What is the latest version of FreeBSD?
At this point in FreeBSD’s development, there are two parallel development branches; releases are being made from both branches. The 6.X series of releases is being made from the 6-STABLE branch and the 7.X series of releases from 7-STABLE. Up until the release of 7.0, the 6.X series was the one known as -STABLE. However, as of 7.0, the 6.X branch will be designated for an “extended support” status and receive only fixes for major problems, such as security-related fixes. There will be more releases made from the 6-STABLE branch, but it is considered a “legacy” branch and most current work will only become a part of 7-STABLE. Version 7.1 is the latest release from the 7-STABLE branch; it was released in Jan 2009. Version 6.4 is the latest release from the 6-STABLE branch; it was released in Nov 2008. Briefly, -STABLE is aimed at the ISP, corporate user, or any user who wants stability and a minimal number of changes compared to the new (and possibly unstable) features of the latest -CU
Version 3.3 is the latest stable version; it was released in September, 1999. This is also the latest release version. Briefly explained, -STABLE is aimed at the ISP or other corporate user who wants stability and a low change count over the wizzy new features of the latest -CURRENT snapshot. Releases can come from either “branch,” but you should only use -CURRENT if you’re sure that you’re prepared for its increased volatility (relative to -STABLE, that is). Releases are only made every few months. While many people stay more up-to-date with the FreeBSD sources (see the questions on FreeBSD-CURRENT and FreeBSD-STABLE) than that, doing so is more of a commitment, as the sources are a moving target.
At this point in FreeBSD’s development, there are two parallel development branches; releases are being made from both branches. The 6.X series of releases is being made from the 6-STABLE branch and the 7.X series of releases from 7-STABLE. Up until the release of 7.0, the 6.X series was the one known as -STABLE. However, as of 7.0, the 6.X branch will be designated for an extended support status and receive only fixes for major problems, such as security-related fixes. There will be more releases made from the 6-STABLE branch, but it is considered a legacy branch and most current work will only become a part of 7-STABLE. Version 7.0 is the latest release from the 7-STABLE branch; it was released in Feb 2008. Version 6.3 is the latest release from the 6-STABLE branch; it was released in Jan 2008. Briefly, -STABLE is aimed at the ISP, corporate user, or any user who wants stability and a minimal number of changes compared to the new (and possibly unstable) features of the latest -CURREN
Version 3.4 is the latest stable version; it was released in December, 1999. This is also the latest release version. Briefly explained, -STABLE is aimed at the ISP or other corporate user who wants stability and a low change count over the wizzy new features of the latest -CURRENT snapshot. Releases can come from either “branch,” but you should only use -CURRENT if you’re sure that you’re prepared for its increased volatility (relative to -STABLE, that is). Releases are only made every few months. While many people stay more up-to-date with the FreeBSD sources (see the questions on FreeBSD-CURRENT and FreeBSD-STABLE) than that, doing so is more of a commitment, as the sources are a moving target.
Version 4.6 is the latest RELEASE version; it was released in June, 2002. This is also the latest STABLE version. Briefly, -STABLE is aimed at the ISP, corporate user, or any user who wants stability and a low change count over the wizzy new features of the latest -CURRENT snapshot. Releases can come from either branch, but -CURRENT should only be used if you are prepared for its increased volatility (relative to -STABLE, that is). Releases are made every few months. While many people stay more up-to-date with the FreeBSD sources (see the questions on FreeBSD-CURRENT and FreeBSD-STABLE) than that, doing so is more of a commitment, as the sources are a moving target.
