I just recieved a response to my MatriXtreme order. As mentioned on this message board I entered a request for a FreeBSD install in the Special Requests/Comments field.

Ticket info is: 861511PLNT

Message is:
We are sorry, but the MatriXtreme server line does not support FreeBSD for its OS. Would you like to go ahead and install Redhat per the original order?

I don't know who is best to discuss this with? Is anyone from The Planet/Servermatrix watching who can help?

reply to the ticket

I couldn't. It is read-only.

I created a new one (861569PLNT) and sent it to sales.. and the verdict is no. They won't put FreeBSD on the server for me. I don't really understand this and they haven't explained the logic. I just want a reliable and secure OS for my hosting.

I am not aware of any alternate actions at this point... so I guess I am canceling my order.

You could always put RHEL4 on it. It's not like BSD is an amazing bug-killing robot octopus with laser-tipped tentacles, spearing intruders left and right. It won't make your server more secure than a linux box. The secret to a secure box is not by using a different *nix, but by proper administration. And the robot octopus, if available.

Well, I think we'd end up arguing preferences more than facts if we continue the RHAT vs FBSD debate. I think BSD administration is more conducive to cleaner and more secure configurations. Anyway though, I was hoping someone either outside or inside The Planet could jump in and help me get FreeBSD on the machine. In my opinion, The Planet really needs a FreeBSD advocate inside. I hope others can find this *before* wasting time on their server order also.

As for me, I've had to find another hosting company. They tell me my machine should be up later today--WITH FreeBSD.

isnt it ?


on a serious note, you could install freebsd remotely on it, however say good bye to your sla + support if things bugger up, having said that, theres not huge ammounts of support for freebsd at tp anyway.

facecake, how to install any OS remotly, any links or tutorials, thanks.

The OS offerings in that product line are based on our ability to auto-provision the server. The goal in the MatriXtreme product was to have a 100% auto-provisionable product - which means very few changes allowed to the server in order to accomodate this. The decision was made to offer the 2 OS'es that account for the majority of our servers (RedHat and Windows).