I live in a world of computers with Microsoft Windows operating systems from DOS to Windows 10. Conversely, Macs were an old-school (literally, at school) way of computing. Likewise, Linux was a tech genius with nefarious undertones. I’m happy to say this bias is transforming and I’m enjoying it. This article will describe how to setup a Flashdrive with QubesOS.
I found Qubes OS during my exploration with the Raspberry Pi. Qubes OS presents itself as “a reasonably secure operating system”. This operating system runs applications in Virtual Machines (or “qubes”) creating more separation between them.
Qubes OS can also be installed on a flash drive.
This isn’t a guide to walkthrough the installation of Qubes OS. Instead, here are a few helpful resources to get Qubes OS installed while on a Windows PC. The documentation is already quite helpful.
1. Ensure System Compatibility
First, make sure your system supports Qubes OS and that it can leverage the benefits of the operating system. I never meant to install Qubes OS when I built my Windows PC and after changing some settings, my system was ready: https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/system-requirements/
2. Download the ISO File
Furthermore, assuming your system can support Qubes OS, the installation file needs to be downloaded. I suggest downloading the ISO file. This link explains in more detail how to verify the digital signature: https://www.qubes-os.org/downloads/
3. Copy the ISO to Prepare the Flashdrive with QubesOS
Although there are a few ways to install an operating system from an ISO file, you need to prepare the installation medium first. To that end, I chose a flash drive and used Rufus to help. Check out the documentation carefully – it recommends Rufus on Windows. Select “DD Image” after selecting the Qubes ISO: https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/installation-guide/#copying-the-iso-onto-the-installation-medium
4. Run the Installation on the Flashdrive with QubesOS
After preparing the installation medium, prepare the installation drive. I installed Qubes OS on a flash drive. Boot from the installation medium and make sure the device is available when you reach the Installation Summary screen. Don’t worry, you can still cancel the installation on this screen. You may not even get there if your system doesn’t yet support Qubes OS.
Tip: the installation process will ask for two passwords 1) to encrypt the drive and 2) to login. You will need to enter both after each boot up so choose them well: https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/installation-guide/#installation
5. Perform Post-Installation
This is the last step. There are a few post-installation steps to go through: https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/installation-guide/#post-installation
Enjoy your reasonably secure operating system!
Check out the Qubes OS Project source code on GitHub: https://github.com/QubesOS