FAQ
Common questions about ManxOS, hardware, privacy, and support.
What is ManxOS based on?
ManxOS is based on Kubuntu 24.04 LTS (Ubuntu Noble) with the KDE Plasma desktop, plus ManxOS branding, privacy defaults, and documentation.
Is ManxOS free?
Yes. ManxOS is free to download and use. Optional supporter packages help fund development and Island infrastructure.
Can I dual-boot with Windows?
Yes — take care with partitioning. Back up first. The install guide covers Calamares options; advanced dual-boot notes will expand over time.
Does ManxOS phone home?
Privacy-oriented defaults aim to minimise telemetry. Apport crash reporting is off by default; Snap is minimized; Firefox policies reduce tracking-related behaviour. You remain free to change settings after install. See also our Privacy page.
What hardware works best?
Business-class laptops and desktops (e.g. Dell Latitude, HP EliteBook, Lenovo ThinkPad) with 4 GB+ RAM are good candidates. See repository notes on reclaimed machines for more detail.
Where do I report bugs?
A public issue tracker is coming soon. Until then, note ISO version, hardware summary, and steps to reproduce and share them via the community forum when available, or hello@manxos.org.
Is there local AI on the ISO?
ManxOS integrates Evie / Ollama components for local AI workflows on seeded builds. Availability depends on the image variant and seed options — see project documentation in the repository.
How can I help?
Code, docs, testing, workshops, mirrors, or funding. Start with the contributing guide.