Pre-Installation Preparation
- Download the ISO:
- Visit the official BOSS OS
website: https://bosslinux.in.
- Choose the latest version
(e.g., BOSS 9.0 "Drishti") and download the ISO file (32-bit or
64-bit, depending on your hardware).
- Create Bootable Media:
- Use tools like Rufus (Windows), BalenaEtcher (Windows/macOS/Linux),
or dd (Linux) to create a bootable USB drive.
- Ensure the USB has at least
4GB of storage.
- Backup Data:
- Back up all critical data on
your system. Installing a new OS may format your drive.
Installation Steps
1. Boot from USB/DVD
- Insert the bootable USB/DVD.
- Restart your PC and press
the Boot Menu Key (e.g., F12, Esc,
or F2, depending on your motherboard).
- Select the USB/DVD as the boot
device.
2. Start the Installer
- At the GRUB menu, select Install
BOSS GNU/Linux and press Enter.
- Choose your language, timezone,
and keyboard layout.
3. Disk Partitioning
- Automatic Partitioning (Recommended for Beginners):
- Select Erase Disk and
Install BOSS (this will format the entire drive).
- Ensure you’ve backed up data
before proceeding.
- Manual Partitioning (Advanced
Users):
- Create partitions manually:
- Root (/):
Minimum 20GB (ext4 filesystem).
- Swap: Equal to your RAM size (optional for modern
systems).
- Home (/home):
Remaining space for user files (optional).
4. User Setup
- Enter your name, username, and
password.
- Set a strong password for
the root account (administrator).
5. Install Bootloader
- The installer will set up GRUB
(bootloader) automatically. Ensure it’s installed to the Master
Boot Record (MBR) or EFI partition (for UEFI
systems).
6. Begin Installation
- Confirm settings and
click Install.
- Wait for the installation to
complete (15–30 minutes, depending on hardware).
7. Post-Installation Setup
- Remove the USB/DVD when
prompted and reboot.
- Log in with your username and
password.
- Connect to the internet
(Wi-Fi/Ethernet) to download updates.
Post-Installation Configuration
- Update the System:
- Open the terminal and run:
bash
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sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
- Install Additional Drivers:
- Navigate to Settings →
Drivers (for proprietary drivers like NVIDIA/AMD GPU, Wi-Fi,
etc.).
- Install Software:
- Use the BOSS App Store (Synaptic
Package Manager) or terminal:
bash
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sudo apt install [package-name] # e.g., sudo apt install vlc
- Enable Security Features:
- Configure firewall with ufw:
bash
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sudo ufw enable
Key Features of BOSS OS
- Indian Language Support: Pre-installed tools for Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and
other regional languages.
- Software Suite:
- LibreOffice (office suite)
- Mozilla Firefox (web browser)
- GIMP (image editor)
- Educational tools (e.g.,
Kalzium, GCompris)
- Security: AppArmor, SELinux, and encryption tools.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Boot Issues:
- For UEFI systems,
disable Secure Boot in BIOS.
- Use boot-repair tool if GRUB fails.
- Wi-Fi/Network Issues:
- Install firmware packages
(e.g., firmware-linux).
- Driver Compatibility:
- Check BOSS Linux
Forums for community support.
Virtual Machine Installation (Optional)
- Use VirtualBox or VMware.
- Create a new VM with:
- OS Type: Linux → Debian (64-bit).
- Allocate 2GB RAM and 20GB
disk space.
- Mount the BOSS ISO and follow
the same steps.
By following these steps, you’ll have BOSS OS installed and
ready for use. It’s ideal for users seeking a privacy-focused, open-source
OS with strong support for Indian languages and government
applications.