Introduction

FreeBSD has a fully-fledged virtualization that is ideally suited to starting other operating systems: BHYVE. In addition to Linux, FreeBSD also supports Windows 11, as TPM 2.0 can be passed on to the guest since FreeBSD 14. I use vm-bhyve to manage my VMs. I wrote this series of articles, or rather kept them for myself, as none of the inspiring articles completely addressed my needs or requirements or there are simply ‘simpler’ or more modern ways to set up and start a VM. In particular, the meaningful interaction with Bastille Jails was not really satisfactory in any source.

BHYVE is well suited for all kinds of ‘server’ applications where only a minimum of desktop functionality is required. Linux is managed via SSH and Windows via RDP. Further functions such as the integration of graphics cards or USB devices are not the subject of this series of articles and in my opinion are only recommended to a limited extent.

Goals

The aim of this series of articles is to prepare and create virtual machines based on BHYVE . A few example VMs will also be created, whereby the main focus will be on Docker. This gives the topic of Docker a hook for me under FreeBSD. An OPNsense firewall is recommended for the centralized management of IP addresses and DNS settings (management of hostnames and certificates).

Last update:

  • 22.12.2024: Final fine-tuning and release as the start of a separate series of articles
  • 11.11.2024: Initial document

Important: This series builds on the FreeBSD as a server series of articles, especially the structure of the data.