[release]: https://github.com/IceWhaleTech/zimaos-rauc/releases
[release-badge]: https://img.shields.io/github/v/release/IceWhaleTech/zimaos-rauc?include_prereleases&style=flat-square
[download]: https://github.com/IceWhaleTech/zimaos-rauc/releases
[download-badge]: https://img.shields.io/github/downloads/IceWhaleTech/zimaos-rauc/total?style=flat-square
[community]: https://icewhale.community/t/welcome-to-the-zimaos-open-beta-program/295
[community-badge]: https://img.shields.io/badge/Community-Forum-Blue?style=flat-square

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<img alt="ZimaOS logo" src="./assets/20241126-153324.png" width="100">

ZimaOS Public Evaluation Program

[![release][release-badge]][release]
[![download][download-badge]][download]
[![community][community-badge]][community]

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Welcome to join the public evaluation program of ZimaOS. ZimaOS is evolved from CasaOS, and we have built a release version of ZimaOS for better hardware compatibility and update experience. It will perfectly adapt to the Zima series hardware and also be compatible with x86-64 systems with UEFI.
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<img alt="ZimaOS feature image" src="./assets/20250926-154629.png" >
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It is built using Buildroot and has stable OTA update functionality. Based on CasaOS, we have built a series of new applications. You can find the specific differences between it and CasaOS from the table below:
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<img alt="ZimaOS vs CasaOS differences" src="./assets/20241126-144801.jpeg" width="640" >
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Discussion

This project is just for releasing test images, if you want to discuss related issues, feel free to go to our forum.
Icewhale Community

Distribution Features

• Lightweight and memory-efficient

• Minimized I/O

• Over The Air (OTA) updates

• Offline updates

• Better disk management capabilities

Supported hardware

• ZimaBoard

• ZimaBoard2

• ZimaBlade

• ZimaCube

• Generic x86-64 (e.g. Intel NUC)

Getting Started

Installation

1. Preparation
- Enable UEFI boot in BIOS/UEFI and disable Secure Boot.
- Back up any important data on the target drive. The selected disk will be erased.

2. Download the image
- Open Releases and download the installer image.
- Pick the file named zimaos_XXXXX_installer.img (XXXXX varies by version).

3. Create the USB installer
- Use Balena Etcher (Windows/macOS/Linux): https://etcher.balena.io/
- Steps:
1) Launch Etcher.
2) Select the downloaded *.img file.
3) Choose the target USB drive (verify the correct device).
4) Click Flash, wait for completion, then safely eject the USB drive.

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<img alt="Balena Etcher: select image" src="./assets/etcher_1.png" width="640">
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<img alt="Balena Etcher: select target USB drive" src="./assets/etcher_2.png" width="640">
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<img alt="Balena Etcher: review selection" src="./assets/etcher_3.png" width="640">
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<img alt="Balena Etcher: flashing in progress" src="./assets/etcher_4.png" width="640">
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<img alt="Balena Etcher: flash complete" src="./assets/etcher_5.png" width="640">
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4. Install ZimaOS
- Insert the USB installer into the target device (Zima hardware or generic x86‑64 PC).
- Open the BIOS/Boot Menu and boot from the USB device in UEFI mode.
- Follow the on‑screen installer to select the target disk and confirm installation (this erases the disk).
- When installation completes, reboot as prompted and remove the USB installer.
- Boot from the installed disk (UEFI) to start ZimaOS and finish the initial setup.

ZimaOS.webm

Installation on Proxmox

Follow the link. Thanks @silycr for the tutorial!