I will not get into much details on how to setup the system. Indeed, I will reference main materials where you can easily find the right content, read and understand what you must do to get the job done.

If you have never installed an OS (*nix, preferably) on a machine, I would recommend you try that. But, there is a way to test *nix systems pretty fast! Just download the VirtualBox or any similar software that emulates a hardware for you. Learn how to use that!

Now, let’s start by downloading the installXX.iso image from here, probably the amd64 version, but if you are trying running it on an old machine, pick the i386 instead, that is used for 32bit systems.

After that, you can create an OpenBSD VM in your VirtualBox and reference the .iso file, that you just downloaded, in the disks preferences for that VM (Settings > Storage > Empty > Choose Virtual Optical Disk File…). So, you can go on clicking the start button.

Select your .iso!

If you opted for an old machine, you will need to ‘burn’ that .iso on a media, like a CD-ROM or USB drive. The Creating install media teaches you that.

Next, and this part I want to emphasize that, I’m really impressed by how fast and easy it is the OpenBSD install process! It’s simply amazing that you can get it done after some few questions, and most of them you can just accept the default value. Read carefully to understand what is going on and you will be at one step to login!

    Welcome to the OpenBSD/amd64 6.3 installation program.
    (I)nstall, (U)pgrade, (A)utoinstall or (S)hell? I_

Pick any name you feel nice. =)

    System hostname? (short form, e.g. 'foo') matrixbsd_

Choose a strong password for your root account!

    Password for root account? (will not echo) _
    Password for root account? (again) _

Choose ‘no’ if you do not intend to use it as a desktop. We’re installing a Server, right!?

    Do you expect to run the X Window System? [yes] no_

Choose ‘yes’ to continue with the installation.

    Directory does not contain SHA256.sig. Continue without verification? [no] yes_

Yes!

Now, choose ‘H’ for halt! and close the window after that. So, you can unset the .iso file from the VM settings to not get your system rebooted to the installation process again.

    Exit to (S)hell, (H)alt or (R)eboot? [reboot] H_

That’s it. We just finished installing a new fresh OpenBSD system! Do not forget to read your mail! Always check the output messages! Read the great manual afterboot too.

    $ man afterboot

Some more links!

• DistroWatch.com Lot’s of *nix systems that you can get a review and try!