Getting Started with PanOS

What is PanOS?

PanOS is a minimal, from-scratch Linux operating system specifically designed for JavaScript developers. It combines:

• Linux Kernel 6.6.15 - Custom compiled for minimal footprint
• Node.js v24.0.0 - Integrated as the primary runtime
• npm - Package manager pre-installed
• Busybox 1.35 - Complete Unix toolset
• QEMU Compatible - Runs in virtual machines instantly
• Bootable ISO - Can be installed on physical hardware

The entire system fits in ~160 MB and boots in seconds.

Why PanOS?

30-Second Quick Start

# 1. Install dependencies (one time, requires sudo)
./0-install-deps.sh

# 2. Build PanOS (20-30 minutes)
./1-build.sh

# 3. Run in QEMU
./2-run.sh

That's it! You'll see a shell prompt ready to run Node.js.

What Happens After Build?

Once you see the prompt:

/ #

You can immediately run:

# Check Node.js
node --version           # v24.0.0
npm --version            # 10.x.x

# Run JavaScript
node -e "console.log('Hello from PanOS!')"

# Create a project
npm init -y
npm install express      # install packages

# Run the boot script
node boot.js

# List available commands
ls /bin                  # hundreds of busybox commands

Exiting PanOS

Press Ctrl+A then X to exit QEMU and return to your terminal.

System Requirements

Your host machine needs:

• OS: Ubuntu 20.04+ or Debian-based Linux
• RAM: Minimum 4 GB (recommended 8 GB)
• Disk Space: 30 GB free (kernel compilation needs space)
• CPU: Multi-core processor (build uses all cores)
• Time: 20-30 minutes for first build

What's in the Build?

After running ./1-build.sh, you get:

~/pan-os-iso/build/
├── vmlinuz              # Linux kernel (~3.3 MB)
├── initramfs.cpio       # Root filesystem (~140 MB)
└── pan-os-booteable.iso # Bootable ISO (~156 MB)

These files are:

• vmlinuz: The compiled Linux kernel
• initramfs.cpio: Complete filesystem with Busybox + Node.js
• ISO: For booting on physical machines

Validation

After build completes, check status:

./3-check.sh

This validates:

• ✅ Kernel present
• ✅ Initramfs created
• ✅ Node.js integrated
• ✅ npm included
• ✅ ISO ready

Next Steps

1. Learn the Prerequisites → Read 02-prerequisites.mdx
2. Deep Dive into Build Process → Read 04-building.mdx
3. Understanding Architecture → Read 06-architecture.mdx
4. Advanced Customization → Read 10-advanced.mdx

Troubleshooting Quick Fixes

Common Questions

Q: Can I boot PanOS on real hardware?
A: Yes! Use ./4-create-iso.sh to create an ISO, then burn to USB with dd command.

Q: How long does build take?
A: 20-30 minutes on a modern 4-core machine. Faster on higher core counts.

Q: Can I modify the source?
A: Absolutely. All scripts are editable. See 10-advanced.mdx for customization.

Q: What if build fails halfway?
A: Run ./1-build.sh again. It will resume from where it failed.

Next Document: 02-prerequisites.mdx - Complete system requirements and validation