Friday, January 2, 2026

Download FreeBSD AMD64 15.0-CURRENT image from FreeBSD ISO Images directory http://freebsd.org/where

Download  FreeBSD AMD64 15.0-CURRENT image from FreeBSD ISO Images 

https://download.freebsd.org/releases/amd64/amd64/ISO-IMAGES/15.0/   Directory of 15.0 images

   # use this image file or something similar to this AMD64 image for FreeBSD operating system 

Use curl or  wget app to download image.

curl -O https://download.freebsd.org/releases/ISO-IMAGES/15.0/FreeBSD-15.0-RELEASE-amd64-mini-memstick.img.xz
or

 

ls -lh FreeBSD*
total 126M
-rw-r--r-- 1 kliktel kliktel 115M Jan  2 02:17  FreeBSD-15.0-RELEASE-amd64-mini-memstick.img.xz
 
[kliktel@kliktel-pc Downloads]$ cd FreeBSD
[kliktel@kliktel-pc FreeBSD]$ ls
 
FreeBSD-15.0-RELEASE-amd64-mini-memstick.img.xz 
                       
[kliktel@kliktel-pc FreeBSD]$ sudo unxz -c FreeBSD-15.0-RELEASE-amd64-mini-memstick.img.xz | dd of=/dev/sdb bs=1M conv=fsync status=progress
[sudo] password for kliktel:  
689295872 bytes (689 MB, 657 MiB) copied, 76 s, 9.0 MB/s  
0+17566 records in
0+17566 records out
689295872 bytes (689 MB, 657 MiB) copied, 95.0699 s, 7.3 MB/s
[kliktel@kliktel-pc FreeBSD]$

Using Manjaro Linux or FreeBSD to download with curl, write image using 'unxz' and 'dd' commands.  Use 'gdisk' to look at resulting partitions on /dev/sdb

This was tested on Manjaro Linux laptop.  

[kliktel@kliktel-pc FreeBSD]$ uname -a
Linux kliktel-pc 5.10.234-2-MANJARO #1 SMP PREEMPT Mon Feb 3 16:28:09 UTC 2025 x86_64 GNU/Linux

 
[kliktel@kliktel-pc FreeBSD]$ lsusb
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 001 Device 002: ID 8087:0024 Intel Corp. Integrated Rate Matching Hub
Bus 001 Device 003: ID 04f2:b2db Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd Thinkpad T430 camera
Bus 001 Device 050: ID 154b:00ee PNY USB 2.0 FD
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 002 Device 002: ID 8087:0024 Intel Corp. Integrated Rate Matching Hub
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 003 Device 002: ID 046d:c52b Logitech, Inc. Unifying Receiver
Bus 003 Device 005: ID 1b3f:2008 Generalplus Technology Inc. USB Audio Device
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0003 Linux Foundation 3.0 root hub
[kliktel@kliktel-pc FreeBSD]$ gdisk /dev/sdb
GPT fdisk (gdisk) version 1.0.10

Partition table scan:
 MBR: MBR only
 BSD: not present
 APM: not present
 GPT: not present


***************************************************************
Found invalid GPT and valid MBR; converting MBR to GPT format
in memory. THIS OPERATION IS POTENTIALLY DESTRUCTIVE! Exit by
typing 'q' if you don't want to convert your MBR partitions
to GPT format!
***************************************************************

Warning! Main partition table overlaps the first partition by 33 blocks!
You will need to delete this partition or resize it in another utility.

Command (? for help): p
Disk /dev/sdb: 60628992 sectors, 28.9 GiB
Model: USB 2.0 FD       
Sector size (logical/physical): 512/512 bytes
Disk identifier (GUID): F71BE7A5-2FC7-4A67-9797-AD5BA071E3C0
Partition table holds up to 128 entries
Main partition table begins at sector 2 and ends at sector 33
First usable sector is 34, last usable sector is 60628958
Partitions will be aligned on 1-sector boundaries
Total free space is 59282678 sectors (28.3 GiB)

Number  Start (sector)    End (sector)  Size       Code  Name
  1               1           66584   32.5 MiB    EF00  EFI system partition
  2           66585         1346280   624.9 MiB   A500  FreeBSD disklabel

Command (? for help): q
[kliktel@kliktel-pc FreeBSD]$

 Disk /dev/sdb: 28.91 GiB, 31042043904 bytes, 60628992 sectors
Disk model: USB 2.0 FD       
Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disklabel type: dos
Disk identifier: 0x90909090

Device     Boot Start     End Sectors   Size Id Type
/dev/sdb1           1   66584   66584  32.5M ef EFI (FAT-12/16/32)
/dev/sdb2  *    66585 1346280 1279696 624.9M a5 FreeBSD
[kliktel@kliktel-pc FreeBSD]$ fdisk -l /dev/sdb
Disk /dev/sdb: 28.91 GiB, 31042043904 bytes, 60628992 sectors
Disk model: USB 2.0 FD       
Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disklabel type: dos
Disk identifier: 0x90909090

Device     Boot Start     End Sectors   Size Id Type
/dev/sdb1           1   66584   66584  32.5M ef EFI (FAT-12/16/32)
/dev/sdb2  *    66585 1346280 1279696 624.9M a5 FreeBSD
[kliktel@kliktel-pc FreeBSD]$


Reference Grok/i  answer to download a img.xz compressed image and write into a USB flash disk drive stick in one command line:

https://x.com/i/grok/share/6jQQ22gx02jbT3IOi65HBudSH 

 

Install FreeBSD-15.0-CURRENT to an AlderLake N150 or N100 miniPC.

https://x.com/i/grok/share/fZeAQyPE0NAHer7PpK7PIldiL 

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Location: Forest Grove, OR 97116, USA

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Fcitz, Chinese language, character input to Ghostbsd operating system

 Setting up Chinese language character input using fcitx on GhostBSD involves installing the necessary packages, configuring the input method, and ensuring the environment is set up correctly. GhostBSD is based on FreeBSD, so the process leverages FreeBSD’s localization features and packages. Below is a step-by-step guide to configure fcitx for Chinese input (Simplified or Traditional) using the Pinyin input method, which is popular for its phonetic ease.

Step-by-Step Guide
1. Update the System and Install Required Packages
Ensure your GhostBSD system is up to date and install the necessary fcitx packages for Chinese input.
  • Open a terminal and update the package repository:
    shell
    sudo pkg update
  • Install fcitx5 (a modern version of fcitx) and Chinese input method packages, such as fcitx5-rime (for Pinyin and other methods) or fcitx5-sunpinyin (a Pinyin-specific engine):
    shell
    sudo pkg install -y fcitx5 fcitx5-configtool fcitx5-gtk zh-fcitx5-rime zh-fcitx5-sunpinyin zh-sunpinyin
    • fcitx5: The core input method framework.
    • fcitx5-configtool: A graphical tool to configure fcitx.
    • zh-fcitx5-rime: A versatile input method engine supporting Pinyin, Wubi, and more.
    • zh-fcitx5-sunpinyin: A Pinyin-specific input engine.
    • zh-sunpinyin: Additional Pinyin data for SunPinyin.
  • Optionally, install fonts to ensure Chinese characters display correctly:
    shell
    sudo pkg install -y zh-CJKUnifonts
2. Configure Environment Variables
To make fcitx work with your desktop environment (GhostBSD typically uses MATE), set the necessary environment variables to integrate fcitx with applications.
  • Edit your user’s .xinitrc or .xprofile file in your home directory to include fcitx settings. If these files don’t exist, create one:
    shell
    nano ~/.xinitrc
  • Add the following lines to enable Chinese input and integrate fcitx with GTK and Qt applications:
    shell
    export LC_CTYPE="zh_CN.UTF-8"
export LC_ALL="zh_CN.UTF-8"
export GTK_IM_MODULE="fcitx"
export GTK3_IM_MODULE="fcitx"
export QT_IM_MODULE="fcitx"
export QT4_IM_MODULE="fcitx"
export XMODIFIERS="@im=fcitx"
fcitx &
    • LC_CTYPE and LC_ALL: Set the locale to Simplified Chinese (use zh_TW.UTF-8 for Traditional Chinese).
    • GTK_IM_MODULE, QT_IM_MODULE, XMODIFIERS: Ensure fcitx works with GTK and Qt-based applications.
    • fcitx &: Starts the fcitx daemon in the background.
  • Save the file and exit (Ctrl+O, Enter, Ctrl+X).
3. Set the System Locale
Ensure the system locale supports Chinese to avoid display issues.
  • Check available locales:
    shell
    locale -a
  • If zh_CN.UTF-8 (Simplified Chinese) or zh_TW.UTF-8 (Traditional Chinese) is missing, you may need to ensure the locale is generated. Edit /etc/login.conf as root:
    shell
    sudo nano /etc/login.conf
  • Add or modify a locale entry for Chinese (e.g., for Simplified Chinese):
    chinese|Chinese Users Accounts:\
    :charset=UTF-8:\
    :lang=zh_CN.UTF-8:\
    :tc=default:
  • Apply the changes:
    shell
    sudo cap_mkdb /etc/login.conf
  • Set the locale for your user by adding to ~/.login_conf:
    shell
    echo "me:\
    :charset=UTF-8:\
    :lang=zh_CN.UTF-8:" > ~/.login_conf
4. Configure fcitx Input Methods
Use the fcitx configuration tool to add and manage Chinese input methods.
  • Start the fcitx configuration tool:
    shell
    fcitx5-configtool
  • In the Input Method tab:
    • Click the + button to add a new input method.
    • Select Rime or SunPinyin from the list for Pinyin-based input.
      • Rime: Offers flexible input methods, including Pinyin, Wubi, and more.
      • SunPinyin: A lightweight Pinyin engine.
    • Add other methods like Cangjie or Wubi if preferred (for advanced users familiar with stroke-based input).
  • Arrange the input methods in your preferred order (e.g., English keyboard first, then Pinyin).
  • In the Global Options tab:
    • Set the trigger key to switch input methods (default is Ctrl+Space).
    • Ensure Show Input Method Hint is enabled for better usability.
  • Save and close the configuration tool.
5. Start fcitx and Test
  • Start the fcitx daemon manually to test:
    shell
    fcitx &
  • Reboot your system to ensure all settings take effect:
    shell
    sudo reboot
  • After reboot, open a text editor (e.g., Pluma in MATE) or any application.
  • Press Ctrl+Space (or your configured trigger key) to switch to the Chinese input method.
  • Type Pinyin (e.g., nihao for 你好) and select the desired characters from the candidate list using numbers or the mouse.
6. Troubleshooting
  • fcitx doesn’t start: Ensure the daemon is running (pgrep fcitx). If not, check ~/.xinitrc for errors and verify package installation.
  • Chinese characters don’t display: Confirm the zh-CJKUnifonts package is installed and the locale is set to zh_CN.UTF-8 or zh_TW.UTF-8.
  • Input method not switching: Verify the trigger key in the fcitx configuration tool and check for conflicts with other shortcuts.
  • fcitx not working in some applications: Ensure the environment variables (GTK_IM_MODULE, etc.) are correctly set in ~/.xinitrc or ~/.xprofile.
  • Locale issues: If locale -a doesn’t list zh_CN.UTF-8, consult the FreeBSD Handbook for locale generation (/usr/share/locale).
7. Optional: Install Additional Input Methods
  • For Traditional Chinese, install zh-fcitx5-chewing for Zhuyin (Bopomofo) input:
    shell
    sudo pkg install -y zh-fcitx5-chewing
  • Add Chewing in the fcitx configuration tool for Zhuyin-based input.
  • For stroke-based input, install zh-fcitx5-wubi:
    shell
    sudo pkg install -y zh-fcitx5-wubi
8. Verify Setup
  • Open a browser or text editor, switch to the Chinese input method, and type a phrase like zhongguo (中国 for China). Ensure characters appear correctly.
  • Test in multiple applications (e.g., LibreOffice, Firefox) to confirm integration.
Notes
  • fcitx vs. ibus: While ibus is another input method framework, fcitx is often preferred for Chinese input on FreeBSD-based systems like GhostBSD due to better community support and lighter resource usage. If you prefer ibus, install zh-ibus-rime and configure similarly, but fcitx is recommended based on FreeBSD forum discussions.
  • Privacy: fcitx does not require an internet connection for local input, minimizing cloud tracking concerns. Avoid cloud-based input methods if anonymity is a priority.
  • Desktop Environment: GhostBSD uses MATE by default, but if you switch to GNOME or another environment, ensure fcitx is compatible by checking the FreeBSD Ports Collection for environment-specific modules (e.g., fcitx5-gtk).
Sources
  • FreeBSD Forums discussion on Chinese Pinyin input:
  • FreeBSD Documentation Portal on localization:
  • GhostBSD Wiki:,
This setup should enable smooth Chinese character input on GhostBSD using fcitx. If you encounter issues, let me know, and I can help troubleshoot further!
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