# NomadBSD > live-USB operating system based on FreeBSD **Wikidata**: [Q115210637](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115210637) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nomadbsd ## Summary NomadBSD is a live-USB operating system based on FreeBSD. It is designed to be a persistent live distribution, meaning it runs directly from removable media like a USB stick without requiring installation on a hard drive. The system is open-source, licensed under the 2-clause BSD license. ## Key Facts - **Base System:** NomadBSD is based on FreeBSD, a free Unix-like operating system. - **License:** The software is distributed under the 2-clause BSD License. - **Initial Release:** The project was initially published on February 19, 2018. - **Latest Stable Version:** Version 141R-20240711 (released July 14, 2024). - **Software Class:** It is classified as both an operating system and a live distribution. - **Source Code:** The code is maintained in a public GitHub repository (`github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD`). - **Community Platforms:** Active official channels include a forum (`forum.nomadbsd.org`), an IRC channel (`irc.libera.chat/NomadBSD`), and a subreddit (`r/NomadBSD`). ## FAQs ### Q: Does NomadBSD need to be installed on a hard drive to work? A: No. NomadBSD is a "live distribution," which means it is designed to run directly from removal media like a USB stick without being installed on a computer's hard disk. ### Q: Is NomadBSD free to use? A: Yes, it is free and open-source software released under the 2-clause BSD license. ### Q: When was NomadBSD first released? A: The initial publication date for NomadBSD was February 19, 2018, with version 1.0 following shortly after on February 28, 2018. ### Q: Where can I download or view the code for NomadBSD? A: The source code and release files are hosted on GitHub at `github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD`. ## Why It Matters NomadBSD serves as an accessible entry point into the BSD ecosystem, lowering the barrier to entry for users who wish to utilize FreeBSD but require portability. By functioning as a live-USB operating system, it solves the problem of carrying a consistent, personalized computing environment in a pocket. Unlike traditional operating systems that are tethered to specific hardware, NomadBSD allows users to boot into a Unix-like environment on almost any compatible machine without altering the host's existing data or hard drive. The project demonstrates the versatility of the FreeBSD base, adapting it for modern portable use cases. Since its inception in 2018, it has maintained an active release schedule, with updates as recent as July 2024, indicating robust ongoing development. Its existence provides a valuable alternative to Linux-based live distributions for users who prefer BSD architecture, licensing, or tooling, while fostering a dedicated community through its forums, IRC, and social media presence. ## Notable For - **Portability:** Being a live distribution specifically designed to run from USB media without installation. - **BSD Heritage:** Deriving directly from FreeBSD rather than the Linux kernel. - **Persistence:** Functionality implied by its nature as a "live-USB" OS, allowing users to operate an OS from removable media. - **Licensing:** Utilization of the permissive 2-clause BSD license rather than copyleft licenses like the GPL. - **Active Development:** A consistent release history spanning from 2018 to 2024. ## Body ### Technical Foundation NomadBSD is an operating system derived from FreeBSD. It inherits the characteristics of this Unix-like system, which was originally inceptioned on November 1, 1993. NomadBSD is distinct from standard installations because it functions as a "live distribution." This architecture allows the software to manage computer hardware resources directly from removal media (such as a USB drive) without the need for a traditional hard disk installation process. The system is copyrighted but freely available to the public. ### Release History The project was officially published on February 19, 2018. Development has remained active with multiple stable releases tracked over the years. Key versions include: - **1.0:** Released February 28, 2018. - **1.3.2:** Released July 6, 2020. - **131R-20221130:** Released December 2, 2022. - **140R-20240126:** Released January 30, 2024. - **141R-20240711:** The most recent noted stable version, released July 14, 2024. ### Community and Resources NomadBSD maintains a multi-lingual presence, with Wikipedia articles available in Arabic, Italian, Korean, and Quechua. The project engages its user base through several official channels. The primary website is `nomadbsd.org`, and development is transparent via GitHub. For real-time and async support, users can access the official forum, the `r/NomadBSD` subreddit (created May 3, 2019), or the IRC channel at `irc.libera.chat/NomadBSD`. The project also maintains an official Twitter account, which was created in April 2019. ## References 1. [Source](https://github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD/blob/master/LICENSE) 2. [Release 141R-20240711 · nomadbsd/NomadBSD](https://github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD/releases/tag/20240711) 3. [Release 140R-20240126 · nomadbsd/NomadBSD](https://github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD/releases/tag/20240126) 4. [Release 20221130 · nomadbsd/NomadBSD](https://github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD/releases/tag/20221130) 5. [NomadBSD](https://www.nomadbsd.org/index.html#20221204) 6. [NomadBSD](https://www.nomadbsd.org/index.html#20231016) 7. [Release 1.0. 2018](https://github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD/releases/tag/1.0) 8. [Release 1.1. 2018](https://github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD/releases/tag/1.1) 9. [Release 1.2. 2019](https://github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD/releases/tag/1.2) 10. [Release 1.3. 2019](https://github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD/releases/tag/1.3) 11. [Release 1.3.1. 2020](https://github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD/releases/tag/1.3.1) 12. [Release 1.3.2. 2020](https://github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD/releases/tag/1.3.2) 13. [Release 1.4. 2021](https://github.com/nomadbsd/NomadBSD/releases/tag/1.4) 14. [NomadBSD](https://www.nomadbsd.org/) 15. [Source](https://www.nomadbsd.org/contact.html)