TrueNAS Community Edition
TrueNAS Community Edition turns an x86 PC into a ZFS-based network storage server. Hardware basics, the boot device, USB tools and checking the ISO.
Open source
Version 25.10.7
Operating Systems
Linux distributions, Windows 11, ChromeOS Flex, FreeBSD and server systems: who each one is for, which ISO to download, minimum hardware, how to make a bootable USB and how to verify the download.
20 items
Software
Windows 11
Three official ways to get Windows 11: Installation Assistant, Media Creation Tool or ISO. What each is for, the PC requirements and the license you need.
Paid
Proxmox VE
Proxmox Virtual Environment runs virtual machines and containers on your own server. Get the ISO, check hardware and write the USB stick the right way.
Open source
Version 9.2
AlmaLinux OS
AlmaLinux is a free, community-owned enterprise Linux. Choose between versions 10 and 9, the DVD, Boot or Minimal ISO, and the x86_64_v2 build for old CPUs.
Open source
Version 10.2
Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux is a community enterprise OS compatible with RHEL. Get the ISO, check whether your CPU meets the x86-64-v3 baseline and verify the checksum.
Open source
Version 10.2
FreeBSD
FreeBSD is a complete Unix-like operating system for servers, desktops and appliances. Which installer image to choose, how to check it and write the USB.
Open source
Version 15.1-RELEASE
ChromeOS Flex
Google's ChromeOS Flex gives older Windows PCs and Macs a fast, cloud-first system. Device requirements and how to make the USB installer in Chrome.
Free
Raspberry Pi OS (via Raspberry Pi Imager)
The official way to set up a Raspberry Pi: install Raspberry Pi Imager on your PC, pick your model and Raspberry Pi OS, and preconfigure Wi-Fi and SSH.
Free
Tails
Tails starts from a USB stick, routes traffic through Tor and leaves no trace on the computer. Requirements, the official install guides and verification.
Open source
Kali Linux
Kali Linux packs penetration testing tools into one Debian-based system. Installer, VM, live or WSL image: how to choose, requirements and SHA256 checks.
Open source
Arch Linux
Arch Linux is a minimal, rolling distribution you build yourself. Where to get the monthly ISO, how to verify its PGP signature and what to expect.
Open source
openSUSE (Leap and Tumbleweed)
openSUSE comes in two flavors: Leap with 24 months of support per release and Tumbleweed with continuous updates. Requirements, ISOs and signature checks.
Open source