BcalcOS uses a custom, GUI installer. It is designed to simplify the Linux installation process, particularly for users who may not be familiar with disk partitioning and other installation choices. That simplicity does come with some trade-offs.
(1) Disk Structure
The installer uses a fixed four-partition disk layout:
- EFI System Partition or BIOS boot partition
- Root (operating system)
- Swap
- Home
Partition sizes are determined dynamically by the installer.
This is an intentional design choice. Many Linux distributions provide more flexibility in how a disk is partitioned. While that can be useful for experienced users, it also adds complexity and more opportunities for mistakes during installation.
(2) Secure Boot
Secure Boot is not currently supported which is fairly common for Linux distributions. It must be disabled before installing BcalcOS. Support may be added in the future.
(3) Hibernation
Hibernation is not supported. Swap encryption prioritized. Fairly common for Linux distributions.
(4) Dual-Boot Installations
Dual-booting BcalcOS with another operating system is supported when the operating systems are installed on separate physical disks.
Single-disk dual-boot installations are not supported. The installer erases the entire selected disk.
This is an intentional design choice. Many Linux distributions do facilitate dual-boot installations on a single physical disk.