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Everything you need to know about WhiteRoze OS

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Overview

WhiteRoze OS is an Arch Linux-based distribution that combines the power and flexibility of Arch with a beautifully preconfigured KDE Plasma desktop environment and curated custom applications.

Built for users who want the Arch experience without the lengthy manual setup, WhiteRoze OS provides a rolling-release system that's ready to use out of the box.

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

  • RAM: 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
  • Storage: 20 GB free disk space
  • Processor: x86_64 (64-bit) CPU
  • Boot: UEFI or BIOS support
  • Graphics: Any GPU with basic 3D acceleration support

Recommended Requirements

  • RAM: 8 GB or more
  • Storage: 40 GB+ SSD
  • Processor: Multi-core x86_64 CPU
  • Internet: Stable connection for updates

Installation Guide

📦 Calamares Installer Coming Soon!
Future versions will include the Calamares graphical installer for an even easier setup experience.

Step 1: Download the ISO

Download the latest WhiteRoze OS ISO from the official website.

Step 2: Create Bootable Media

Use a tool like Rufus (Windows), Etcher (cross-platform), or dd (Linux) to create a bootable USB drive.

# On Linux, use dd (replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive) sudo dd bs=4M if=whiteroze-os.iso of=/dev/sdX status=progress && sync
⚠️ Warning: This will erase all data on the USB drive. Make sure you've selected the correct device!

Step 3: Boot from USB

Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. You may need to:

  • Access your BIOS/UEFI settings (usually F2, F12, Del, or Esc during startup)
  • Disable Secure Boot if necessary
  • Set USB as the first boot device

Step 4: Follow Installation Process

Currently, WhiteRoze OS follows a standard Arch installation process with some automation. Detailed installation instructions are provided in the live environment.

The installer will guide you through:

  • Partitioning your disk
  • Setting up user accounts
  • Configuring system settings
  • Installing the base system and KDE Plasma

Step 5: First Boot

After installation, remove the USB drive and reboot. You'll be greeted with the WhiteRoze OS login screen.

What's Included

Desktop Environment

KDE Plasma - A modern, feature-rich desktop environment preconfigured with:

  • Custom themes and color schemes
  • Optimized performance settings
  • Useful widgets and panel layouts
  • Beautiful wallpapers and icons

Pre-installed Applications

WhiteRoze OS comes with essential applications and custom tools:

  • Web Browser: Firefox
  • File Manager: Dolphin
  • Terminal: Konsole
  • Text Editor: Kate
  • System Monitor: KSysGuard
  • Package Manager GUI: Discover (with AUR support)
  • C/C++ Compiler: GCC
  • Java Development Kit: OpenJDK
  • Much more: Including special programs developed by ZSOMBII (e.g. MimiWrite Aspire & Noemi Shell X)

System Components

  • Package Manager: Pacman + AUR helper (yay)
  • Init System: systemd
  • Display Server: Wayland (X11 fallback available)
  • Audio: PipeWire

Post-Installation Tips

First Steps

After installing WhiteRoze OS, here are some recommended first steps:

1. Update Your System

Always update your system after installation to get the latest packages:

sudo pacman -Syu

2. Install Additional Software

Use Pacman for official repositories or yay for AUR packages:

# Install from official repos sudo pacman -S package-name # Install from AUR yay -S package-name

3. Set Up Firewall (Optional)

sudo pacman -S ufw sudo systemctl enable --now ufw sudo ufw enable

4. Install Drivers

Most drivers should work out of the box, but you may need proprietary drivers for certain hardware:

  • NVIDIA: sudo pacman -S nvidia nvidia-utils
  • AMD: Usually works with open-source drivers (pre-installed)

KDE Plasma Configuration

WhiteRoze OS comes with KDE Plasma preconfigured for an optimal experience, but you can customize it further:

System Settings

Access System Settings from the application menu to customize:

  • Appearance (themes, colors, icons)
  • Workspace behavior
  • Window management
  • Shortcuts and gestures
  • Display and monitor settings

Installing Additional Themes

You can install more themes directly from System Settings:

  • Go to System Settings → Appearance → Global Theme
  • Click "Get New Global Themes"
  • Browse and install themes from the KDE Store

Panel Customization

Right-click on any panel to:

  • Add/remove widgets
  • Adjust panel height and position
  • Configure panel behavior

Updating Your System

Regular Updates

WhiteRoze OS is a rolling release distribution, meaning you'll receive continuous updates. It's recommended to update regularly:

# Update package database and upgrade all packages sudo pacman -Syu # Or use yay to update AUR packages as well yay -Syu

Update Frequency

We recommend updating:

  • At least once a week for regular users
  • Daily if you're on cutting-edge development
  • Before installing new software
⚠️ Important: Read update announcements before updating. Occasionally, manual intervention may be required for certain updates.

Managing Packages

# Search for packages pacman -Ss package-name # Remove a package sudo pacman -R package-name # Remove package and dependencies sudo pacman -Rs package-name # Clean package cache sudo pacman -Sc

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes WhiteRoze OS different from Arch Linux?

WhiteRoze OS is built on Arch Linux but comes with KDE Plasma pre-configured, custom applications, and optimized settings out of the box. It's designed to give you the Arch experience without the lengthy manual setup process.

Is WhiteRoze OS suitable for beginners?

While it's more user-friendly than vanilla Arch, some Linux experience is recommended. However, with the upcoming Calamares installer and preconfigured system, it's becoming increasingly accessible to newcomers.

Can I install packages from the AUR?

Yes! WhiteRoze OS includes yay, an AUR helper, making it easy to install packages from the Arch User Repository.

How do I get support?

You can get help through:

  • The Arch Wiki (most guides apply to WhiteRoze OS)
  • Our community forums (coming soon)
  • GitHub issues for bug reports

Will there be different editions?

Currently, WhiteRoze OS focuses on a single KDE Plasma edition. Future editions with different desktop environments may be considered based on community feedback.

How stable is WhiteRoze OS?

As a rolling release based on Arch Linux, WhiteRoze OS is generally very stable. However, being cutting-edge means occasional issues may arise. Regular backups are always recommended.

Can I contribute to WhiteRoze OS?

Absolutely! Contributions are welcome. Check the GitHub repository for ways to contribute code, documentation, or report issues.