ColossusCloud maintains a library of over 40 ISOs that you can boot your VPS from. This feature enables manual OS installations, rescue operations, and testing scenarios that go beyond our standard template library.
Accessing the ISO boot feature
To boot your VPS from an ISO:
- Log into the ColossusCloud control panel
- Navigate to your VPS server list
- Click the gear icon next to the VPS you want to configure
- Select Boot from ISO from the menu
- Choose an ISO from the library
- Confirm to reboot your VPS
Your VPS will shut down and boot from the selected ISO image. You can then connect via the built-in VNC console to complete your installation or recovery task. When finished, use the same menu to boot back to your normal disk.
Available ISOs
Ubuntu
| Version | Type |
|---|---|
| Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | Server |
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | Server |
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | Server |
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | Desktop |
| Ubuntu 25.10 | Desktop |
| Ubuntu 25.10 | Server |
Debian
| Version | Notes |
|---|---|
| Debian 12.0 | Stable release |
| Debian 13.2 | Testing/Trixie |
Enterprise Linux (RHEL-compatible)
| Distribution | Versions |
|---|---|
| AlmaLinux | 8.10, 9.7, 10.1 |
| Rocky Linux | 8.10, 9.7, 10.1 Minimal |
| CentOS | 7 (legacy), Stream 9, Stream 10 |
| Oracle Linux | 10 |
Fedora
| Version | Type |
|---|---|
| Fedora 43 | Workstation |
| Fedora 43 | Server |
Arch Linux
| Version | Notes |
|---|---|
| Arch Linux 2025.11.01 | Rolling release |
| Arch Linux 2025.12.01 | Rolling release |
Arch Linux is a rolling release distribution, so we keep recent monthly snapshots available.
Other Linux distributions
| Distribution | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Linux Mint | 22.2 Cinnamon | Ubuntu-based desktop |
| Kali Linux | 2025.2 | Security and penetration testing |
| Slackware | 15.0 | One of the oldest Linux distributions |
| Gentoo | Minimal | Source-based, compile everything |
| Mageia | 9 | Community fork of Mandriva |
| NixOS | Graphical | Declarative configuration |
BSD operating systems
| Distribution | Version |
|---|---|
| FreeBSD | 14.3 |
| OpenBSD | 64-bit (current) |
Virtualization platforms
| Platform | Version | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Proxmox VE | 9.0 | Hypervisor management |
Proxmox VE allows you to run nested virtualization on your VPS, creating VMs within your VM. This requires a VPS with adequate resources and nested virtualization support.
Network appliances
| Platform | Version | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| OPNsense | 25.7 | Firewall and routing |
| VyOS | 1.5 Stream | Network OS and router |
| FreePBX | 16, 17 | VoIP PBX system |
These network-focused ISOs let you build routers, firewalls, and phone systems on VPS infrastructure.
Other operating systems
| OS | Version |
|---|---|
| Oracle Solaris | 11.4 |
Common use cases
Rescue and recovery
When your VPS won’t boot or you need to recover data:
- Boot from a lightweight ISO like Debian or Ubuntu Server
- Mount your VPS disk
- Access files, fix configurations, or copy data
- Reboot back to normal operation
Manual OS installation
Some scenarios require manual installation rather than templates:
- Custom partition layouts
- Full-disk encryption setup
- Specific filesystem configurations (ZFS, Btrfs)
- Installing distributions we don’t offer as templates
Testing and experimentation
Try distributions before committing:
- Test Arch Linux before switching from Ubuntu
- Evaluate Proxmox for nested virtualization
- Experiment with NixOS configuration management
- Build a lab environment with OPNsense
Network appliances
Deploy network infrastructure:
- Build a VPN endpoint with OPNsense or VyOS
- Set up FreePBX for VoIP services
- Create a routing testbed
Technical notes
VirtIO drivers
Most Linux distributions include VirtIO drivers by default. For optimal performance, ensure your chosen ISO supports:
virtio-blkfor diskvirtio-netfor networkingvirtio-scsifor additional storage
Resource requirements
ISOs vary significantly in resource needs:
| Type | Minimum RAM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal installers | 512 MB | Debian netinstall, Arch |
| Server installers | 1 GB | Ubuntu Server, AlmaLinux |
| Desktop installers | 2 GB | Ubuntu Desktop, Mint |
| Virtualization | 4 GB+ | Proxmox VE |
Networking during installation
Your VPS network configuration (IP, gateway, DNS) is available during installation. Most installers can auto-configure via DHCP, but manual configuration uses the same settings shown in your portal.
Requesting additional ISOs
If you need an ISO that’s not in our library, log into the ColossusCloud control panel and open a feature request ticket. We regularly evaluate customer requests and add ISOs based on demand. Popular requests get prioritized.
Ready to boot from ISO? Log into the ColossusCloud control panel, click the gear icon next to your VPS, and select Boot from ISO.