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Documentation and guides for Basalt Linux.

Installation Guide

This guide walks you through installing Basalt Linux on your computer. The process uses the Calamares graphical installer and is straightforward.

Step 1: Download the ISO

Download the Basalt Linux ISO image from the download page. Also download the SHA256 checksum file to verify your download.

Step 2: Verify the Download

Before writing the ISO to USB, verify its integrity:

Linux / macOS:

sha256sum -c Basalt-1.1-Obsidian-amd64.iso.sha256

Windows (PowerShell):

Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 Basalt-1.1-Obsidian-amd64.iso

Compare the output to the checksum file. If they match, your download is intact.

Step 3: Create Bootable Media

You need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space. All data on the drive will be erased.

Linux:

sudo dd if=Basalt-1.1-Obsidian-amd64.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync

Replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive device (e.g., /dev/sdb). Choosing the wrong device can erase your system disk.

Windows:

Use Rufus or BalenaEtcher.

macOS:

Use BalenaEtcher or the dd command in Terminal.

Step 4: Boot from USB

Insert the bootable USB drive and restart. Enter the boot menu (usually F12, F2, Esc, or Del during startup) and select the USB drive. From the GRUB menu, select "Basalt Linux".

Step 5: Install with Calamares

Once booted into the live desktop, double-click "Install Basalt Linux" on the desktop. The installer will guide you through:

  1. Language — Choose your preferred language
  2. Location — Select your time zone
  3. Keyboard — Choose your keyboard layout
  4. Partitioning — Automatic (erase disk) or manual partitioning
  5. User — Create your username and password
  6. Install — Review and confirm. Takes a few minutes

Step 6: Reboot

Once installation completes, reboot. Remove the USB drive when prompted. Log in with the username and password you created. The Welcome app will launch automatically on first login.

BIOS / UEFI Notes

  • Secure Boot: Must be disabled in BIOS/UEFI settings before installation
  • Boot mode: Supports both Legacy (BIOS) and UEFI
  • If the system does not boot from USB, check boot order in BIOS/UEFI settings
  • Some systems require Fast Boot to be disabled in Windows

Troubleshooting

USB drive not booting

  • Try a different USB port (USB 2.0 if available)
  • Re-write the ISO using a different tool
  • Disable Secure Boot and Fast Boot in BIOS/UEFI
  • Ensure your system supports 64-bit (x86_64)

Installation fails

  • Verify the ISO checksum — the download may be corrupted
  • Try a different USB drive
  • Check available disk space on target drive
  • Ensure at least 2 GB of RAM is available