DOCUMENTATION

Installation Guide

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Prerequisites

⚠️ Warning: Installation will erase all data on the target disk. Make sure to back up important files first!

Step 1: Create Bootable USB

Windows - Using Rufus

  1. Download Rufus from rufus.ie
  2. Insert your USB drive
  3. Open Rufus and select your USB drive
  4. Click "SELECT" and choose the SpecterOS ISO
  5. Click "START" and wait for completion

macOS/Linux - Using dd

sudo dd if=specteros-debian-20240305.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync

Replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive (e.g., /dev/sdb).

Step 2: Boot from USB

Access Boot Menu

  1. Insert the USB drive into your computer
  2. Restart your computer
  3. Press the boot menu key repeatedly (usually F12, F10, F2, or Del)
  4. Select your USB drive from the boot menu
💡 Tip: Common boot menu keys by manufacturer:

Step 3: Installation Process

Boot Menu

From the SpecterOS boot menu, select:

Installation Wizard

  1. Welcome: Select your language
  2. Keyboard: Choose your keyboard layout
  3. Installation Type:
    • Erase disk and install: Recommended (uses entire disk with encryption)
    • Manual partitioning: For advanced users
  4. Encryption: Enter a strong passphrase (required at every boot)
  5. User Account: Create your username and password
  6. Timezone: Select your timezone
  7. Install: Review and confirm installation
🔐 Security Tip: Use a long, unique passphrase for encryption (at least 16 characters). Store it in a password manager.

Step 4: First Boot

Initial Setup

  1. Remove USB drive when installation completes
  2. Click "Restart Now"
  3. Enter encryption passphrase at boot screen
  4. Login with your password
  5. Complete the welcome wizard

Post-Installation

Update System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Enable Persona Shards

Open Shard Manager from the applications menu to configure isolated environments.

Configure Network Privacy

Open Network settings to configure DNS over HTTPS and Tor integration.

Troubleshooting

Boot Issues

If SpecterOS doesn't boot, try adding nomodeset to boot parameters:

Press 'e' at boot menu → Add 'nomodeset' after 'quiet' → Press F10

Wi-Fi Not Working

Some Wi-Fi cards require proprietary firmware:

sudo apt install firmware-linux-nonfree

Installation Fails

Check:

Next Steps