> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://redcloud-os.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://redcloud-os.gitbook.io/docs/getting-started/quickstart.md).

# Quickstart

## Getting Started with RedCloud OS

Welcome to RedCloud OS! This guide will help you download, boot, and start using RedCloud OS for cloud-native security assessments.

### Step 1: Download RedCloud OS

#### System Requirements

* **CPU**: 64-bit x86 processor (Intel/AMD)
* **RAM**: 4GB minimum, 8GB+ recommended for tool installation
* **Storage** (for installation): 20GB+ free space
* **Network**: Internet connection required for profile installation

#### Download the ISO

The ISOs of RedCloud OS can be downloaded from our main website [*<mark style="color:blue;">**https://redcloud.training/**</mark>*](https://redcloud.training/)

#### Verify the Download

After downloading, verify the ISO integrity:

```bash
# Verify SHA256 checksum
sha256sum redcloud-os-amd64-{version_number}.iso
# Compare with published checksum available on the download page
```

### Step 2: Create Bootable Media

#### Option A: USB Drive (Recommended)

**Requirements**

* USB drive (8GB+ recommended)
* **Warning**: All data on the USB will be erased

**Linux**

```bash
# Find your USB device
lsblk

# Write ISO to USB (replace /dev/sdX with your USB device)
sudo dd if=redcloud-os-amd64-{version_number}.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync

# Flush cache
sync
```

**Windows**

Use one of these tools:

* [Rufus](https://rufus.ie/) - Recommended
* [balenaEtcher](https://www.balena.io/etcher/)
* [Ventoy](https://www.ventoy.net/)

**Rufus Settings**:

* Partition scheme: GPT
* Target system: UEFI (or MBR for Legacy BIOS)
* File system: FAT32
* Write mode: DD Image

#### Option B: Virtual Machine

RedCloud OS works great in VMs for testing and isolated environments.

**VMware Workstation/Player**

1. Create New Virtual Machine
2. Select "Installer disc image file (iso)"
3. Guest OS: Linux → Debian 13.x 64-bit
4. Memory: 4GB minimum (8GB recommended)
5. Processors: 2+ cores
6. Disk: 20GB+ (for installation)
7. Network: NAT or Bridged
8. After Finishing the config (*and before booting the VM*), head over to ***Edit virtual machine settings > Options >  Advanced > Firmware type*** and change the option from *<mark style="color:$danger;">**BIOS**</mark>* to *<mark style="color:$success;">**UEFI**</mark>*

**VirtualBox**

1. New → Linux → Debian (64-bit)
2. Memory: 4096MB+
3. Create virtual hard disk: 20GB+ VDI
4. Settings → Storage → Add ISO to IDE Controller
5. Settings → System → Enable EFI
6. Network: NAT or Bridged Adapter

**KVM/QEMU (Linux)**

```bash
# Create disk image (for installation)
qemu-img create -f qcow2 redcloud.qcow2 20G

# Boot the ISO
qemu-system-x86_64 \
  -m 4096 \
  -smp 2 \
  -enable-kvm \
  -cdrom redcloud-os-amd64.iso \
  -boot d \
  -drive file=redcloud.qcow2,format=qcow2 \
  -net nic -net user
```

### Step 3: Boot RedCloud OS

#### Configure BIOS/UEFI

1. Insert USB drive or load ISO in VM
2. Restart computer
3. Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually F2, F12, Del, or Esc key)
4. Configure boot settings:
   * **Disable Secure Boot** (required for UEFI)
   * Set USB/CD as first boot device
5. Save and exit

#### GRUB Boot Menu

When RedCloud OS starts, you'll see the GRUB menu:

```
RedCloud OS Live+Instalation 
RedCloud OS Live Failsafe
Memtest
Poweroff
Reboot
```

Select **"RedCloud OS Live+Instalation"** and press Enter.

::: tip Boot Parameters If you encounter graphics issues, select "Advanced Options" and add `nomodeset` to the kernel parameters. :::

### Step 4: First Login

#### Live Session Credentials

After boot completes, you'll be auto-logged into the KDE Plasma desktop:

* **Username**: `redcloud`
* **Password**: `redcloud`
* **Sudo**: No password required

::: warning Live Session This is an ephemeral environment. All changes will be lost on reboot unless you install permanently. Perfect for security assessments where you don't want to leave traces. :::

### Step 5: Install/Update Security Tools

Now that you're booted, it's time to install/update security tools!

```bash
# Open Konsole terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T or click the terminal icon)
redcloud -u
or 
redcloud --update
```

### Step 6: Start Using RedCloud OS

#### Browse Tools

Security tools are organized on basics of Providers in the Application Menu:

* **Application Menu**
  * AWS
  * Azure
  * GCP
  * Multi Cloud
  * Kubernetes
  * DevOps
  * OSINT
  * Build & Break

### Next Steps

#### For Live Session Users

* Install profiles you need
* Configure cloud credentials (AWS, Azure, GCP)
* Start security assessments
* <mark style="color:$warning;">**Remember: Changes are lost on reboot**</mark>

#### For Permanent Installation

Want to keep your configuration and tools?

See the Installation Guide to install RedCloud OS permanently with Calamares installer.

#### Learn More

* Profiles Guide - Detailed information about each profile
* Tools Reference - Complete tool inventory and usage
* Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions
* FAQ - Frequently asked questions

### Quick Reference Card

| Task             | Command                                    |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Install Tools    | `redcloud -u` or `redcloud --update`       |
| Open terminal    | `Ctrl+Alt+T`                               |
| Lock screen      | `Super+L`                                  |
| Application menu | `Alt+F1` or click the application launcher |

| Credential (live user) | Value                |
| ---------------------- | -------------------- |
| Username               | `redcloud`           |
| Password               | `redcloud`           |
| Root access            | `sudo` (no password) |