You need an internet connection to build FreeBSD.
If you want a complete with everything system, you have to build it.
It's best to use the bootonly.iso and set up your system that way. Networking gets configured this way.
If you have a stand alone system that you won't connect at all, then use the dvd.
Software installation is covered here, the howto, and the FreeBSD handbook plus a lot of web hints.
Disc1 is a basic system. DVD1 has enough to setup a working desktop environment.
Yes there is. Use distrowatch or frozentech for the lists and search through them.
