Wiki

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Basalt Linux below.

General

What is Basalt Linux?

Basalt Linux is a general-purpose Linux distribution built on Debian 13. It features the Xfce desktop environment and is designed for beginners and everyday users who want a clean, ready-to-use experience.

Is Basalt Linux free?

Yes, Basalt Linux is completely free and open source. Build scripts and website are MIT licensed; included packages retain their respective licenses (GPL, LGPL, BSD, etc.). There are no paid versions or subscriptions.

Who is Basalt Linux for?

Anyone looking for a simple, stable Linux experience — whether you are new to Linux, coming from Windows or macOS, or an experienced user who wants a system that works without unnecessary complexity.

What makes Basalt different?

Basalt focuses on being minimal by design — only essential tools and applications are included. The desktop comes pre-configured with the Orchis theme and Papirus icons for a modern look out of the box.

Installation

How do I install Basalt Linux?

Download the ISO, write it to a USB drive (8 GB+), boot from it, and follow the Calamares installer instructions. See the Installation Guide for details.

Can I dual-boot with Windows?

Yes. During installation, Calamares offers an option to install alongside existing operating systems.

Do I need an internet connection to install?

No, the ISO includes everything needed. An internet connection is recommended for updates after installation.

Can I try before installing?

Yes. The ISO boots into a live desktop environment where you can explore Basalt before installing.

System & Compatibility

What are the system requirements?

• 64-bit processor (x86_64)
• 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
• 10 GB disk space (20 GB recommended)
• Graphics card with display output

Is Secure Boot supported?

No. Disable Secure Boot in your BIOS/UEFI settings before installing.

Does it work on older hardware?

Yes. The Xfce desktop is designed to run well on older machines.

What desktop environment does it use?

Xfce — a desktop that is familiar and responsive on both old and new hardware.

Software & Updates

What software is included?

Essential applications: a web browser, file manager, terminal emulator, text editor, and system tools. You can install additional software as needed.

How do I install additional software?

Basalt uses APT (Debian's package manager). Use the command line or a graphical package manager to install from Debian 13 repositories.

How do I update the system?

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Can I install software from outside the Debian repositories?

Yes. .deb packages, AppImages, Flatpaks, and Snaps all work.

Support & Community

Where can I get help?

Join our Discord server for community support and discussions.

How do I report bugs?

Check the issues page for known problems, or report new issues through our GitLab repository.

How can I contribute?

Basalt Linux is open source. Contribute by reporting bugs, improving documentation, or submitting code through our GitLab repository.