DEV Community

Ayedoun Châ-Fine ADEBI
Ayedoun Châ-Fine ADEBI

Posted on

🚀 Void Linux Base Installation: A Fun Adventure

Welcome to the void! 🖤 This tutorial will guide you step by step through installing Void Linux, the lightweight and versatile distro that puts you in control. Let’s turn this challenge into a rewarding adventure!


🎯 Why Void Linux?

  • XBPS: A unique package manager that’s fast and efficient.
  • Runit: A lightweight init system for quicker boot times.
  • Minimalism: No bloat—only what you want.

🛠️ What You’ll Need

  • A 64-bit system.
  • A USB stick (4GB or more).
  • A good internet connection.
  • A cool head and a sense of adventure. 😎

🌟 Step 1: Download Void Linux ISO

  1. Visit Void Linux Downloads.
  2. Pick the Base Live ISO for your system architecture (usually x86_64).

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about your system, the x86_64 version is your best bet.


💾 Step 2: Create a Bootable USB

  1. Use a tool like Etcher, Rufus, or the command line:
   sudo dd if=void-live-x86_64-*.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode
  1. Replace /dev/sdX with your USB device name.

Caution: Double-check the device name—dd doesn’t forgive mistakes! 😱


🚀 Step 3: Boot into the Void

  1. Insert your USB and restart your computer.
  2. Access your BIOS/UEFI settings and boot from the USB.
  3. Choose the Void Linux option from the menu.

🖥️ Step 4: Partition Your Drive

  1. Use cfdisk to partition your disk. Example:
    • 1GB for /boot (EFI system if needed).
    • Swap space (optional, 2GB+).
    • Remaining space for /.
  2. Format the partitions:
   mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdX1  # Replace with your partition
   mkfs.vfat -F 32 /dev/sdX2  # For EFI systems
   mkswap /dev/sdX3  # If you created a swap
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

📦 Step 5: Install Void Linux

  1. Mount your partitions:
   mount /dev/sdX1 /mnt
   mkdir -p /mnt/boot/efi
   mount /dev/sdX2 /mnt/boot/efi
   swapon /dev/sdX3
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode
  1. Run the installer:
   void-installer
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode
  1. Follow the prompts to configure:
    • Keyboard layout.
    • Network settings.
    • Hostname and user setup.
    • Filesystem configuration.

⚙️ Step 6: Install Bootloader

  • Select GRUB during the installer setup.
  • Run:
   grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/mnt/boot/efi --bootloader-id=void_grub
   grub-mkconfig -o /mnt/boot/grub/grub.cfg
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

🎉 Step 7: Reboot and Enjoy

  1. Exit the installer and unmount partitions:
   umount -R /mnt
   reboot
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode
  1. Remove the USB stick during reboot.

Welcome to the Void! 🌌


🤓 Post-Installation Tips

  • Update the system:
   sudo xbps-install -Syu
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode
  • Install essential tools:
   sudo xbps-install -S vim git base-devel
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode
  • Explore and customize your environment (window manager, dotfiles, etc.).

📚 Resources


Feel free to share your journey to the void or ask for help! 🎩

Top comments (0)