Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) enhancements allow for parallel execution of network operations like bind(2), connect(2), and UDP packet transmission, improving network performance.
• Power Consumption: Due to its lean design and focus on efficiency, OpenBSD generally exhibits low power consumption, making it suitable for embedded systems and energy-conscious deployments.
• Carbon Footprint: The low resource usage and efficient operation of OpenBSD contribute to a minimal carbon footprint compared to more resource-intensive operating systems.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: OpenBSD is often compared to other UNIX-like operating systems such as Linux and other BSD variants (FreeBSD, NetBSD). While some Linux distributions might offer higher raw performance in specific computational benchmarks due to extensive optimization for various hardware, OpenBSD's strength lies in its consistent, secure, and efficient base system, making it highly performant for server, firewall, and routing roles. Its consistency is often cited as a significant advantage over the diverse Linux ecosystem.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: OpenBSD 7.5 delivers strong performance characterized by efficiency and stability rather than raw speed in all scenarios. Its architectural design prioritizes correctness and security, resulting in a lean kernel and userland that perform exceptionally well in resource-constrained environments and critical infrastructure roles. The performance enhancements in 7.5, particularly for multi-core ARM systems and network operations, demonstrate continuous optimization efforts within its established philosophy.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for OpenBSD 7.5 generally highlight its core strengths and acknowledge its specific characteristics.

• Strengths: Users consistently praise OpenBSD for its unparalleled security, stability, and the cleanliness of its codebase. The project's commitment to excellent documentation, particularly its comprehensive man pages, is frequently cited as a major advantage. Its "secure by default" philosophy, integrated security features like the PF firewall and OpenSSH, and low system resource utilization are highly valued, especially for server, firewall, and router deployments. Many appreciate its consistency and unified approach to system design.
• Weaknesses: Some users note a steeper learning curve compared to more mainstream operating systems, particularly for those accustomed to Linux. The community, while dedicated, is smaller, and hardware support, while improving, is not as extensive as that found in Linux distributions. The installation process can be perceived as less user-friendly for newcomers, and the desktop experience, while functional, is often considered less polished or feature-rich than some Linux desktop environments.
• Recommended Use Cases: OpenBSD is highly recommended for critical infrastructure roles such as firewalls, routers, VPN servers, DNS servers, and web servers, where security and stability are paramount. It is also favored by users seeking a secure and reliable workstation environment, particularly for development or administrative tasks. Its efficiency makes it suitable for older hardware and embedded systems.

Summary

OpenBSD 7.5, released on April 5, 2024, represents a significant iteration of the renowned security-focused operating system. It continues to uphold the project's core tenets of portability, standardization, correctness, proactive security, and integrated cryptography. The asset is a complete, lightweight UNIX-like operating system suitable for a broad range of hardware architectures, from older systems to modern multi-core ARM platforms.

Strengths: OpenBSD 7.5 excels in its security posture, offering a robust suite of exploit mitigations, including W^X, ASLR, pledge(2), unveil(2), and default encrypted swap. The introduction of root partition encryption during installation and the pinsyscalls(2) mechanism further enhance its defensive capabilities. Its efficiency and minimal resource footprint ensure stable and performant operation, particularly for network services and server roles, with notable performance gains for multi-core ARM64 systems. The system is praised for its clean code, consistency, and comprehensive documentation.

Weaknesses: The primary drawbacks include a steeper learning curve for new users, a smaller community compared to Linux, and a less extensive hardware support matrix, though continuous improvements are made. The desktop experience, while functional, may not appeal to users seeking a highly graphical or feature-rich environment.

Recommendations: OpenBSD 7.5 is highly recommended for environments where security, stability, and reliability are critical. It is an excellent choice for building secure network infrastructure components such as firewalls, routers, and VPN gateways, as well as for robust servers and secure workstations. Users should be prepared for a hands-on approach to system administration and adhere to the project's upgrade cycle to maintain support and security.

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.