From cf250604f9afd9e4c9a18c246f62f752cdcd4489 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: naturallaw777 <99053422+naturallaw777@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2026 00:42:42 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Promote virtual machine trial option in README Co-authored-by: arena-agent <297053741+arena-agent@users.noreply.github.com> --- README.md | 36 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 36 insertions(+) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 87efb87..5900411 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ are ready. [Visit the Website](https://sovransystems.com) · [Download the ISO](https://downloads.sovransystems.com/Sovran_SystemsOS-1.0.3.iso) · +[Try it safely in a VM](#try-it-first-in-a-virtual-machine) · [Verify the Download](https://downloads.sovransystems.com/Sovran_SystemsOS.iso.sha256) · [Build from Source](#build-from-source) @@ -40,6 +41,7 @@ are ready. ## Contents - [Why Sovran_SystemsOS?](#why-sovran_systemsos) +- [Try it first in a virtual machine](#try-it-first-in-a-virtual-machine) - [What is included](#what-is-included) - [Three modes](#three-modes) - [Use it your way](#use-it-your-way) @@ -105,6 +107,40 @@ and a reproducible, auditable NixOS foundation. --- +## Try it first in a virtual machine + +**Curious, but not ready to replace your current operating system?** Start with +Sovran_SystemsOS in a virtual machine (VM). A VM runs Sovran_SystemsOS in a +window on your existing Windows, macOS, or Linux computer, using a virtual disk +file instead of your computer's internal drive. You can explore the desktop, +Sovran Hub, Sparrow, Bisq, and the installation experience before changing how +you use any physical machine. + +This is a low-commitment way to decide whether Sovran_SystemsOS is right for +you: + +- **Keep your current OS.** Closing or deleting the VM leaves the host operating + system in place. +- **Learn at your own pace.** Familiarize yourself with the desktop and tools + without needing to make it your daily computer on day one. +- **Choose your next step with confidence.** When you are ready, install it on + a dedicated computer, or keep using the VM as a learning environment. + +You can use the same ISO with [VirtualBox](https://www.virtualbox.org), VMware, +QEMU/KVM, Proxmox, and similar x86_64 VM software. For a first look, select +**Desktop Only**, allocate at least **8 GB RAM**, and create a **256 GB or +larger dynamically allocated virtual disk**. The full VM setup and installer +requirements are in [Installing in a virtual machine](#installing-in-a-virtual-machine-optional). + +> **A VM is for evaluation and learning, not a substitute for a dedicated, +> hardened setup.** Do not use a trial VM to hold meaningful Bitcoin, recovery +> phrases, passwords, or other sensitive data. Avoid attaching physical drives +> to the VM, and be deliberate about shared folders, clipboard sharing, and +> network settings. The installer only changes the disk you select, but you +> should always review VM disk selections before confirming an install. + +--- + ## What is included Depending on the selected mode and enabled features, Sovran_SystemsOS brings