Getting Started

Getting started

1. Download

Download the latest ISO from SourceForge or from the latest GitHub release. The ISO is a hybrid image of roughly 3 GB. A .sha256 file beside it lets you check the download.

The live system runs without touching your disk. You can try the desktop, then install it from the same medium.

2. Write a USB stick

Use balenaEtcher or dd on Linux. This erases the stick. A 4 GB or larger stick is enough.

Boot the computer from the stick. On most PCs that means the firmware boot menu (often F12, F10 or Esc at power-on), then the USB entry. ZacOS 9 works with both BIOS and UEFI.

3. Try the live desktop

The live image starts straight into ZacOS 9. There is no password, and sudo works without one. Open the Installer from the desktop when you are ready.

Things worth trying first:

• the Zac menu at the left of the menu bar;
• the Sniffer (the file browser) on the desktop;
• Control Panels from the Zac menu;
• Help ▸ ZacOS Help (⌘-?).

4. Install

The Installer offers:

• Erase the whole disk and give ZacOS 9 the whole drive;
• Next to what's on it to keep Windows, Haiku or another Linux and make room beside it.

Back up anything important first. The installer asks for the installed system's language before it starts.

See Installing and upgrading for the details.

5. After installation

The installed system starts at the login window, then the Setup Assistant creates your account. Use Zac menu ▸ Fetch Updates to get the newest ZacOS 9 release, Debian's security fixes and the ZacOS Extras.

Requirements and expectations

ZacOS 9 is built for Debian 13 (trixie) on x86-64 PCs. The live ISO needs enough RAM to run a desktop; 4 GB is a reasonable minimum for the live session. Graphics, Wi-Fi, printers and laptops vary: see Hardware compatibility.

The project is honest about gaps. Read Project status before relying on a particular device or program.