# A Linux machine

> Set up Ubuntu, Debian or Fedora with zc-workstation: apt or dnf packages, dotfiles, runtimes, systemd user units and GNOME settings.

zc-workstation runs the same way on Linux as on macOS: one config, a plan, an apply. The packages come from apt or dnf, background jobs are systemd user units, and GNOME settings are `gsettings` keys. CI applies a config in fresh Ubuntu 24.04 and Fedora 42 containers before each release, then checks that nothing is left and `doctor` passes.

## Before the first plan

Install what zc-workstation drives. On a fresh install with no package lists yet, apply runs `sudo apt-get update` before the first apt install.

**Ubuntu and Debian**

```console
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install -y curl git
$ sh -c "$(curl -fsLS get.chezmoi.io)" -- -b ~/.local/bin
$ curl https://mise.run | sh
```

**Fedora**

```console
$ sudo dnf install -y chezmoi git
$ curl https://mise.run | sh
```

Install zc-workstation from the release’s `.deb` or `.rpm`, or with `go install`, as [Getting started](getting-started.html#_install_zc_workstation) shows.

## A config for Linux

Give each Linux-only target `os: [linux]`, so the same config also drives your Mac. Targets without `os`, such as dotfiles and runtimes, run everywhere.

```yaml
version: 1
targets:
  - name: apt
    provider: packages
    os: [linux]
    manager: apt            # or dnf on Fedora
    file: apt.txt
  - name: home
    provider: dotfiles
    source: home
  - name: runtimes
    provider: tools
    file: mise.toml
  - name: jobs
    provider: services
    os: [linux]
    agents: [~/.config/systemd/user/backup.timer]
  - name: gnome
    provider: settings
    os: [linux]
    gsettings:
      org.gnome.desktop.interface:
        color-scheme: prefer-dark
  - name: keys
    provider: keyboard
    os: [linux]
    file: keyd.conf
```

`apt.txt` and `dnf.txt` hold one package per line, as the manager names them. `zc-workstation capture -target apt` writes the file from what the machine has.

-   **Packages** install with `sudo apt-get install -y` or `sudo dnf install -y`. They run attached to your terminal, so sudo asks for your password.
    
-   **Services** enables each unit with `systemctl --user enable --now` after a `daemon-reload`. Write the unit files with the dotfiles target, which comes first.
    
-   **Settings** writes each key with `gsettings set`. GNOME applies it at once. A light theme is `color-scheme: prefer-light` with `gtk-theme: Adwaita`.
    
-   **Keyboard** installs a keyd config with sudo and enables keyd. Start from `assets/keyd/default.conf`: Caps Lock is Escape on tap, Hyper on hold.
    

[Providers](providers.html) has every key for each provider.

## Plan, apply, check

```console
$ zc-workstation plan -out plan.json
$ zc-workstation apply plan.json
$ zc-workstation doctor
```

`doctor` lists each program a target needs, so a missing `dnf` on an Ubuntu machine shows as a failing check: keep one packages target per manager, or give each its own config.

## Not on Linux yet

The `desktop` provider (wallpaper, screen saver, accent colour) and the `defaults` keys of `settings` are macOS only. ZCBar and ZC Care are macOS apps. The [roadmap](roadmap.html) tracks what comes next.