Shadowfetch Linux
Hardware notes
Shadowfetch Linux targets ordinary 64-bit Intel and AMD PCs. The short version: 8 GB RAM and 100 GB disk is comfortable; 16 GB+ is better if you plan to render video or work on large creative projects.
- Arch
- 64-bit x86
- RAM
- 8 GB comfortable
- Disk
- 100 GB comfortable
- Heavy creative work
- 16 GB+ RAM
Recommended system
| Part | Requirement |
|---|---|
| CPU | 64-bit Intel or AMD processor. Newer multi-core CPUs make development, video, and creative workloads much nicer. |
| Memory | 4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended for the desktop, 16 GB+ recommended for heavier creative work and large projects. |
| Storage | 40 GB minimum, 100 GB+ recommended. Creative projects and application caches can consume several GB each. |
| Graphics | Intel and AMD use the included Mesa stack. Proprietary NVIDIA drivers are an explicit post-install download through shadowfetch-gpu. Hybrid laptops need validation on the actual hardware. |
| Firmware | UEFI or legacy BIOS. Secure Boot is not signed yet, so disable Secure Boot before booting the ISO. |
NVIDIA and hybrid laptops
The ISO does not include the proprietary NVIDIA driver. Runshadowfetch-gpu to inspect the installation plan. Setup checks the vendor repository package, uses NVIDIA's hardware selector, simulates transactions, refuses removals and verifies the kernel module. It requires a download and administrator approval. After reboot, runshadowfetch-gpu --verify to check the driver and renderer. Hybrid firmware and offload behavior need validation on the actual laptop. The following command is for an installed, working NVIDIA offload setup.
__NV_PRIME_RENDER_OFFLOAD=1 __GLX_VENDOR_LIBRARY_NAME=nvidia blenderCompatibility
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and peripherals
Hardware support comes mostly from Debian testing firmware and kernel packages. Intel Wi-Fi is usually uneventful. Some Broadcom, Realtek, fingerprint readers, RGB controllers, and very new Bluetooth chipsets may need follow-up firmware work.
Virtual machines
Shadowfetch boots in common VMs. Allocate at least 2 CPU cores, 4 GB RAM, and 40 GB disk. Enable 3D acceleration if your hypervisor supports it. Heavy rendering inside a VM is possible, but bare metal is the real target.
What to include in hardware reports
- Exact ISO filename and checksum result.
- Computer model, CPU, GPU, RAM, disk type, and Wi-Fi chipset if known.
- UEFI vs legacy BIOS, Secure Boot state, and whether the live session booted.
- For installer issues, the Calamares step where it failed.
Send that report tolinux@shadowfetchlinux.orgor open aGitHub issue.
Download the ISOInstall guide →Known issues
Debian is a registered trademark of Software in the Public Interest, Inc. Shadowfetch Linux is an independent derivative and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Debian project.