How to install KaOS
KaOS is an Arch Linux derivative that focuses only on KDE Plasma, as it intends to deliver users an impressive, speedy all-Plasma experience. In this guide, we’ll show you how to get up and running with the latest KaOS.
Note: installing KaOS on your computer should go off without any trouble. However, to be safe, please consider making a backup of your data by putting it on an external USB flash drive or Hard drive. Better safe than sorry!
Downloading KaOS
To get your hands on the latest KaOS, you’ll need to head over to the official website. Click on this link here to head over to kaosx.us. Once on the page, look for the “Download” button, and click on it to make your way to the “Download” page.
On the “Download” page, look to the left-hand side for “ISO.” Under “ISO,” there is a list of links. Click on the “KaOS ISO” link. When you click on this link, you’ll be taken to the project’s SourceForge page. From there, the KaOS ISO file will start downloading.
Live in a different country and want a faster download? KaOS has ISO mirrors. On the “Download” page, select from “German Mirror, “French Mirror,” “Chinese Mirror,” “Czech Mirror,” or “USA Mirror” instead of the main download.
Making the KaOS live USB
Installing KaOS on a modern computer requires the creation of a Live USB. In this guide, we will create a live USB with KaOS using the Etcher application, as it is the easiest to understand, and has robust compatibility. That said, if you do not want to use Etcher, there are other ways to go about making a live USB on Linux. For more information, follow this guide on the subject.
To start the creation of your KaOS live USB, head over to Etcher.io, and download the app for the OS you are using to create the KaOS live USB. Then, follow the step-by-step instructions outlined below.
Step 1: Locate the “Flash from file” button, and click on it with the mouse. Upon clicking the “Flash from file” button, a pop-up window will appear on the screen. Use this window to browse for the KaOS ISO file you downloaded to your Linux PC previously.
Step 2: Locate the “Select Target” button in the Etcher application, and click on it. Select your USB flash drive and select it as the target inside of the menu.
Step 3: Locate the “Flash!” button, and click on it with the mouse to start the flashing process. Please note that this flashing process will take a bit of time, as the KaOS ISO file is about 2.4 GB in size.
When the flashing process is complete, reboot your PC and load it into the BIOS settings. Look through the BIOS settings and configure your computer to boot from USB. USB boot must be enabled to install KaOS.
Installing KaOS
When the KaOS live USB starts up, you will see an installer window. In this window, look for the “Install KaOS” button, and click on it with the mouse.
Past the initial install page is a welcome screen. Read the welcome screen. Then, click on the “Next” button to continue.
Using the on-screen map, click on the region you live in. This map is used to calculate your timezone so that when KaOS is set up, the PC clock will be accurate. After selecting your timezone, click “Next” to continue.
Once you’ve chosen a timezone, the KaOS installer will prompt you to configure your keyboard model. Look through the list to choose your model, or go with what the installer has detected. Click “Next” when done.
Now that you’ve got your keyboard model selected, it’s time to choose an Office Suite. Click on “Libre Office” if you’d like to use it to handle your office needs. Alternatively, select “No Office Suite or Minimal Install.” Click “Next” when done to continue.
On the next page, you will need to select the method of installation for KaOS. For best results, select “Erase disk” and choose “Swap (with Hibernate)”. If you are savvy with Linux, feel free to choose another option. Click “Next” when done to continue on.
Following selecting the type of installation, you will need to configure your user account. Using the on-screen tools, set up your KaOS user account, password, etc. Then, click “Next” to continue.
Once everything is configured in the installer (timezone, keyboard model, installation type, office suite, and user account), the installation can begin. Click on the “Install” button at the bottom of the installation summary.
The installation will take a bit of time, so be patient. When the process is complete, reboot your PC. When it powers back on, log in to your new KaOS Linux system!
