Acknowledgments

Over its three editions, FreeBSD Unleashed has changed significantly right along with the cutting-edge software it covers; but some things haven't changed at all, namely the outstanding efforts by the editorial staff at Sams Publishing. These include Kate Givens for keeping all the usage looking proper and reading right, Josh More for making sure the technical instructions all work, George Nedeff for managing the author-review and editorial process, and Scott Meyers and Jenny Watson for ably bringing the whole project together. I must also thank Kathryn Purdum for giving me the opportunity to work on this book in the first place, years ago when such a chance seemed beyond possibility.

A thick slice of credit should also go to my co-author from previous editions, Michael Urban, whose work on the chapters he originated still forms the basis for the coverage in the current book. His experience with FreeBSD always served as a perfect complement to my own, and his expertise was always available where mine was lacking.

As complex and ramifying as a project like a book covering FreeBSD might be, it's still nothing compared to the complexity of FreeBSD itself, and the efforts of those writing a book like this pale next to those of the FreeBSD developers who put in endless hours making FreeBSD shine, and the tireless community of users who share their documented experiences with one another on the Internet. Without these all-volunteer community efforts, no documentation project of this magnitude would be possible by any one person.

On a personal note, I would like to thank Paul Summers for his untiring efforts doing all the hard and expensive site-admin work while I philosophize and hack and rant from afar; Lance, Kris, Chris, Brian D., David, Drew, Zjonni, Gerrit, Marcus, Matt, Trent, and the rest of my friends who have helped me solidify my opinions and passions about operating systems and software; James, Steven, Mike, Mike, and everyone else who has seen fit to read my daily online writing, supply encouragement, and keep me honest; and [adult swim] for much-needed late-night distraction. Finally, I thank all the members of the TLK-L and Lionking.org for supporting me so steadfastly all these years and making me feel as if I know what I'm talking about. Maybe a copy of this book will find its way into the γδβ library, as would be appropriate.