proplib (property list library for kernel-userspace communication), RUMP (Rump Kernel - anykernel framework allowing kernel code to run in userspace), Veriexec (verified exec integrity subsystem using cryptographic fingerprints), LFS (Log-structured File System - NetBSD maintains the only production LFS implementation), WAPBL (Write Ahead Physical Block Logging - metadata journaling), ATF (Automated Testing Framework - originated from NetBSD, now used across BSDs), etc. Feel free to check them out! Each one of them is interesting, IMO.
Beyond these specific features, NetBSD's real strength is its extreme portability (runs on over 50 hardware platforms, from VAX to ARM to obscure embedded systems), exceptionally clean and readable codebase, and pkgsrc (a portable package system that works across BSDs, Linux, and other Unix-like systems). I believe it makes NetBSD valuable not just as an OS, but as a reference implementation and research platform. The code quality and documentation are outstanding for anyone studying OS internals as well. :)
I noticed someone asked what NetBSD is. I am happy to break down the different BSD flavors (NetBSD, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, DragonflyBSD) and their unique features if that would be helpful!
NetBSD is a powerful force for sustainability. Foundation's commitment to running on a vast array of hardware—new and old—helps reduce e-waste. Old laptops and single-board computers that would otherwise be in a landfill are given new life as robust firewalls, file servers, or even retro-gaming machines, all thanks to NetBSD.
Emotionally I like this - but thinking more dispassionately, these systems use, by modern standards, a huge amount of power. I wonder if, for many (most?) of them, it whould not be more environmentally responsible to replace them with modern, less power-hungry devices.
Just donated. I run a NetBSD instance on a VPS and on an old Lenovo mini PC that I use as a gateway/file server between my regular network and network of vintage PCs. I have two XT clones, two ATs, some 486s, a Pentium MMX, and an iMac G3 and G4. Fun hobby! I need to get NetBSD running on one of these old machines one of these days.
Donated. I think what NetBSD is missing, but also hard to pull off, is something like https://openbsd.amsterdam. A service that people can use where parts of the fees go towards the foundation.
Do they offer a swag store like OpenBSD or FreeBSD? I realize they only get pennies from those sales but that’s typically my approach, buy a shirt for $30 and make an extra $20 donation.
Donated! I should have done this months ago when I started using NetBSD for an embedded project idea (that has gone nowhere).
But I feel this link illustrates a big problem with NetBSD’s “no hype” approach: I clicked the link you shared and found an email. The email has the donation link at the very end, and it’s not clickable. When I go to the donation page, there is a ton of text before I even get to see an ugly PayPal tiny button or a tiny form to donate via Stripe.
It’s too hard to notice and too hard to do. The project’s homepage does a better job though. But I think it should be made even more prominent if this is critical for the project’s health!
I just donated. It's important to keep projects like NetBSD vital, as a monoculture benefits nobody but the monoculturists. I think of it as a way to help ensure Survival of the Species - by diversity.
It's really in the best interest of everyone using it to chip in and keep the project relevant. Unfortunately the amount of donations is going to be contingent on the size of its user base which will need to grow to ensure its longevity.
Donated! Thank you very much, NetBSD was one of my first experiences, on a Pentium 60 with a 504MB hard drive. It made me who I am today, eternally grateful to have learned from such amazing and talented people.
Out of pure curiosity, is all the actual programming work for the foundation provided free of charge by volunteers? And the foundation expenses are mostly legal and administrative?
Donated!! I run a small cluster of a few nodes I bought for cheap, and I’m experimenting with SSI on them. The kernel is really nice to read and modify.
Big fan of NetBSD. From the perspective of a kernel hacker, I found the NetBSD codebase to be very readable and easy to work with. FreeBSD and OpenBSD, while being more fully-featured and security-minded respectively, had to make compromises in their codebase as a result.
An interesting thread about the upgrade exists on the same list that the link points to, just a few messages earlier. Hopefully, with the donations, the project can improve the existing friction points - https://mail-index.netbsd.org/netbsd-users/2025/10/01/msg033...
This year I've seen some retro tech YouTube videos about people putting modern NetBSD in their expensive PDPs and Vax machines. Dave Plumber comes to mind.
Things like NetBSD seem like an obvious use case for tokens and DAOs (funding and governing treasuries for non-crypto open source software projects). Why is this not more common already?
Donated. While I don't use NetBSD, the existence of projects like this is essential for open source technology, operating system design, and the overall vitality of programming culture.
Let's Help NetBSD Cross the Finish Line Before 2025 Ends
(mail-index.netbsd.org)400 points by jaypatelani 26 October 2025 | 235 comments
Comments
proplib (property list library for kernel-userspace communication), RUMP (Rump Kernel - anykernel framework allowing kernel code to run in userspace), Veriexec (verified exec integrity subsystem using cryptographic fingerprints), LFS (Log-structured File System - NetBSD maintains the only production LFS implementation), WAPBL (Write Ahead Physical Block Logging - metadata journaling), ATF (Automated Testing Framework - originated from NetBSD, now used across BSDs), etc. Feel free to check them out! Each one of them is interesting, IMO.
Beyond these specific features, NetBSD's real strength is its extreme portability (runs on over 50 hardware platforms, from VAX to ARM to obscure embedded systems), exceptionally clean and readable codebase, and pkgsrc (a portable package system that works across BSDs, Linux, and other Unix-like systems). I believe it makes NetBSD valuable not just as an OS, but as a reference implementation and research platform. The code quality and documentation are outstanding for anyone studying OS internals as well. :)
I noticed someone asked what NetBSD is. I am happy to break down the different BSD flavors (NetBSD, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, DragonflyBSD) and their unique features if that would be helpful!
Emotionally I like this - but thinking more dispassionately, these systems use, by modern standards, a huge amount of power. I wonder if, for many (most?) of them, it whould not be more environmentally responsible to replace them with modern, less power-hungry devices.
But I feel this link illustrates a big problem with NetBSD’s “no hype” approach: I clicked the link you shared and found an email. The email has the donation link at the very end, and it’s not clickable. When I go to the donation page, there is a ton of text before I even get to see an ugly PayPal tiny button or a tiny form to donate via Stripe.
It’s too hard to notice and too hard to do. The project’s homepage does a better job though. But I think it should be made even more prominent if this is critical for the project’s health!
It wasn't clear to me based on the financials: https://www.netbsd.org/foundation/reports/financial/2023.htm...
Maybe the consulting section includes payments for programming work? Presumably at cheap rates, if so?
I suppose after 30+ years, any chance of consolidation is hopeless and undesirable?