start-os/README.md

# StartOS
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### _Welcome to the era of Sovereign Computing_ ###

StartOS is a browser-based, graphical operating system for a personal server. StartOS facilitates the discovery, installation, network configuration, service configuration, data backup, dependency management, and health monitoring of self-hosted software services. It is the most advanced, secure, reliable, and user friendly personal server OS in the world.

## Running StartOS
There are multiple ways to get your hands on StartOS.

### :moneybag: Buy a Start9 server
This is the most convenient option. Simply [buy a server](https://start9.com) from Start9 and plug it in. Depending on where you live, shipping costs and import duties will vary.

### :construction_worker: Build your own server
This option is easier than you might imagine, and there are 4 reasons why you might prefer it:
1. You already have your own hardware.
1. You want to save on shipping costs.
1. You prefer not to divulge your physical address.
1. You just like building things.

To pursue this option, follow one of our [DIY guides](https://start9.com/latest/diy).

### :hammer_and_wrench: Build StartOS from Source

StartOS can be built from source, for personal use, for free.
A detailed guide for doing so can be found [here](https://github.com/Start9Labs/start-os/blob/master/build/README.md).

## :heart: Contributing
There are multiple ways to contribute: work directly on StartOS, package a service for the marketplace, or help with documentation and guides. To learn more about contributing, see [here](https://docs.start9.com/latest/contribute/) or [here](https://github.com/Start9Labs/start-os/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md).

## UI Screenshots
<p align="center">
<img src="assets/StartOS.png" alt="StartOS" width="85%">
</p>
<p align="center">
<img src="assets/preferences.png" alt="StartOS Preferences" width="49%">
<img src="assets/ghost.png" alt="StartOS Ghost Service" width="49%">
</p>
<p align="center">
<img src="assets/synapse-health-check.png" alt="StartOS Synapse Health Checks" width="49%">
<img src="assets/sideload.png" alt="StartOS Sideload Service" width="49%">
</p>