FreeBSD is bundled with a rich collection of system tools as part of the base system. However, there is only so much one can do before needing to install an additional third-party application to get real work done. FreeBSD provides two complementary technologies for installing third-party software on your system: the FreeBSD Ports Collection (for installing from source), and packages (for installing from pre-built binaries). Either method may be used to install the newest version of your favorite applications from local media or straight off the network.

This talk aims to familiarize the audience with the way third-party applications and FreeBSD fit together, the ways these applications can be installed on FreeBSD.

FreeBSD prides itself, among other things with its advanced security and compatibility features and it rigorous QA procedures.

The second part of the talk will present the compatibility options, ranging from linuxulator - the Linux binary compat layer to full fledged virtual machines line VBox.

The third part will present the QA test and procedures employed during \"normal\" time and during the Release Cycles.

Renown as a rock solid server OS, FreeBSD is also a good choice for the desktop. What can one do with with FreeBSD on his desktop is the topic of the forth part. (Includes a short PCBSD presentation).

Ion-Mihai "IOnut" Tetcu is a 29 years old FreeBSD ports committer living in Bucharest, Romania. Started with maintaining mail/dspam-devel in 2003 he now looks over around 50 ports in various categories. Since beginning of June he is a member of the FreeBSD Ports Management Team. His main interest these days revolves around QA test and procedures for the 20K+ thirds party applications composing FreeBSD's Ports Tree. He is also one of the core members of the Dspam Project.

His non-IT interests include history, philosophy and mountain climbing.