Comparison between linux and BSD-type systems

[Mel Roman]

Hi:

I've been using linux for a while now (previously Caldera, and now Mandrake).  
I've been doing a little investigation concerning FreeBSD and OpenBSD 
(alternative unix-like operating systems).  I haven't yet found an objective 
comparison between the two.  I know this is a linux forum, but I was wondering 
if someone could provide an informed comparison between the linux and 
BSD-type systems:

What are their relative strengths and weaknesses compared to each other?

In what roles might one be preferred over the other?  Why?  

Do they really occupy different niches, or are they competing systems?

I look forward to everyone's opinion.

Thanks in advance,

Mel