FreeBSD Desktop Installation Checklist

Pre-Installation

• Download the latest FreeBSD installation image from the official FreeBSD website
• Verify the checksum of the downloaded image
• Prepare a bootable USB drive or DVD with the installation image
• Back up any important data on the target machine
• Ensure the target machine meets the minimum system requirements

Installation Process

• Boot from the installation media
• Select "Install" from the FreeBSD boot menu
• Choose your preferred keyboard layout
• Set a hostname for your system
• Select the components to install (base system, kernel, ports, source)
• Choose your preferred partitioning scheme (UFS or ZFS)
• Configure network settings (DHCP or manual configuration)
• Set the time zone
• Enable system services (e.g., sshd, moused, dumpdev)
• Create a root password
• Create at least one regular user account
• Complete the installation and reboot

Post-Installation Configuration

• Log in as root and add the code below highlighted in white.
• Update the system: freebsd-update fetch install
• Install and configure X.Org: pkg install xorg
• Install desktop environment Xfce:
• pkg install xfce
• pkg install lightdm lightdm-gtk-greeter
• sysrc lightdm_enable="YES"
• sysrc dbus_enable="YES"
• % echo '. /usr/local/etc/xdg/xfce4/xinitrc' > ~/.xinitrc
• Edit ee /etc/fstab and add: proc /proc procfs rw 0 0 use esc key to bring up menu and save

 
Example
#Device	 Mountpoint  FStype  Options  Dump   Pass#
   proc     /proc    procfs    rw      0       0

• Install common applications:
• Web browser: pkg install firefox
• Office suite: pkg install libreoffice
• Media player: pkg install vlc
• Configure sound: sysrc sndio_enable="YES"
• Set up printer support: pkg install cups
• Configure graphics drivers (if necessary) How to add Graphics Drivers
• Enable periodic system updates: sysrc daily_status_security_enable="YES"
• More desktop environments ( KDE Plasma, GNOME, MATE, etc.)

Final Steps

• Reboot the system
• Log in to your desktop environment
• Configure user preferences and customize the desktop
• Install additional software as needed
• Set up system backups