.. _flashing-os-x86:

=================
StartOS (x86/ARM)
=================
This guide is for flashing StartOS to a USB drive in order to install it to an x86_64 or ARM architecture device. This will include most desktops, laptops, mini PCs, and servers.

 .. note:: You will need a USB drive of at least 8GB in size

Download StartOS
-----------------
Visit the `Github release page <https://github.com/Start9Labs/start-os/releases/latest>`_ to find the latest StartOS release.

At the bottom of the page, under "Assets," download the ``x86_64.iso`` or ``x86_64-nonfree.iso`` file.

---------------------------
Server Pure (*x86_64.iso*)
---------------------------

The ``x86_64.iso`` image contains no proprietary software and is built especially for the Server Pure.

----------------------------------
Server One (*x86_64-nonfree.iso*)
----------------------------------

The ``x86_64-nonfree.iso`` image contains non-free (closed-source) software. This is needed for the Server One and most DIY hardware, especially for graphics and/or network device support. 

    .. figure:: /_static/images/flashing/x86_64-asset.png
        :width: 90%


-------------------------------------------------------------
DIY Hardware (*x86_64-nonfree.iso* or *aarch64-nonfree.iso*)
-------------------------------------------------------------

For an up-to-date list of known-good hardware, please check out this `forum post <https://community.start9.com/t/known-good-hardware-master-list-hardware-capable-of-running-startos/>`_.


For a DIY virtual machine build, if using a x86 chip, you'd use the non-free image if the free version does not work for you, but for an Apple Silicon chip you would use ``aarch64.iso`` and follow `this guide <https://blog.start9.com/running-startos-on-apple-silicon/>`_.

____________


Verify (optional)
-----------------
Select the client OS you are using to continue:

.. tabs::

    .. group-tab:: Linux

        (Optional, but recommended) Verify the checksum against the one listed on GitHub (SHA256):
        
            .. code-block::
                
                cd Downloads
                sha256sum startos-*.iso
        
    .. group-tab:: Mac
            
        (Optional, but recommended) Verify the checksum against the one listed on GitHub by opening a terminal, changing your directory to where you downloaded the .iso file, and entering:

            .. code-block::

                cd Downloads
                openssl dgst -sha256 startos-*.iso
    .. group-tab:: Windows
        
        (Optional, but recommended) Verify the checksum against the one listed on GitHub by opening Windows PowerShell, changing your directory to where you downloaded the .img.gz file, and running `Get-FileHash`:

            .. code-block::
                
                cd Downloads
                Get-FileHash startos-*.iso

____________


Flash
------

Once you have the StartOS image, you will need to flash it onto your USB drive.

#. Download `balenaEtcher <https://www.balena.io/etcher/>`_ onto your Linux, Mac, or Windows computer.

#. Insert your USB drive into your computer.

#. Open balenaEtcher.

    .. figure:: /_static/images/diy/balena.png
      :width: 60%
      :alt: Balena Etcher Dashboard

#. Click "Flash from file" and select the ``.iso`` file you just downloaded.

#. Click "Select Target" and select your USB drive, checking the size to make sure it's the correct drive.

    .. warning:: BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN you have selected the correct target flash drive. Whatever target you select will be **COMPLETELY ERASED**!!

#. Click "Flash!". You may be asked to approve the unusually large disk target and/or enter your password. Both are normal.

____________

Install
--------

#. Remove the newly-flashed USB drive from your computer and plug it into your server. Choose the fastest available USB 3.0+ port - typically this is blue or labeled "SS" (SuperSpeed).

#. Power on your server, booting from USB.

    .. tip:: Occasionally, you may need to make some changes in your BIOS, such as turning off Secure Boot, or allowing USB boot for install. See the `Community Hub <https://community.start9.com/>`_. for guides or to get help.

#. The StartOS install wizard will now be available at ``http://start.local``. You can also use a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This is known as "Kiosk Mode".

#. Choose "Re-Install" to preserve existing StartOS data, or "Factory Reset" to start fresh. After install is complete, you will be prompted to remove the USB drive and refresh the page.