Most desktop users won't want to install this release. FreeBSD 9.1 was released in December 2012, and is the most recent stable release. This 8.4 release is a point release in the still-maintained 8.x series, intended for people currently running 8.3 who for one reason or another don't wish to upgrade to 9.x yet, but who do want an incremental upgrade.
only recommended if you need to stay on 8.x (Score:5, Informative)
Most desktop users won't want to install this release. FreeBSD 9.1 was released in December 2012, and is the most recent stable release. This 8.4 release is a point release in the still-maintained 8.x series, intended for people currently running 8.3 who for one reason or another don't wish to upgrade to 9.x yet, but who do want an incremental upgrade.
Re:only recommended if you need to stay on 8.x (Score:0)
Most desktop users won't want to install this release.
Most desktop users probably want to check out PC-BSD, which builds on top of FreeBSD.
Re: (Score:0)
If by "builds on top" you mean it makes FreeBSD so bloated it makes Windows seem frugal comparison, then I agree wholeheartedly.