Before You Start

Important: Installing an operating system will modify your computer's storage. Make sure to backup your important data before proceeding.

What You'll Need

  • A USB drive with at least 8GB capacity (16GB recommended)
  • Stable internet connection for updates
  • At least 1 hour of free time
  • Access to another computer if creating installation media

System Requirements

Tyron (XFCE)

Minimum Requirements:

  • Processor: Dual core 2.0 GHz
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • Storage: 20 GB available space
  • Graphics: OpenGL 2.0 compatible

Recommended:

  • Processor: Quad core 2.4 GHz
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 30 GB SSD
  • Graphics: Dedicated 1GB VRAM

Tyson (Plasma)

Minimum Requirements:

  • Processor: Dual core 2.4 GHz
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 35 GB available space
  • Graphics: OpenGL 3.3 compatible

Recommended:

  • Processor: Quad core 3.0 GHz
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 50 GB NVMe SSD
  • Graphics: Dedicated 4GB VRAM

Boro (GNOME)

Minimum Requirements:

  • Processor: Dual core 2.4 GHz
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 35 GB available space
  • Graphics: OpenGL 3.3 compatible

Recommended:

  • Processor: Quad core 3.0 GHz
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 50 GB NVMe SSD
  • Graphics: Dedicated 4GB VRAM

Download Soplos Linux

Choose your preferred desktop environment:

Tyron (XFCE)

Lightweight and efficient desktop environment, perfect for older hardware or users who prefer simplicity.

~1.9 GB ISO SHA256: 596b9888b8084e1d721a5a2b9e6e526862e1f752fc2c9a0e12ec8ffc0beebd6b
Download Tyron

Tyson (Plasma)

Modern and feature-rich desktop environment with beautiful animations and advanced customization.

~2.9 GB ISO SHA256: 3d2254831a7b9ec02f94f25218e12585ff20adfcfab888bfbdbc99b556e59896
Download Tyson

Boro (GNOME)

The definitive GNOME experience. Modern, workflow-centric, and polished for productivity.

~2.7 GB ISO SHA256: c42ceff2cda8ef07027bed48ecc4896ad38ceb56fee47d3b029c9deed50a089a
Download Boro
Tip: Not sure which to choose? Tyron is lighter and faster, while Tyson offers more features and visual effects.

Create Installation Media

Recommended Tools

Windows

  • Rufus (Recommended)
  • Balena Etcher
  • Windows Media Creation Tool

Linux

  • dd command (Advanced users)
  • Balena Etcher
  • GNOME Disks

macOS

  • Balena Etcher (Recommended)
  • dd command (Terminal)
  • UNetbootin

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Insert your USB drive
    Make sure it has at least 8GB capacity and backup any important data.
  2. Download and install Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher (All platforms)
    These are the most reliable tools for creating installation media.
  3. Select the Soplos Linux ISO file
    Browse to the location where you downloaded the ISO file.
  4. Select your USB drive
    Make sure you select the correct drive to avoid data loss.
  5. Write the image
    Click "Start" and wait for the process to complete (usually 5-10 minutes).
Warning: This process will erase all data on the USB drive. Make sure to backup any important files first.

Boot & Installation Process

Soplos Welcome Live: The live system includes a specialized welcome application that provides language configuration, installation launcher, and system recovery tools.

Installation Steps

1

Boot from USB

Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. You may need to change boot order in BIOS/UEFI settings.

2

Live System Loads

The Soplos Linux live system will boot and automatically log in to the desktop environment.

3

Soplos Welcome Live Opens

The Soplos Welcome Live application automatically launches on startup, providing a centralized interface for system configuration and installation.

4

Configure System Language

Select your preferred language from the dropdown menu. This will:

  • Change the live system interface language
  • Set keyboard layout automatically
  • Update XDG directories (Desktop, Documents, etc.)
  • Configure regional settings
5

Launch Calamares Installer

Click the "Install System" button to launch the Calamares installer with your configured language settings.

6

Installation Wizard

Calamares will guide you through:

  • Location: Timezone and region settings
  • Keyboard: Keyboard layout (pre-configured from language selection)
  • Partitions: Disk partitioning and installation target
  • Users: Create your user account and set passwords
7

Partitioning Options

Choose your preferred installation method:

  • Erase disk: Simple installation, uses entire disk
  • Manual partitioning: Advanced users can create custom partition layouts
  • Alongside existing OS: Dual-boot configuration (if applicable)
8

Installation Progress

Soplos Linux installation is remarkably fast:

  • Soplos Tyron (XFCE): Approximately 4 minutes
  • Soplos Tyson (Plasma): Approximately 6-8 minutes

These times are based on testing with 14-year-old hardware, so installation on modern systems will likely be even faster.

Installation speed may vary depending on your hardware specifications, storage type (SSD vs HDD), and system load.

Additional Tools: Soplos Welcome Live also provides system recovery tools (ChRoot environment) and GParted integration for advanced users.

Dual Boot Guide

Installing Soplos Linux alongside Windows is fully supported. Follow these specific steps for a successful dual boot setup:

1. Prepare Windows

  • Disable Fast Startup: In Windows Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do → Uncheck "Turn on fast startup".
  • Disable Secure Boot: In your BIOS/UEFI settings (optional but recommended if you face issues).
  • Free up Space: Use Windows Disk Management to shrink your C: drive and create at least 30GB of "Unallocated Space".

2. Installation

  • Boot Soplos Linux USB.
  • Launch the installer.
  • At the Partitions step, select "Install alongside".
  • The installer will automatically detect the unallocated space and install Soplos there.
  • Alternatively, choose "Manual partitioning" to create partitions yourself in the free space.
BitLocker: If your Windows drive is encrypted with BitLocker, you must disable it or provide the recovery key to mount the drive in Linux.

First Boot

Congratulations! You've successfully installed Soplos Linux. Here's what happens next:

Restart Your Computer

Remove the USB drive and restart your computer. Soplos Linux should boot automatically.

Login

Use the username and password you created during installation to log in.

Welcome Screen

The Soplos Welcome application will guide you through initial setup and customization.

System Updates

Check for and install system updates to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.

Success! You're now running Soplos Linux. Check out our First Steps guide for tips on getting started.

Troubleshooting

Boot Issues

  • Check if Secure Boot is disabled in BIOS/UEFI
  • Ensure USB is set as first boot device
  • Try different USB ports
  • Recreate the installation media

Network Problems

  • Check if network adapter is recognized
  • Try ethernet connection if Wi-Fi fails
  • Update network drivers after installation
  • Check router compatibility

Display Issues

  • Use safe graphics mode during boot
  • Install proprietary graphics drivers
  • Check monitor connection
  • Try different resolution settings

Storage Problems

  • Ensure sufficient disk space (20GB minimum)
  • Check if hard drive is healthy
  • Try manual partitioning
  • Disable fast startup on Windows (dual boot)

Need More Help?

If you encounter issues not covered here: