Linux Services

Before You Start

You'll need:

• A USB stick (8GB or larger)
• About 30-60 minutes

Step 1: Download CachyOS

1. Go to cachyos.org
2. Click Download
3. Choose KDE Plasma (it's the most Windows-like)
4. Save the .iso file somewhere easy to find

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB

1. Download Rufus from rufus.ie (it's free)
2. Plug in your USB stick
3. Open Rufus
4. Click SELECT and choose the CachyOS .iso you downloaded
5. Click START and accept any prompts
6. Wait for it to finish (a few minutes)

Step 3: Boot from the USB

1. Restart your computer with the USB plugged in
2. As it starts, repeatedly tap F12, F2, or Del (depends on your computer) to get the boot menu
3. Select your USB stick from the list
4. CachyOS will load — this takes a minute or two

Step 4: Install CachyOS

1. Once loaded, click Install CachyOS
2. Choose your language and location
3. Choose your keyboard layout
4. When asked about disk/partitioning, select Erase disk (the simple option)
5. Create your username and password
6. Click through to start installation
7. Wait 10-20 minutes for it to finish
8. Click Restart and remove the USB when prompted

Step 5: First Boot

Your computer will restart into CachyOS. Log in with the password you created.

Finding your way around:

• Bottom-left corner = Start menu equivalent
• Dolphin = File manager (like File Explorer)
• Firefox = Web browser
• Software center = For installing new apps