GhostBSD has announced the release of GhostBSD 25.02, a desktop-oriented distribution based on FreeBSD 14. The release offers desktop environments Mate, XFCE, and GERSHWIN, with the default ZFS file system. Users can work in Live mode or install on a hard drive using the Ginstall installer written in Python.
GhostBSD provides download images for x86_64 architecture, including a 3.7 GB version with Mate, a 3.4 GB version with XFCE, and a 3.3 GB version with GERSHWIN.
The release introduces its own desktop environment called GERSHWIN, designed to resemble the MacOS interface. GERSHWIN utilizes the GNUstep framework and the xfce4 window manager, with plans to develop its own window manager. Experimental support for Wayland is also included.
Integrated into the GERSHWIN environment are GhostBSD tools such as an installer, application manager, backup tool, and update manager. Users can run regular programs and GNUstep-based applications. GERSHWIN prioritizes a graphic environment independent of the window manager Window Maker.
Additional changes in GhostBSD 25.02 include synchronization with FreeBSD 14.3, automatic directory/TMP cleaning, support for multi-channel sound cards, compatibility with AMD Radeon HD graphic cards, improved boot environments, Fusefs support, enhanced conflict resolution in the software manager, and updated Russian language translations.