Configure virtualization in your laptop to work with the Status Desktop build

[jorge-campo]

Team — You need to prepare your computers to run a virtual machine.

Your computers have other software installed that can interfere with the Status desktop app or Nimbus client. We need a clean environment where we can test things reliably.

• @Fabiomorais87 and @shamisem, you need this virtual machine to run an isolated Windows (Fabio) and Mac (Emma) environment.
• @cheny0, you will need to install Mac and Linux virtual machines. Installing Windows on a Mac with Apple silicon isn't easy. Hopefully, we can avoid Windows (not sure yet).

I started describing this process in this Notion page, but the content is incomplete.

What to do

The three of you, please:

1. Create a VM on your computer, as indicated above.
2. Update the Notion page collaboratively with the instructions to install the virtual machine. We need to keep this document updated. As you have to do things on your computer, update the page with the instructions.
3. Install the latest stable build for Status Desktop on that virtual machine, and verify you can open the desktop app and set up an account. For starters, use a new fake account, not your existing Status account.

More information

• @cheny0, since you're about to buy a new computer and the process in Mac differs from the process in Windows, you better wait until you have your Mac.
• @shamisem, you will need to use the UTM software and install a macOS virtual machine. 8 GB RAM + 64 GB disk is enough. Don't use the VM templates on the UTM webpage, they aren't good. @cheny0, you will use the same software.
• @Fabiomorais87, you have Windows, so there is no UTM for you. Windows has built-in virtualization via Hyper-V. You'll need to get familiar with Hyper-V and install a Windows 11 virtual machine. The Notion page has some starting points.
• The Status desktop builds are on this Jenkins page. Contact me if you can't find your build (.zip file, .exe file, or .dmg file).

Let me know if something is not clear.

Thanks.

[jorge-campo]

Please, check your box after you complete the tasks in "What to do"

• [x] Chen
• [x] Emma
• [ ] Fabio