How do I create a standalone VM?

[deeplow]

@bill actually, installing a non-native VM for this purpose is loosing out on a lot of Qubes features.

• security-wise
  you’ll be running that qube in the HVM virtualization mode which the docs state has security disadvantages compared to standard qubes VMs (which run in PHV mode)

• convenience-wise
  You’ll be missing on automated updates (through Qubes Updates); you’ll be seeing the desktop of that VM instead of a seamless experience where the windows integrate well with everything else, etc.

Installing a non-standard linux distribution from a .iso image as a Standalone HVM should only be considered as the last resort. With this in mind I would advise you to follow a very detailed guide that I just created for this particular case:

Installing Software in Qubes from .deb / .rpm

Continuing the discussion from How do I create a standalone VM?: Please note: This is not the standard method of installing software in Qubes. Only use this when you’ve exhausted all other options, if at all. Security disclaimers In this guide multiple sacrifices are made for convenience. Make sure you understand their implications and proceed only if these are acceptable for your particular situation. These include: Not verifying software signatures (due to their unavailability…

Note on proprietary software

While I do not endorse the use of such kind of software (for reasons relating to one’s freedom, independence and security) I understand not everyone can afford to spend time installing and learning free software.

So as a general disclaimed before digging deeper, I leave here the recommendation that people do look for Freedom Software alternatives. Most likely they do exist and will be better in the long run.