f7fcab81_eeBSD_vs_Linux_vs_Windows_2000__Linux
[0] Device Drivers [FreeBSD] The FreeBSD bootloader can load binary drivers at boot-time. This allows third-party driver manufacturers to distribute binary-only driver modules that can be loaded into any FreeBSD system. Due to the open-source nature of FreeBSD, it is very easy to develop device drivers for new hardware. Unfortunately, most device-manufacturers will only release binaries for Microsoft operating systems. This means that it can take several months after a hardware device has hit the market until a device driver is available. [Windows 2000] Microsoft has excellent relationships with hardware vendors. There are often conflicts when using a device driver on different versions of Microsoft Windows, but overall Windows users have excellent access to third party device drivers. [Linux] 
The Linux community intentionally makes it difficult for hardware manufacturers to release binary-only drivers. This is meant to encourage hardware manufactureres to develop open-source device drivers. Unfortunately most vendors have been unwilling to release the source for their drivers so it is very difficult for Linux users to use vendor supplied drivers at all.
FreeBSD vs Linux vs Windows 2000
Linux