Getting Started

Download guideXOS

Get the latest ISO image from the downloads page:

System Requirements

guideXOS is designed to run on x86/x64 hardware or virtual machines:

Minimum Requirements

• CPU: x86/x64 processor (Intel or AMD)
• RAM: 512MB minimum, 2GB recommended
• Storage: None required (runs from ISO)
• Graphics: VGA/VESA compatible
• Network: Intel 825xx or Realtek RTL8139/8111 (optional)

Supported Virtual Machines

• ✅ QEMU - Recommended for development
• ✅ VMware Workstation/Player - Best compatibility
• ✅ Oracle VirtualBox - Good performance
• ⚠ Hyper-V - Limited support

Running in QEMU

QEMU is a fast, open-source emulator perfect for testing guideXOS:

1. Install QEMU

Download from qemu.org and install to the default path.

2. Launch guideXOS

qemu-system-x86_64.exe 
  -m 2048 
  -smp 2 
  -boot d 
  -cdrom guideXOS.iso 
  -netdev user,id=net0 
  -device rtl8139,netdev=net0 
  -serial stdio

QEMU Options Explained

• -m 2048 - 2GB RAM
• -smp 2 - 2 CPU cores
• -device rtl8139 - Realtek network card (for networking)
• -serial stdio - Serial console output

Running in VMware

VMware provides excellent compatibility and performance:

1. Create New VM

• Open VMware Workstation or Player
• Click "Create a New Virtual Machine"
• Select "I will install the operating system later"
• Choose "Other" → "Other 64-bit"

2. Configure VM Settings

• Memory: 2048 MB (2GB)
• Processors: 2 cores
• Network: NAT
• CD/DVD: Use ISO image "guideXOS.iso"

3. Boot the VM

Power on the virtual machine and guideXOS will boot from the ISO.

Running in VirtualBox

VirtualBox is a free, open-source alternative:

1. Create New VM

• Click "New" in VirtualBox Manager
• Name: guideXOS
• Type: Other
• Version: Other/Unknown (64-bit)

2. Configure Settings

• Memory: 2048 MB
• Processors: 2 CPUs
• Enable ACPI and I/O APIC
• Network: NAT, Adapter Type: Intel PRO/1000 MT Desktop (82540EM)
• Storage: Attach guideXOS.iso to optical drive

3. Start VM

Click "Start" and guideXOS will boot.

First Boot Experience

When guideXOS boots, you'll see:

Boot Sequence

1. GRUB Bootloader - Press Enter or wait 5 seconds
2. Kernel Loading - Hardware detection and driver initialization
3. Desktop Launch - GUI desktop environment appears

Desktop Features

• Taskbar - Bottom of screen with Start menu and system tray
• Start Menu - Click the Start button to see applications
• Console - Opens automatically for command-line access
• Window Manager - Drag, resize, minimize, and maximize windows

Try These Commands in Console

help            # List all available commands
ls /            # List files in root directory
apps            # Show installed applications
netinit         # Initialize network (if NIC detected)
ipconfig        # Show network configuration

Next Steps