smolBSD
smolBSD is a meta-operating system built on top of NetBSD. It lets you compose your own UNIX environment — from a single-purpose microservice system to a fully-custom OS image — in just a few minutes.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
EUPlatforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- QEMU
- FreeBSD
Features
Tags
- microvm
- Virtual machine
- freebsd
- bsd
- reproducible
- BSD-based
- operating-system-creator
- netbsd
smolBSD News & Activities
Recent activities
- niksavc liked smolBSD
POX added smolBSD as alternative to Linux From Scratch and Minimal Linux Live- POX updated smolBSD
- POX added smolBSD
smolBSD information
Developed by
NetBSDfr Licensing
Open Source (BSD-2-Clause) and Free product.Alternatives
2 alternatives listedSupported Languages
- English
AlternativeTo Category
Network & AdminGitHub repository
- 482 Stars
- 40 Forks
- 3 Open Issues
- Updated
What is smolBSD?
smolBSD is a meta-operating system built on top of NetBSD. It lets you compose your own UNIX environment — from a single-purpose microservice system to a fully-custom OS image — in just a few minutes.
The smolBSD environment uses the netbsd-MICROVM kernel as its foundation, leveraging the same portable, reliable codebase that powers NetBSD itself. You decide what to include — sshd, httpd, or your own service — and smolBSD builds a coherent, minimal, bootable image ready to run anywhere.
Why smolBSD?
Build BSD systems like you build software — fast, reproducible, and minimal.
- Composable: Pick only the components you need — from kernel to services.
- Reproducible: Every build is deterministic, portable, and easy to version-control.
- Instant Boot: Powered by netbsd-MICROVM — boot to service in milliseconds.
- Universal: Runs anywhere QEMU or Firecracker runs — cloud, CI, edge, or laptop.