Time to add a Page for Kodachi…
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(Note: will add a newer area here & provide date of posts also)
03/25/2021: Linux Kodachi 8.0 the Secure OS – ‘..preserving your privacy and anonymity’
05/25/2020: Kodachi 7.0 The Secure OS – ‘another Specialty Linux Distro’
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Kodachi 6.1 is *FAST* on SSD!
Day 3
I give up trying to get Kodachi 6.1 on any permanent USB installation, other than a ‘Live’ USB (with or without Persistence). Anyway, it is so fast on SSD that I’ve done some more work trying to get it into a smaller package than the USB to SATA Docking Stations, the SSD, a USB cable, and the dock’s electric adapter – then whatever container/bag to hold the items. Package is now down to being a little bigger than a cigarette pack. The SSD and a USB 3.0 to 2.5″ SATA III Hard Drive Adapter Cable with UASP placed into a 2.5″ IDE SATA HDD Storage Protection Box (I store my spares and backup SSD’s in these boxes…holds 2).
That’s a 62GB ADATA USB at bottom…here’s cable and SSD connected & ready to plug into Desktop/Laptop 3.0 USB port:
Here’s the portable package…
I may end up bringing the BionicPup Linux back out and see how it works with my new laptop – I know it works on all my other computers (on USB), but will see how it does on ‘Ace’. Puppy Linux can fit on a small ‘Thumb Drive’ and I believe that would fit into the storage box along with the SSD and cable – i.e. a ‘Portable SSD Package’ with BionicPup as backup.
Day 2
(See Day 1 results below) Warith Al Maawali has announced the release of Linux Kodachi 6.1 – looks like the kernel was upgraded from 4.19 to 5.0 and some other changes and/or fixes. I tried to install Kodachi 6.1 on different USB flash drives yesterday – 3.0 and 2.0, several different Adata, two different SanDisk, two different PNY, and two different DataTravelers. Most attempts took over 2 hours (one failed after 3 ½ hours – some I stopped after an hour), and they either failed or I stopped them or Kodachi wouldn’t work after being installed on them. The ‘Live’ USB versions (including both Persistence and non-Persistence) all worked fine (several USB’s were tested), and I finally settled on the YUMI – Multiboot USB Creator (no Persistence was added) to install from. Today I will try installing on SSD and an old 32GB MicroSD. Kodachi 6.0-64 version installed fine to USB’s in previous tests – see the ‘Kodachi on USB’ post. I have also added a ‘Kodachi Linux’ Page, in the Page section just below the Posts section. I will not do much editing to the “Day 1” results that are listed below – I may include some pics of the Universal USB Installer (UUI)creating a ‘Live’ USB with Persistence added, in case anyone is interested in that handy method of testing ‘Live’ USB’s (you can save sessions that way). It is scattered and incomplete because of the many tests I went thru yesterday, and I simply don’t want to spend more time editing it. I devote so much time to Kodachi because it is such a powerful and unusual Linux Distro, and in most cases seems suitably for a wide range of users – from experts to newbies to the security conscious users, IMHO.
OK…today I tried one more time to install to USB; however, this time I used my main computer and also used Rufus USB creator to create the ‘Live’ Kodachi USB. Took almost 2 ½ hours, and wouldn’t boot all the way. Other than the ‘Live’ USB’s, I haven’t been able to get any USB installations to work in this 6.1 version of Kodachi.
The MicroSD went well, Kodachi installed in 1 ¼ hours, then booted and automatically rebooted like it should, and it worked fine on two PC’s but not the new laptop. Not working on my new laptop (‘Ace’) gave it a failing grade plus a reformatting.
Kodachi 6.1 seemed made for SSD installation! It would not install “Alongside Mint” so I took out a spare SSD (one of the spares from MX Linux failures – BTW, Kodachi 6.1 is now tied with MX Linux in my #3 Distro spot…fortunately for MX, it installs fine to USB, and Kodachi 6.1 doesn’t). Kodachi 6.1 installed in less than 8 minutes to the 120GB SSD.
Preparing to install…”Offline” or “Online”…I was wired connected thru Ethernet.
I selected English…
English keyboard (US)…
Install “third-party software” next…
It would not install “Alongside Mint” SSD, so I went with a spare SSD…Erase and Install…
This was on the MicroSD installation, using an old 32GB chip…
Here is the 120GB SSD installation…will select “Install Now”…
PopUp asks permission to make changes…select “Continue”
Where are you? New York time zone selected…
Next comes user name and password…Who are you? 1) do *NOT* change user name “kodachi” during installation. 2) *USE* their password – r@@t00 (that’s with double zero’s)…you can change user name and password after installation…
Welcome to Linux Kodachi … auto portion of installation begins…
It booted up perfectly after installation, and automatically rebooted again. I have never seen Kodachi move so fast on the desktop – even the browsers moved fast, the bookmarks installed fast…Kodachi 6.1 is very fast on SSD! It would have that Top 3 Spot all to itself, if it could’ve worked on a USB, but a tie isn’t too bad when considering how fast Kodachi 6.1 is on SSD, and also how well it did on some other tests today.
OK…let’s see if this new Kodachi 6.1 SSD install can be ‘Portable’ even in a bigger package than USB. Using a 2.0 USB to SATA Docking Station connected to test PC ‘Rose’ Kodachi 6.1 still worked fine. Connected the same 2.0 USB to SATA Docking Station to new laptop ‘Ace’ and Kodachi 6.1 worked great (Note: had to change BIOS setting from UEFI to Legacy in order to get the laptop to recognize the Docking Station & SSD).
That was Kodachi 6.1 working on a Desktop and a Laptop, whilst using a 2.0 USB to SATA Docking Station for the Kodachi 6.1 SSD. Let’s try that same SSD in a 3.0 USB to SATA Docking Station that is connected to my main PC computer (‘Antec’ Jr.), but first remove WIN10 SSD and Backup SSD from their 5.25in Trayless Hot Swap Mobile Racks to avoid corrupting them. The Trayless Racks are not portable, but these USB to SATA Docking Stations are not bad and only require a USB cable plus their electric adapter (certainly bigger that a USB, but still portable). Booted right into Kodachi 6.1 with no problems, other than having to change left and right mouse buttons since I use different wireless mice (or combos) on each computer. Recognized USB attached printer, and automatically installed/found right driver.
May test same Kodachi 6.1 SSD on an old test computer tomorrow…just to see if this Kodachi 6.1 installation can be used on 4 different computers (3 PC’s and 1 laptop) – great sign for portability even if package is bigger than a USB. Still, 6.1 worked great on 2 PC’s and a laptop today plus being much faster on SSD than the USB. The ‘Live’ USB MX Linux would not work on my laptop, which is a strike against its portability – even in a small USB package. UPDATE: Just finished testing an old 2006 build – same 2006 MB, but its had memory and processor upgrades over the years. The Kodachi 6.1 SSD worked great – different wireless Logitech mouse/keyboard combo, but must’ve had same drivers since no button change was needed. 3 Desktops and 1 Laptop – that’s a ‘Portable‘ OS!
Day 1
Reflecting on Kodachi 6.0 – Apps and/or programs are fast and snappy – with the exception of internet use, of course, since it offers several VPN’s (virtual private networks), plus TOR Tools (e.g. “Torify entire system”), web browsers from a Kodachi browser to a TOR browser to “Direct VPN” Firefox browser and something called the Sphere Tor Browser, DNS tools, security apps, and a bunch of other stuff I know nothing to very little about…all that security stuff is in place and setup for use already. Security will slow your internet connection down.
This is my 3rd post that focuses on Kodachi, so I’ll add a Kodachi Page in the blog’s ‘Page’ section just below the post section – Kodachi Linux page.
Downloaded the 2.9 GB new 6.1 Kodachi ISO this morning, and installed the ‘Live’ version to a USB using the YUMI – Multiboot USB Creator – i.e. no Persistence was added.
The Universal USB Installer (UUI) offers the ability to install Persistence. Here’s a Persistence info pic:
They also note that using Persistence is not recommended if you’re looking for full security performance:
Whichever way you go – YUMI or UUI or other USB creator – *Make Sure* Fat32 gets selected, and I usually set the Persistence bar to around 3GB on the slider (when I use it). Also, when booting the ‘Live’ USB remember to select the ‘Kodachi in Persistence mode’ selection if you installed it. Persistence allows you to store your changes in Kodachi flash memory in ‘Live’ mode, in case you plan to spend time testing before installing.
Here’s the UUI Persistence process in pics…
Select Kodachi from the Distro dropdown menu…
Select your already downloaded Kodachi iso…
Select USB, make sure Fat32 is selected, and set the Persistent file size – 4GB is max for auto and I usually set slider at around 3GB…then click “Create” and UUI will do the rest…
Installation ‘Hints’: Some things to remember before installation – 1) do *NOT* change user name “kodachi” during installation. 2) *USE* their password – r@@t00 (that’s with double zero’s) – when filling in the “Who are you?” section. 3) There are *TWO* install icons offered on the desktop – ‘Install Offline’ and a ‘Install Online’(I’m doing Online w/ install of 3rd party software also…Note: even when you use wired Ethernet connection, and select “Install Online” the install programs if you want to connect to Wi-Fi when been offered 3rd party software selection!?! – confusing!?!) – I have installed the 6.0-64 version several times, and it took me forever to get it installed the 1rst time (see: Kodachi ‘n TOR post). Today (on Kodachi 6.1-64), I missed the Online or Offline selection, and it didn’t install right (was also using old 2.0 USB’s – *UPDATE* looks like 2.0 USB was just too slow). It’s not a hard install, but I end up missing stuff that causes problems later. Follow Kodachi 6.1 web pages closely!
OK…still installing. Not sure what happened with 1rst attempt, but I took a nap after 2 hours and it looked like nothing much had happened when I woke (other than a green installing bar was gone)…which was a total of 3 ½ hours at that point. Am on the 2nd try now, using 3.0 USB’s this time, and it’s now into “Scanning the mirror” and retrieving more files after 1 ½ hours, so far. I almost had gave up again, when I noticed a dropdown section move, so it’s slow but looking better this time with the 3.0 USB’s. Another green bar showed up soon after it moved into this phase. I’ve had faster installs w/ Kodachi 6.0 – especially to HDD and SSD, but Kodachi is really made for ‘Live’ USB or installed to a USB (or at least 6.0 was), IMHO. Finally, 2 ¼ hours! (Update – that one didn’t work either.)
CPU usage was intensive during some attempts (and even afterwards – don’t ask) to install on USB (UPDATE 2 – I was wrong on that info, i.e. I was looking at the wrong CPU gauge area – installation was covering actual CPU info area, which was showing normal percentage activity when the top animation gauge was showing 100% activity. Update 1 – CPU usage was normal on the successful SSD attempt and normal on the MicroSD attempt that is still in progress).
Kodachi on USB
Am doing an update on my Kodachi ‘n TOR post – since I missed a section where they explained the importance of using ‘Their’ chosen password during installation (see “Hints” JPG below). That explanation was on the “Hints” page. On the “Installation” page (see “Installation” JPG below) they fully explained TWICE the importance of using ‘Their’ chosen username during installation – i.e. “Warning! Do not change the username of the system it should remain kodachi or some scripts won’t work after the installation.” – And – “Enter your info do not change the user name! keep it as kodachi then hit enter stay back and watch.” Kodachi 6.0 is so amazing (IMHO) that I wanted to do a proper update to that Kodachi ‘n TOR post. I am also planning to do a Page on Kodachi to provide a way to follow future releases, news, etc.
On their “Persistence” page (see “Persistence” JPG below) they go into details on how to create a USB for Kodachi installation. I have that installed on a small 16 GB USB drive.
I had no real problems in creating the installation USB drive – mainly just followed their instructions.
I have also just installed Kodachi 6.0 to the new ADATA 64 GB USB drive, and had no problems with it or the installation this time. Using their chosen username “kodachi” and password “r@@t00” during installation is key – note: username is already entered, but you will have to enter the password! I used “Install_Kodachi_Offline” … left “Install third-party software” checked … I just chose “Erase disk” and left the “Encrypt Kodachi (If you want to nuke Kodachi you must enable encryption on this step) + LVM” out since I don’t need them.
Again, further down you’ll come to “Enter your info do not change the user name! keep it as kodachi then hit enter stay back and watch” so don’t forget to add in their password: r@@t00. You can change password after installation and updating software.
(NOTE: just noticed that the 00 (double zero’s) came out as oo in the published post. I use WP Free version and it lacks a lot – again, it’s: r@@t00 – still won’t come thru, so note it as double zero’s)
Here are their Installation instructions:
Kodachi ‘n TOR
Linux Kodachi 6.0 “The Secure OS” has been kicking my buttocks for about 24 hours straight … so impressive was it that I just couldn’t sleep. Looks like it is a fairly new Linux distro, i.e. coming out in 2016. Downloaded it (2.26 GB ISO) and two more Linux distros early yesterday morning, but never got around to testing the other two. Normally never liked a cluttered looking Desktop, but this ‘Thang doesn’t feel cluttered, IMHO. Unlike Tails, Kodachi has been able to import my bookmarks into both TOR and Firefox browsers.
The Kodachi ISO was 2.26 GB download – so it’s loaded! Installed it on an old 16 GB Cruzer Blade, and started testing it. Installation instructions were scattered over four or so web-pages, so I didn’t get everything working w/o lots and lots and *LOTS* of deleting, reformatting and reinstalling – especially with USB. Two different USB’s were not compatible – GEEZ! A new ADATA 64 GB and a 20 GB SanDisk thumb just wouldn’t work right, i.e. not booting. I was trying to get the “persistence” storage to work, which would save sessions, settings and such on the USB drive. Finally thought to try another old 16 GB Cruzer Blade … I’ll put it on something bigger when the new USB’s arrive (two 32 GB and one 64 GB Kingston), if they work. BTW, that was some other missing info I found much later on installing website, i.e. some USB’s might not work.
I’ve never cared for using passwords for my computers. Windows at least gives you the option of saying no-to-passwords; however, Linux forces you to use a password, as far as I know, tho Puppy Linux seems to be the exception. I use “1 – 2 – 3” whenever I install any Linux distro (other than Puppy). Kodachi 6.0 seems to have some bugs in their password installation process, IMHO. The ‘Live’ Desktop has a choice to install Kodachi “Online” or “Offline” … lost count of how many times I used one or the other during my many attempts. Installation page mentions leaving user-name “kodachi” as is during the installation process, but says nothing about the password on that page. I left “kodachi” alone and punched in “1 – 2 – 3” as usual for password.
More Kodachi password problems .. well, most of the time Kodachi just wouldn’t boot on my USB’s, and I forget which ones it did boot on (other than Cruzer Blades). The ones it would boot on left me having to enter my password at startup, even tho I had checked Automatic startup during installation. I entered “1 – 2 – 3” until I would give up and start all over again. Eventually, I made “1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6″ my password – noting that Kodachi said it was Fair” this time instead of “short.” Kodachi continued to ignore my Automatic startup selection during installation, and now told me my new “1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6” password was incorrect.
After many more attempts, finally gave up on the USB’s and decided to try a 160 GB Linux test HDD … I have a Sata 5.25in Trayless Hot Swap Mobile Rack for 3.5in Hard Drives in all my computers, and they come in handy! Installation was extremely faster than the USB attempts, and Kodachi booted right into the new OS Desktop – Automatically this time. However, a few hours later, I was attempting to do some software updating when I was suddenly asked for a password … ?!?!?!?! Er, OK – enter “1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6” and got the wrong password notification again.
Can you say – Déjà vu to more Kodachi password problems, again .. I had spent many many hours of testing at this point, so I needed a brief break before attempting again. Back again, erased, reformatted and reinstalled again on the HDD … booted right up, passed my previous Automatic startup selection during installation, and right to asking me for a password – GEEZ!!! Er, OK – enter “1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6” and got the wrong password notification again. Ditto on the Déjà vu!
Went back to the Kodachi home page, and noticed a “Hints” section … went to the Hints page, and right at the top was:
To login as normal user (Recommended):
Username: kodachi
Password: r@@t00
Geez!!!!! Finally a password solution, after some 16-20 hours (who knows?!), and it’s past my bedtime. I’ll fix it all in the morning .. hit ‘Da Cot and tossed for close to an hour, before giving up ‘n getting up. Seems like I had found that “Hints” page before erasing and reformatting the HDD, but am not sure … anyway, from the HDD installation I punched in the newly discovered “j@@t00” password – BINGO!!!
With the HDD installation working again, it was time to try the USB installation … oh, in case I haven’t mentioned it yet, Kodachi recommended a USB of at least 30 GB, which was also probably on the same page that noted some USB’s might not work. Thusly, I’m back w/ the old 16 GB Cruzer Blade, and at the Kodachi “Persistence” page where it tells you how to get the USB ready for the persistence storage solution.
They are saying to download the Universal USB Installer which I already had in WIN10 (NOTE 1: I know that some Linux distros offer it – or did – but mostly under different names or whatever; NOTE 2: – I rarely try to search for such programs, drivers, and such since 4-5 years ago after finally finding a simple wireless USB Adapter that worked on some Linux distros, after the 3-4 year search for that one, but did search Ubuntu computer for this USB Installer and couldn’t find it; NOTE 3: I don’t allow Linux to tell me when to use a command prompt, i.e. I toss any distro that attempts to force me to use the command prompt – I’ll use it only when I want to, and Kodachi only left me at a command prompt looking ‘Thingie a few times, which was amazing considering how many attempts I made … besides, the OS is great!) … … … … now, continuing with the USB Installer, then selecting “Ubuntu” in step 1 – which apparently brings up the persistence storage bar at some point. Followed the other instructions, and finally set the persistence storage bar at 2 GB before clicking Burn button. Took the finished USB drive and plugged it into Rose (my Linux main machine) and booted up, and selected the “Persistence” mode at boot manager.
Just plugged the USB in, “Persistence” mode again, but no prompt for a password, and it went directly into the new Kodachi OS desktop! All my new settings, bookmarks and such are still here. Did set it to “Automatically save session on logout” in Session and Startup. Looks like after it settles down, it ‘remembers‘ the Automatic startup selection made during installation.
OK … I may make a Page for this Linux Kodachi OS – since am really liking it. USB is slow, but maybe a larger USB will help. I don’t think its built for speed anyway, with all this internet security and stealth modes involved … even the browsers in the Kodachi on the test HDD don’t seem as fast as my Firefox here on WIN10 – even TOR browser seems a little faster here in WIN10 than on Kodachi. TOR can be slow in both places. Definitely less secure here tho…definitely!
UPDATE: 1) Password can be change, but still needs to be at least 5 w/ letters, numbers and characters; go to Settings, then Users and Groups … also, in that same settings you can select “not to ask for password at startup” which I did .. so the user name shows up instead and you just hit enter key. 2) Internet is slower for sure – but even the Firefox browser hides your IP and such (e.g. Africa and places in Europe). Here’s another screenshot of a background:
Linux Newbie - since 1996 