start-os
SHA-256Open-source Linux distribution for running a personal server. Simplifies self-hosting of Bitcoin nodes, chat, cloud storage, and more.
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Download Download Version
v0.4.0-beta.8 · 47.3 MB
Turn any computer into a personal server with one-click app installs and full data ownership.
Core Features
- Plug-and-play: buy a pre-built server or install via ISO on your own hardware
- One-click deployment: 50+ apps including Bitcoin, Lightning, Matrix, Nextcloud
- Isolated containers: each service runs in its own LXC container
- Automated backups: system-level backup and restore
- Signed package format (S9PK): tamper-proof, supports partial download and offline verification
What It Can't Do
- •DIY requires compatible x86 or ARM hardware (recommend 4GB+ RAM, SSD). 2. Community-packaged services may have stability issues; check updates. 3. Pre-built servers are pricey (~$300+) but save setup time. 4. S9PK is not a general-purpose package manager; standard Linux apps cannot be installed.
Use Cases
- Run a Bitcoin full node and Lightning node for decentralized finance
- Host your own chat server (Matrix/SimpleX) as an alternative to Telegram/WhatsApp
- Self-host Nextcloud as a private Dropbox replacement
- Deploy Vaultwarden password manager to store credentials securely
StartOS is a purpose-built Linux distribution designed to simplify running a personal server at home. It automates service discovery, installation, network configuration, data backups, dependency management, and health monitoring. Built with a Rust backend (Tokio/Axum), Angular frontend, and LXC containers for isolation, StartOS packages services as S9PK files – a signed, merkle-archived format supporting partial downloads and cryptographic verification. You can self-host Bitcoin and Lightning nodes, communication platforms (Matrix, SimpleX), cloud storage (Nextcloud, Vaultwarden), and more from the community marketplace. StartOS can be purchased as a pre-built server or installed on your own hardware via ISO. It emphasizes data ownership, privacy, and resilience against cloud vendor lock-in.
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Getting Started
Download installer
Click the button above to download the installer for your system
Install the software
Install the appropriate package for your distro (dpkg / rpm / AppImage)
Buy a Start9 pre-built server: plug in, power on, access via local web UI
DIY: download the ISO from the official site, flash to USB, boot and follow the installer
After installation, open your-server.local in a browser and install apps from the marketplace
- Buy a Start9 pre-built server: plug in, power on, access via local web UI
- DIY: download the ISO from the official site, flash to USB, boot and follow the installer
- After installation, open your-server.local in a browser and install apps from the marketplace
SHA-256 checksum verified
Checksum extracted from GitHub official Release page
SHA256 Checksum
ee01971a5b6bcf41460662cd8f3440b1900f1480e824b430af341961863975fcThis checksum is extracted from the GitHub Release page. Verify file integrity after download.
All SHA-256 checksums on this platform are extracted from the project's official GitHub Release page, without any modification. You can independently verify them on the GitHub Releases page.
Open Source Transparency
View GitHub SourceUninstall Info
To fully remove StartOS, reinstall the operating system (all data will be wiped). To remove an individual service, go to the admin panel and click 'Uninstall' – it won't affect the system.
No Extra Dependencies
Ready to use after download. No additional runtime required.
Having issues? Check the FAQ below
3 FAQs
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