Installing OpenBSD is a straightforward process that delivers a robust, secure, and privacy-focused operating system to your hardware. This guide walks through the essential steps, from initial preparation to final configuration, ensuring a smooth deployment for both new and experienced users.
Preparing for Installation
Before beginning, verify your system's compatibility by checking the official hardware list. You will need to download the appropriate installation CDISO image for your architecture, typically `installXX.iso` where XX is the version number. Create a bootable USB drive using tools like `dd` on Unix-like systems or Rufus on Windows, ensuring the image is written in raw mode to guarantee bootability. It is also wise to review the errata for your specific version to be aware of any last-minute fixes or known issues.
Configuring Your BIOS/UEFI
Access your system's firmware settings and adjust the boot order to prioritize your USB drive or CD-ROM. For UEFI systems, ensure you are not locked into Secure Boot, as OpenBSD does not support this feature. Older systems may require disabling Fast Boot to allow the full hardware initialization process, which helps the installer detect all components accurately.
The Boot Process
Insert the prepared media and restart your computer. Upon powering on, you will be presented with the OpenBSD boot prompt. Here, you can accept defaults by pressing Enter or customize the installation by passing specific flags if needed. The system will then load the installation kernel and begin the hardware detection phase, identifying disks, network interfaces, and memory.
Disk Layout and Configuration
The installer will prompt you to configure the disk layout, offering an automatic layout option for simplicity or a guided manual process for advanced users. When partitioning manually, you must define the root (`/`) and swap partitions, and optionally create separate partitions for `/home` or `/tmp`. This step is critical for maintaining a clean and organized filesystem that aligns with best practices for security and maintenance.
Network and User Setup
Next, the installer will configure your network settings, allowing you to set the hostname and configure either DHCP for automatic addressing or a static IP for consistent connectivity. You will then create the first user account, providing a full name, username, and secure password. This account will be granted sudo privileges, allowing for administrative tasks without logging in directly as root.
Package Selection and Installation
Finally, you will select the software packages to install from the distribution sets. The base set is essential and contains the core system files, while the `xbase` set provides X11 windowing system components if you plan to use a graphical interface. You can choose to install sets from the ISO, an HTTP server, or FTP site, depending on your network configuration and preference for speed or offline installation.
Finalizing the Installation
Once the files are extracted and the installation is complete, the system will finalize the configuration and prompt you to remove the installation media. Rebooting at this stage loads the new OpenBSD system, presenting the login screen where you can use the credentials you created. After logging in, running `sudo syspatch` is recommended to apply any critical security patches released since the ISO was built, ensuring your system is immediately up to date.
