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malta-workshop/docs/USB_BOOT_INSTRUCTIONS.md

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USB Boot Instructions

Quick Reference Card

Workshop WiFi: CODE_CRISPIES / Password: scienceinthecity2025

How to Boot from USB Drive

Step 1: Insert USB Drive

  • Insert the CODE CRISPIES workshop USB drive
  • Do NOT remove it until workshop ends

Step 2: Boot from USB

Desktop PC / Most Laptops

  1. Restart your computer
  2. Press and HOLD one of these keys immediately as it starts:
    • F12 (most common)
    • F11
    • F9
    • ESC
  3. Select USB Drive or UEFI: USB Drive from boot menu
  4. Press Enter

Mac (Intel)

  1. Restart your Mac
  2. Press and HOLD Option (⌥) key immediately
  3. Select the USB drive (may show as "EFI Boot")
  4. Press Enter

Mac (Apple Silicon M1/M2)

  1. Shut down completely
  2. Press and HOLD the power button until you see startup options
  3. Select the USB drive option
  4. Click Continue

If Boot Menu Doesn't Appear

Windows PC:

  1. Boot into Windows
  2. Hold Shift + click Restart
  3. Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced → UEFI Firmware
  4. Find Boot Order settings
  5. Move USB Drive to top of list
  6. Save and exit

Popular Manufacturer Keys:

  • Dell: F12
  • HP: F9 or ESC then F9
  • Lenovo: F12 or Fn + F12
  • ASUS: F8 or ESC
  • Acer: F12
  • MSI: F11
  • Samsung: F2 then navigate to Boot tab
  • Toshiba: F12

What You Should See

  1. NixOS Boot Screen appears
  2. System loads (takes 30-60 seconds)
  3. Desktop environment starts automatically
  4. GNOME desktop appears (terminal does not auto-open)
  5. Open terminal manually: click terminal icon or press Ctrl + Alt + T

Getting Started Commands

# WiFi connects automatically to CODE_CRISPIES or APSFreeWiFi - no manual setup needed!
# Set up your local environment
setup

# See available app recipes
recipes

# If abra installation failed (rare case)
install

# Get help
help

Mobile Hotspot Instructions

If WiFi isn't working:

iPhone: Settings → Personal Hotspot → Turn On Name: iPhone, Password: (ask facilitator)

Android: Settings → Network → Hotspot & Tethering → Mobile Hotspot Name: Android, Password: (ask facilitator)

Troubleshooting

"No bootable device" → Try different F-key (F11, F9, ESC) → USB drive may not be properly inserted

Mac won't boot USB
→ USB drive might need to be reformatted for Mac → Ask facilitator for Mac-compatible USB

Boots to Windows/Mac instead → You didn't press the boot key fast enough → Restart and try again immediately

Terminal doesn't open automatically → Click terminal icon in taskbar (GNOME Console) → Or press Ctrl + Alt + T → Note: Terminal no longer auto-starts to prevent boot hangs

Can't connect to internet → WiFi should connect automatically to "CODE_CRISPIES" or "APSFreeWiFi" → If connecting to APSFreeWiFi, complete browser login when prompted → If not, use mobile hotspot as backup → Check: nmcli connection show --active

Abra not working → Run: install → Check: sudo systemctl status workshop-abra-install