Welcome to Stormux
Welcome to Stormux. Stormux provides accessible Linux images and tools based on Arch Linux ARM and Arch Linux.
Stormux images include accessibility from the first boot. The console is covered by the Fenrir screen reader, the desktop is covered by Cthulhu, and current Raspberry Pi images include the I38 accessible desktop by default. Stormux uses XLibre for the X server stack, with PipeWire, Speech Dispatcher, and RHVoice forming the main accessible audio and speech path.
You can grab the latest images for the Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 5, and x86_64 systems from https://stormux.org/downloads. On first boot, Stormux starts with volume calibration before continuing through setup. The configure-stormux tool handles first-boot setup and ongoing configuration, including networking, screen setup, Fenrir layout, Bluetooth on supported hardware, help, repository setup, and removing I38 for users who want a console-oriented Arch-like system. You can also choose whether I38 starts at boot and whether Fenrir remains enabled for console sessions. To use the tool later, type configure-stormux at the prompt.
If you are interested in installing the Stormux repository on an Arch Linux system, aarch64 or x86_64, you can add it manually. First, download and add the repository signing key:
curl -fsSLO https://packages.stormux.org/stormux_repo.pub
sudo pacman-key --add stormux_repo.pub
sudo pacman-key --lsign-key 52ADA49000F1FF0456F8AEEFB4CDE1CD56EF8E82
Next, edit /etc/pacman.conf and add the Stormux repository before the [core] repository:
[stormux]
SigLevel = Required DatabaseOptional
Server = https://packages.stormux.org/$arch
Then refresh the package databases:
sudo pacman -Sy
If you prefer the convenience script, it performs the same setup automatically:
curl -fsSL https://stormux.org/add-stormux.sh | sudo bash
Help is available on the Stormux email list or by selecting “Get help on IRC” from the configure-stormux menu.
Subscribe to the Stormux Email List
To join the Stormux mailing list, send an email with the subject subscribe to the following address:
If your email client doesn’t open automatically, you can manually compose an email to stormux+subscribe@groups.io and set the subject to subscribe.
Migration to XLibre
There has been a lot of unwelcome chatter about X being deprecated. In fact, many distributions no longer ship Xorg by default. This has led to problems not only for Linux accessibility but for other applications as well. For an example of this, take a look at the KiCad blog.
Fortunately, despite best efforts to “deprecate Xorg,” it continues on, thanks to the XLibre project. At the time of writing this article, the project boasts over 500 contributors on its GitHub page. Note, it was pointed out to me that that statistic is all contributions from 2000. There is a graph that shows actual contribution information for each contributor if you are interested.
The Stormux Gaming Image: Level Up Your Raspberry Pi Experience!
Transform your Raspberry Pi into a powerful gaming machine with the exclusive Stormux Gaming Image! Optimized specifically for gaming performance, this custom image unlocks the full potential of your Pi 4 or 5. Watch this quick demonstration to see it in action!
Gaming Library
The image comes loaded with over 20 games right out of the box, including fan favorites:
- Doom
- Crazy Party
- RS Games
And this is just the beginning – the collection continues to grow!
Goals and Donating to Stormux
Stormux is dedicated to creating accessible software and Raspberry Pi images for the visually impaired. By leveraging the affordability of Raspberry Pi computers, we enable people with limited financial resources to access a fully functional desktop computing experience, including internet access, gaming, and productivity applications. This initiative is particularly impactful in developing countries, where traditional computers are often financially out of reach.
Key Advantages
- Cost-Effective: Raspberry Pi’s low cost makes computing accessible to more people
- Sustainable: Systems can run entirely on battery power, with solar charging capabilities
- Flexible: Users can customize their desktop environment and software setup to maximize performance
- Accessible: Designed with visual accessibility as a core feature
Open Source Projects
Stormux actively creates and contributes to several open-source accessibility projects:
Writing Stormux Images
Here follows methods of preparing removable media with the Stormux operating system. For normal Stormux Raspberry Pi images, use at least a 16GB microSD card or USB drive, a card reader if needed, and a host computer running Linux, macOS, or Windows. Larger or faster media is strongly preferred now that the image includes the desktop stack. You also need to determine the type of Raspberry Pi you have. Stormux is compatible with the Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5.
Backup and Restore
Keeping your data safe is very important. MicroSD cards and USB drives are somewhat fragile, and like any other data storage device, they can and will eventually stop working. If you are prepared for this eventuality, however, data recovery is as simple as removing the broken media and inserting the backup.
To backup your current installation of Stormux, you will need a microSD card or USB drive with at least as much space as your current one. You will also need a USB card reader if you are backing up to a microSD card. Insert the backup media into the reader, and attach it to the Pi.