OpenBSDare

OpenBSDare is a fictional open-source operating system concept created as a think-piece to explore security-focused system design. It is imagined as drawing inspiration from the OpenBSD project’s emphasis on secure defaults, code correctness, and auditable software, while testing how such principles might scale to broader hardware platforms and use cases.

OpenBSDare is envisioned with a compact, auditable base system and a modular userland. It would employ a monolithic kernel with strong memory-safety practices, a ports-like package system, and reproducible builds. Security would be emphasized through minimal default services, careful privilege separation where feasible, and a strong cryptographic posture, including hardened defaults for network services and cryptographic libraries. The goal is to provide a robust, predictable platform for servers and desktops alike, with clear upgrade and remediation paths.

In this fictional scenario, a small, meritocratic core team would coordinate releases, code review, and security audits, supported by a transparent contribution process. Licensing would be BSD-style or similarly permissive to encourage adoption and auditing. The project would prioritize reproducible builds, signed packages, and thorough vulnerability disclosure.

OpenBSDare has no official existence beyond speculative discussions and case studies. It is used to illustrate trade-offs in security-driven OS design, including considerations of maintainability, community governance, and ecosystem tooling.

Related topics include OpenBSD; secure operating system design; software auditing and reproducible builds.