Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is devOS?
devOS is an Arch Linux-based operating system built specifically for Intel Mac computers. It provides a ready-to-use Linux environment with hardware support, a preconfigured development workstation, and an installation experience designed to minimize manual configuration.
Is devOS based on Arch Linux?
Yes. devOS is built on Arch Linux and uses the Arch package repositories. This means you have access to the full Arch ecosystem and the latest software packages.
Can I install normal Arch Linux packages?
Yes. devOS uses standard Arch repositories, so you can install any package available in Arch's repositories using pacman or the AUR using paru.
Is devOS suitable for development?
Yes. devOS includes pre-installed development tools such as VS Code, Docker, Node.js, Python, Git, and PlatformIO. The terminal environment (Zsh, tmux, Alacritty) is configured for developer productivity.
Who develops devOS?
devOS is developed by Salvatore Pesti, an Italian chef and software developer based in Bali, Indonesia.
Hardware Support
Which Macs are supported?
devOS is designed for Intel-based Mac computers from 2013 or newer. See the Hardware Compatibility page for tested models.
Does devOS support Apple Silicon Macs?
No. devOS currently supports only Intel-based Macs. Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3) are not supported.
Does devOS support Mac Mini or Mac Studio?
Currently, devOS focuses on MacBook models. Mac Mini and Mac Studio support is not yet implemented.
Does Wi-Fi work after installation?
Yes. Wi-Fi drivers and Broadcom firmware are pre-installed and configured. Wi-Fi should work immediately after installation on supported hardware.
Does the trackpad work?
Yes. Trackpad drivers and gesture configuration are pre-installed. Multi-touch gestures are configured via libinput.
Does clamshell mode work?
Yes. When an external display is connected and the lid is closed, devOS automatically transitions to clamshell mode. The external display becomes primary and the MacBook can be used as a desktop workstation.
Can I use an external monitor?
Yes. External displays are automatically detected via xrandr. The display configuration is applied on hot-plug.
Installation
Can I dual boot with macOS?
Yes. The Calamares installer supports manual partitioning, which allows you to install devOS alongside macOS. You'll need to create separate partitions for each operating system.
What happens to my data during installation?
If you select automatic partitioning, the installer will format the chosen drive. Always back up your data before installing. If you choose manual partitioning, you control which partitions are modified.
Can I try devOS without installing?
Yes. Boot from the devOS live USB to try the environment before installing. Use the Live Preview option on the website to explore the installer interface.
How long does installation take?
Installation typically takes 10-20 minutes, depending on your drive speed and internet connection (for package installation). The Calamares installer provides progress feedback throughout.
Software & Updates
How do I update devOS?
devOS uses Arch's rolling release model. Run sudo pacman -Syu to update all packages. Regular updates ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
Will updates break my system?
Arch's rolling release model is stable when updates are applied regularly. devOS is tested with current Arch packages. Major changes (kernel, initramfs, bootloader) are handled automatically by post-install hooks.
What package manager does devOS use?
devOS uses pacman (Arch's native package manager) with paru as an AUR helper for community-built packages.
Can I remove pre-installed software?
Yes. Since devOS is based on Arch, you can remove any package with sudo pacman -Rns . Removing core packages may affect system stability.
Troubleshooting
Wi-Fi isn't working. What do I do?
Check the Known Issues page for Wi-Fi diagnostic steps. Most Wi-Fi issues are resolved by verifying the broadcom-wl driver is installed and loaded.
My Mac gets hot. Is this normal?
Under load, Intel Macs can generate significant heat. devOS includes mbpfan for automatic fan control. If temperatures are consistently high during light tasks, check for unnecessary background processes.
How do I report a hardware problem?
Open an issue on the GitHub repository with your Mac model, devOS version, and a description of the problem. Include output from journalctl -b -p err if possible.
Contributing
How can I contribute?
Contributions are welcome. You can:
- Report bugs on GitHub
- Submit hardware compatibility reports
- Improve documentation
- Contribute code or configuration improvements
Is devOS open source?
Yes. devOS is released under the MIT License. Configuration files, scripts, and build tools are available in the GitHub repository.