4.2. The Ports collection

Contributed by Gary Palmer <gpalmer@FreeBSD.org> and Jordan Hubbard <jkh@FreeBSD.org> .

Unfortunately, there are more variations of UN*X than most people know of, and hence not all software for UN*X available on the Internet will work on all versions of UN*X (in fact, I can guarantee it!). Hence, some software needs modifications to work under some UN*Xs. The process of making those modifications is known as ``porting'' and the result known as a ``port'' (not to be confused with the sockets on the back of your computer!).

4.2.1. What is the FreeBSD Ports Collection?

4.2.2. How does the system compile with no source code?

4.2.3. Compiling ports from CDROM

4.2.4. Compiling ports using an Internet connection

4.2.5. It doesn't work?!

4.2.6. I've ported a program and I want to make a port out of it. What now?

4.2.7. I've got a good port, what now?

4.2.8. I want to leave the compile going overnight, but some ports don't like this.

4.2.9. The ports collection is weak. What can I do to help?

4.2.10. This FAQ is weak. What can I do?

4.2.11. How do I get more information on all the ports?

4.2.12. I've heard of a new checksum system. What is this for?