Buzz
In addition to popular operating systems like Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Android, and iOS, Qubes is free and open-source software (FOSS).
This means users have the freedom to use, copy, and modify the software in any way. In simple terms, Qubes is open source, publicly available, allowing users to inspect and enhance the operating system's features.
Installing the Qubes Operating System
Before diving into the process of installing the Qubes operating system on your computer, ensure that your computer meets the hardware requirements listed below.
Qubes 3.x
Minimum Hardware Requirements:
- Intel 64-bit or AMD processor (also known as x86_64 or x64 or AMD64).
- 4 GB RAM.
- 32 GB of free disk space.
- Legacy boot mode (required for version R3.0 and earlier, UEFI supported from R3.1 onwards).
Recommended Hardware:
- Fast SSD drive.
- Intel IGP (preferred):
+ Nvidia GPU may require troubleshooting.
+ ATI GPU not officially tested (refer to the hardware compatibility list).
- Intel VT-x or AMD-V (mandatory for running HVM domains, such as Windows - based on AppVM).
- Intel VT-d or AMD-Vi (also known as AMD IOMMU) (necessary for effectively isolating network VMs).
- TPM supported in the appropriate BIOS (required for Anti Evil Maid).
Qubes 4.x
Minimum Hardware Requirements:
- Intel 64-bit or AMD processor (also known as x86_64 or x64 or AMD64).
- 4 GB RAM.
- 32 GB of free disk space.
- Intel VT-x with EPT or AMD-V with RVI.
- Intel VT-d or AMD-Vi (also known as AMD IOMMU).
Recommended Hardware:
- Fast SSD drive (highly recommended).
- Intel IGP (preferred):
+ Nvidia GPU may require significant troubleshooting.
+ ATI GPU not officially tested (refer to the hardware compatibility list).
Hardware Selection
- Check the hardware compatibility list for different Qubes versions.
- Additionally, for more hardware compatibility information, you might consider reviewing Qubes certification for your laptop.
Some Important Notes
- Qubes can be installed on systems that do not meet all requirements. Such systems will still provide significant security improvements compared to traditional operating systems, as GUI and Kernel protection do not demand special hardware.
- Qubes can be installed on a USB flash drive or an external drive, and testing has shown that it performs exceptionally well. Installing Qubes on a USB 3.0 flash drive with a minimum capacity of 32 GB and fast speed is most suitable. Simply plug the USB drive into the computer before booting into the Qubes installer from a separate installation environment, select the USB flash drive as the destination installation drive, and proceed with the normal installation. Once Qubes is installed on the USB flash drive, you can use that drive to boot into Qubes on different computers.
In addition to the benefit of having a portable copy of Qubes, this allows users to check hardware compatibility across different computers before deciding on a purchase. Also, note the need to adjust the devices assigned to netvm and usbvm when moving between different machines.
- There is also an option for a live USB, making testing even easier.
- Installing Qubes on a virtual machine is not recommended as it uses a bare-metal hypervisor (Xen).
- Macintosh computers are currently not supported due to keyboard and mouse issues.
- Advice on seeking a notebook with VT-d capability.
Note:
It is not advisable to install Qubes on a virtual machine as it will not function. However, you can install Qubes on a USB flash drive and boot the computer from it. Note that such USB drives often have slower speeds compared to internal hard drives. Additionally, there is an option for a live USB.
Proceed with the installation of Qubes operating system
Download Qubes OS ISO
You can obtain the Qubes operating system ISO file from this link: Download Qubes OS
Please be aware that servers are beyond control, so assume that servers may be compromised, or only accept damaged ISOs because the operators have decided so for any given reason.
Always verify the digital signature on the downloaded ISO. Explore and refer to additional guidelines on verifying signatures for more insights into downloading, verifying PGP keys, and authenticating the downloaded ISO.
Copy Qubes OS ISO to the installation environment
After confirming the authenticity of the ISO, the next step is to copy the ISO to the desired installation environment, such as a USB drive or a DVD (consider security implications when choosing the Qubes installation environment).
If opting for a USB drive, the next step is to copy the ISO to the USB device, for example, using dd:
dd if=Qubes-R3-x86_64.iso of=/dev/sdX
Note, in the command above:
- Replace Qubes-R3-x86_64.iso with the filename of the version you are using, and change /dev/sdX to your target device (e.g., /dev/sda).
Warning:
Choosing the wrong device may result in the loss of all your data. Ensure you write to the entire device (e.g., /dev/sda) rather than just a partition (e.g., /dev/sda1).
For Windows users, utilize the Rufus tool. Confirm selecting the 'DD image' mode (perform this after choosing the Qubes ISO).
Before commencing the installation process, seek and reference information online. When ready, boot your system from the installation source (e.g., Qubes installation USB) and follow the on-screen instructions. The installer is straightforward and asks minimal questions.
The installer loads Xen first, so you might witness the graphical window of the installer; Qubes will be operating on your system.
Install the Qubes operating system from a USB drive
- Using a USB drive for OS installation is a convenient and secure solution to ensure your data is protected. Note that the USB drive should have a minimum capacity of 32 GB. This installation process may take longer than installing on a standard hard drive.
The installation process on a USB drive is similar to the process on a hard drive, except:
- Select the USB drive as the location for storing the operating system.
- Uncheck the option “Automatically configure my Qubes installation to the disk(s) I selected and return me to the main menu”.
Installing the operating system from a USB drive is the most common method today for users. You only need the ISO file, a USB drive, and boot USB creation software. For example, if you want to install Win 7 via USB, you just need the Win 7 ISO file, a USB with over 4GB capacity, and the process is straightforward.
For a simpler Qubes OS installation from USB, refer to the guide on creating a Qubes boot USB and installing Qubes OS via USB that Mytour has shared. The method for creating a Qubes boot USB only applies to installing the Qubes operating system.
Upgrade
To get guidance on upgrading your current version, you can refer to the Release Notes of the version you wish to upgrade. All these release notes are available on the official download page.
