EDYOU OS Documentation
Welcome to the official documentation for EDYOU OS. This guide will help you get started with installation, configuration, and usage of your new school operating system.
This documentation is continuously evolving. Check the GitHub repository for the latest updates.
Introduction to EDYOU OS
EDYOU OS is a Linux-based operating system designed specifically for educational institutions. Built as a free alternative to Windows, it provides schools with complete control over their IT infrastructure without licensing costs.
Based on Ubuntu, EDYOU OS combines the stability and security of Linux with a familiar desktop experience. Whether you're managing a single classroom or an entire school's network, EDYOU OS gives you the tools you need.
Key Features
- License-Free - No costs, no activation, no restrictions
- Full Control - Manage devices, updates, and software centrally
- Optimized - Runs efficiently on older hardware
- Secure - Closed network structure with controlled access
- Open Source - Transparent, customizable, and community-driven
System Requirements
EDYOU OS is designed to run on a wide range of hardware, from modern systems to older machines that might otherwise be discarded.
Lightweight Version
CPU: 1 GHz / RAM: 1 GB / Storage: 10 GB
Standard Version
CPU: 2 GHz / RAM: 2 GB / Storage: 20 GB
Server Version
CPU: 1 GHz / RAM: 512 MB / Storage: 5 GB
Recommended
CPU: 2+ GHz / RAM: 4+ GB / Storage: 25+ GB
The Lightweight version is perfect for breathing new life into older machines. Many schools use it to repurpose computers that would otherwise be disposed of.
Installation Guide
Installing EDYOU OS is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:
Download EDYOU OS
Download the ISO file from the download page. Choose the version that best fits your needs.
Create Installation Media
Create a bootable USB drive using a tool like Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (cross-platform).
# Linux (using dd)
sudo dd if=edyou-os.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
Boot from USB
Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. You may need to access the boot menu (usually F12 or Delete) or change boot order in BIOS.
Follow the Installer
The graphical installer will guide you through the process. Choose your language, keyboard layout, and partition settings.
# For advanced users - manual partitioning
# Create separate /home partition for user data
# Use LVM for flexible storage management
Complete Setup
Create your user account and wait for installation to complete. After restarting, you'll be greeted with the EDYOU OS desktop.
Basic Usage
EDYOU OS provides a familiar desktop environment that users transitioning from Windows will find intuitive.
Desktop Environment
The default desktop is designed for simplicity and efficiency. The taskbar shows running applications, and the Start menu provides access to all installed software.
File Management
Your home directory contains standard folders: Documents, Downloads, Pictures, and more. Use the file manager to organize your files.
# Navigate to home directory
cd ~
# List files with details
ls -la
Terminal
The terminal is a powerful tool for advanced tasks. Open it with Ctrl+Alt+T or search for "Terminal" in the Start menu.
# Update system
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
# Install software
sudo apt install package-name
# Check system info
neofetch
Most software installation and system management tasks can be done through the terminal. Learning basic commands will greatly enhance your productivity.
Networking
EDYOU OS supports various networking configurations suitable for school environments.
Wired Connection
Simply connect an Ethernet cable. Network settings can be configured through the system settings or by editing network configuration files.
Wi-Fi
Click the network icon in the taskbar to connect to available Wi-Fi networks. Enterprise networks with RADIUS authentication are also supported.
Tailscale for Secure Connections
For secure, encrypted connections between devices (especially useful for remote administration), EDYOU OS supports Tailscale:
# Install Tailscale
curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/install.sh | sh
# Start Tailscale
sudo tailscale up
# Check status
tailscale status
Tailscale creates a mesh VPN that allows secure connections between school devices without exposing them to the public internet.
Static IP Configuration
For servers or fixed workstations, configure a static IP:
# Edit netplan configuration
sudo nano /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml
# Add static IP configuration
network:
version: 2
ethernets:
eth0:
addresses: [192.168.1.100/24]
gateway4: 192.168.1.1
nameservers:
addresses: [8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4]
Development Environment
EDYOU OS is an excellent platform for programming education. It comes with support for various development tools and languages.
Pre-installed Tools
- VS Code - Modern code editor (install via .deb or snap)
- Python - Pre-installed for programming classes
- Git - Version control system
- Node.js - JavaScript runtime
Setting Up Development Tools
# Install VS Code
sudo apt install wget gpg
wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | gpg --dearmor > packages.microsoft.gpg
sudo install -o root -g root -m 644 packages.microsoft.gpg /usr/share/keyrings/
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64,signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/packages.microsoft.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/vscode stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscode.list'
sudo apt update
sudo apt install code
# Install Python development tools
sudo apt install python3-pip python3-venv
# Install Git
sudo apt install git
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your@email.com"
Programming Languages Support
EDYOU OS supports numerous programming languages through apt and other package managers:
# Install common languages
sudo apt install python3 ruby php nodejs npm golang
# Check installed versions
python3 --version
node --version
ruby --version
Customization
One of the advantages of EDYOU OS is its customizability. Schools can tailor the system to their specific needs.
Theme Customization
Adjust the look and feel through system settings or by modifying configuration files.
Software Customization
# Remove unwanted software
sudo apt remove package-name
# Install custom software
sudo apt install custom-package
# Create a meta-package for your school
# Create /apt/my-school-meta-package/DEBIAN/control
Default Application Settings
Configure default applications system-wide using the alternatives system:
# Set default text editor
sudo update-alternatives --config editor
# Set default web browser
sudo update-alternatives --config x-www-browser
Contributing to EDYOU OS
EDYOU OS is an open source project. We welcome contributions from developers, educators, and institutions.
How to Contribute
- Fork the repository on GitHub
- Create a branch for your feature or fix
- Make your changes and test thoroughly
- Submit a pull request with a clear description
Reporting Issues
Found a bug or have a feature request? Open an issue on GitHub with detailed information about the problem.
Documentation
Improvements to this documentation are also welcome. Check the docs folder in the repository.
Connect with other EDYOU OS users and developers. Your feedback helps shape the future of the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from EDYOU OS users.
How do I open the File Explorer?
In Linux, you can access the file explorer just like in Windows through the Start menu. You can also open it using the keyboard shortcut Super (Windows key) + E.
How do I install programs?
Programs can be installed through Flatpak. Simply press the Super key (Windows key) on your keyboard and search for "Software". From there, everything works just like you would expect from the Microsoft Store or other app stores.
How do I report bugs?
Bugs can be reported through our GitHub page. Simply create an an issue (problem report) and it will be fixed by us. Report a problem here.
How do I use Microsoft 365 services?
EDYOU OS intentionally does not use Microsoft 365 products due to poor support for these programs and our system's focus on using open source software. If you still need to open and edit Word or other 365 files, we use OnlyOffice, which can be found in the Start menu just like any other program.
What is the black window with the blinking cursor?
That's the Terminal. For normal classroom work, you won't need it - you can simply ignore it.
Where is my web browser?
Our system uses Firefox as the default web browser. You can find it in the Start menu like any other application.
Do I need to worry about viruses?
Generally no, because EDYOU OS is very secure by default. Linux-based systems have a much smaller attack surface compared to other operating systems, making them naturally resistant to most malware.
Can I place files on the desktop and launch them from there?
Yes, you can. Note that files often have the extension .sh, .bin, or .run. But otherwise, everything works just like in Windows.
How do I update the system?
System updates are handled automatically. If you want to check for updates manually, open the Software app and look for available updates. For advanced users, you can also use the terminal with: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Can I connect a printer?
Yes, printers are supported. Go to Settings → Printers and add your printer. Most modern printers are automatically detected. For network printers, you may need to enter the IP address manually.
How do I change the desktop wallpaper?
Right-click on the desktop and select "Change Desktop Background" or go to Settings → Appearance. You can choose from built-in wallpapers or use your own images.
Is EDYOU OS free to use in commercial environments?
Yes, absolutely. EDYOU OS is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3 (GPLv3), which means you can use it for free in schools, businesses, and any other environment without any licensing fees.