Introduction

KaOS is an independent, rolling-release Linux distribution built from scratch with the latest KDE Plasma desktop and cutting-edge Qt framework. If you want a sleek, polished KDE experience without the cruft, KaOS is your dream come true. This guide will walk you through every step—from downloading the ISO to enjoying your brand-new KaOS system—sprinkled with a touch of humor to keep things lively.

Why KaOS?

• Focused Experience: Only KDE and Qt no endless package bloat.
• Rolling Release: Always up-to-date without disruptive version jumps.
• Quality Over Quantity: Curated software, thoroughly tested before inclusion.

System Requirements

Preparation

1. Backup critical data. KaOS is stable, but Murphy’s Law can strike anytime.
2. Ensure your machine supports UEFI (most modern PCs do).
3. Have a USB stick (4 GB ) or a blank DVD at the ready.

Step 1: Downloading the KaOS ISO

Head over to the official KaOS website and fetch the latest ISO:

https://kaosx.us/iso

• Verify the SHA256 checksum to avoid corrupted downloads or nasty surprises.
• If you’re impatient, mirror lists are available at https://kaosx.us/mirrors.

Step 2: Creating a Bootable USB

Pick your favorite tool:

• Windows: Rufus or balenaEtcher.
• macOS: balenaEtcher or the dd command.
• Linux: dd, Etcher, or Ventoy for multi-ISO sticks.

Example using dd on Linux:

sudo dd if=KaOS-YYYY.MM.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress  sync

Replace /dev/sdX with your USB device (double-check with lsblk!).

Step 3: Booting into the Live Environment

• Insert the USB stick and reboot.
• Enter your BIOS/UEFI menu (F2, F12, DEL, or Esc depending on your machine).
• Select the USB device and disable Secure Boot if necessary.

If you see the KaOS splash with the penguin waving hello, congratulations—you’re live!

Step 4: Starting the Installer

Click the Install KaOS icon on the desktop to launch the Calamares installer. It’s shiny and straightforward, but we’ll walk through each screen.

Step 5: Locale, Keyboard Timezone

1. Select your language. Don’t worry, KaOS speaks your tongue—even Klingon if you set it up.
2. Choose your keyboard layout. QWERTY, AZERTY, or something exotic? Your choice.
3. Set timezone. If you’re off-world, pick UTC and pretend clocks don’t exist.

Step 6: Disk Partitioning

KaOS uses Btrfs by default with snapper snapshots for easy rollback.

• Erase Disk: Let Calamares auto-partition (recommended for beginners).
• Manual Partitioning: Great for dual-boot or advanced setups:
  • /boot (ext4) – 500 MB
  • EFI System Partition (FAT32) – 300 MB (for UEFI)
  • / (btrfs) – 20 GB
  • swap – equal to RAM (if you need hibernation)

Pro tip: Btrfs subvolumes let you isolate root, home, and snapshots. Automatic rollback if you break your system—kind of like having a time machine.

Step 7: User Setup Bootloader

1. Create your user account and set a strong password. No “password123,” please—computers are judgmental.
2. Optionally enable root password (system maintenance mode).
3. Review GRUB installation location (usually /dev/sda). Confirm and proceed.

Step 8: Installation Progress

Watch the progress bar creep forward. Grab a cup of coffee—KaOS moves at a snail’s pace only if your hardware is ancient. Otherwise, it should finish within 10–15 minutes.

Step 9: First Boot Post-Install Tweaks

1. Remove the USB stick and reboot.
2. Welcome screen: configure online accounts (Google, Nextcloud) if desired.
3. Enable firewall (sudo systemctl enable --now firewalld).
4. Update system: sudo pacman -Syu.

Step 10: Installing Additional Software

KaOS ships with a minimalist selection. Use pacman or Octopi (GUI) to add more:

• Office: sudo pacman -S libreoffice-fresh
• Browser: sudo pacman -S firefox
• Development: sudo pacman -S code (VS Code), gcc, python
• Multimedia: vlc, spotify

Bonus Tips Tricks

• Snapper Timeshift: Automatic snapshots let you undo system updates gone wrong.
• Compositor: Tweak effects in System Settings gt Display and Monitor gt Compositor.
• Plasma Vaults: Create encrypted containers for sensitive files.
• Performance: Enable early KMS for faster boots (mkinitcpio tweaks).

Troubleshooting

• No Boot Device? Check BIOS order and disable CSM if using GPT.
• Wi-Fi Missing? Install proprietary drivers: pacman -S broadcom-wl or rtl8821ce-dkms.
• Audio Silence? Run pavucontrol and unmute channels.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a shining, up-to-date KaOS installation tailored for KDE perfection. Embrace the rolling-release lifestyle, explore the extensive package repository, and enjoy a KDE experience that’s as snappy as a penguin on ice skates.

Additional Resources

• KaOS Wiki
• ISO Downloads Mirrors
• KaOS Community Forum