I just installed Qubes OS and I have to be honest, the learning curve is much bigger than I expected. I chose it because I know it is one of the most security focused operating systems out there, but even simple tasks feel overwhelming right now.
Is there a good YouTube video or beginner friendly video series that explains the basics in a simple way? Things like copy and paste between qubes, taking screenshots, or moving files. I keep running into situations where something small turns into hours of searching online.
For example, I use ChatGPT for technical questions since I do not know much about PCs. When I try to copy and paste information into Qubes or take a screenshot to share something, that is when I get stuck. I end up getting really frustrated trying to figure out what I assume should be basic steps.
I also removed the internal WiFi card from my laptop for security reasons and I am now using a USB WiFi adapter. How do I configure the USB adapter so it works properly with Qubes? Do I need to attach it to a specific qube like sys-usb or sys-net? A simple step by step explanation would really help.
I would truly appreciate any guidance. I am trying to learn and stick with it, but right now it feels pretty overwhelming. Thank you.
Before using chatGPT for a question, I’d suggest you use the search on this forum or, for more general Linux questions, search with Ubuntu, Linux mint or fedora added to the search term.
I find that about 20% of the time, AI gives me a completely wrong technical answer and sends me way down the wrong path
Ohhh, so I’m not the only one yelling at ChatGPT! The way it spits out five or six different answers, I was really hoping there’d be a YouTube video I could watch and actually see how to do it.
I still have no clue how to attach the USB to sys.net. Really, I don’t. Every time I ask GPT, it gives me a command, and when I try to paste it, that’s when the rage starts. It’s like the computer is laughing at me.
I just want to upload a picture, but I’m jumping through hoops just to get it into GPT so it can tell me if I’m doing it correctly. At this point, I feel like I need a PhD in “How Not to Break Everything.”
Hopefully, once I get good enough, I’ll make a video to help other newbies like me. Or at least provide some solid entertainment watching me fail.
I have tried this but when I am trying to copy & paste between Qubes I get an error message. Its really confusing! I came form Linux Mint so I know a little, but still learning.
If you want to learn Qubes OS, you should prepare yourself for what seems to be a common nightmare in this social media era: reading.
Videos become obsolete very quickly. You really need to read the documentation to learn it properly.
The link provided by @FranklyFlawless pretty much covers the basics and has everything you need.
Still, if you can’t figure out how to copy and paste text, here is the specific guide on copy-pasting in Qubes OS:
For attaching a USB WiFi device:
Click the Qubes Devices icon in the system tray, find your USB WiFi device, open its menu, and select sys-net. It will then be attached to sys-net.
But you should really learn first how compartmentalization works in Qubes OS and what to consider.
Hi and welcome to Qubes OS and to this community! Yes, the learning curve is steep, but once you’ve understood the basic concepts and the “techniques for daily use”, Qubes OS is worth every effort.
I’m still relatively inexperienced with Qubes myself, but over the past few months I’ve tried out a lot and learned quite a bit. In the meantime, inspired by working with Qubes, I’ve cleanly formulated my own threat model and essentially implemented it in my Qubes setup.
Don’t hesitate to ask – I got the impression that people here are happy to help.
Regarding the use of AI: I’ve personally used ChatGPT a lot to have new connections explained to me regarding threat models, security and privacy concepts, and their concrete implementation.
Some things ended in wild hallucinations from the AI, but most of it was useful and really helped me make progress! Lately, I’ve actually had better experiences with Grok than with ChatGPT. Of course, AI doesn’t replace frequently checking the official Qubes documentation, but it can provide initial guidance in the confusion of terms, concepts, and methods.
Qubes documentation is also excellent (one of the reasons i moved to qubes). This link that Atrate provided answers a lot of questions and the links at the bottom, even more
Yes. If you’re a heavy terminal user, I’d heartily recommend changing the global copy-paste shortcuts to CTRL+SUPER+C/V, as it helps a lot with using the terminal.
