Installation of BSD Subsystem on Mac OS X

NOTE: We should most commonly install the BSD System for broadband customers if the SpeedTouch USB interface is not present in the System Preferences > Network > Show drop-down menu.

Once the BSD Subsystem has been installed, the SpeedTouch USB 330 modem should be configured like this.

What use is the BSD Subsystem?

The BSD Subsystem allows the user to interact with the OS through the command line. Though not essential, the BSD Subsystem may be required by some applications in order for them to operate correctly. If you choose not to install the BSD Subsystem in a custom installation of Mac OS X, you cannot share files via File Transfer Protocol (FTP), share your Internet connection via Internet Sharing, use Secure Shell (SSH) or Telnet, or locate services via Rendezvous.

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Is the BSD Subsystem already installed?

There are two ways to check whether or not the BSD Subsystem is installed...

Method 1:

Click Finder
Click the Go menu and select Computer
Go to Mac HD > Library > Receipts
Search for BSD.pkg (use View > As List to speed up the process)

Method 2:

Click Finder
Click the Go menu and select Go To Folder...
Type in /usr/bin/ and click Go
Search for apropos (use View > As List to speed up the process)

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How to install the BSD Subsystem

The BSD Subsystem can be installed in two ways...

Method 1:

Insert the Mac OS X CD
Navigate to Welcome to Mac OS X > Optional Installs
Launch the alias to BSD Subsystem
Run the installer (you will be asked for your admin user/pass)
Reboot and then check that the BSD Subsystem has been installed

Method 2:

Insert the Mac OS X CD
Launch Install Mac OS X
Supply the admin user/pass and reboot when requested to do so
Proceed with the installation screens until the Customise button appears, click the button and choose only to install the BSD Subsystem.
Reboot and then check that the BSD Subsystem has been installed

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