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Installation & Security FAQ

Common questions about installing Kawai and security warnings.

Windows Installation

Why does Windows show a security warning?

Short answer: Kawai is a new application that hasn't built "reputation" with Microsoft yet.

Long answer:

Windows SmartScreen is a security feature that warns users about applications that:

  1. Don't have a code signing certificate (costs $200-600/year)
  2. Haven't been downloaded by many users (need thousands of downloads)
  3. Are new or recently updated (each version needs reputation)

This is normal for new open source projects. Many legitimate applications show this warning initially, including:

  • Early versions of VS Code
  • Discord (in early days)
  • Many indie games and tools
  • Open source developer tools

Is Kawai safe to install?

Yes! Here's why you can trust Kawai:

✅ Open Source: All code is public on GitHub

✅ Verifiable: You can review the code yourself or ask developers to audit it

✅ Community: Active Discord community with real users

✅ Transparent: We're honest about why the warning appears

✅ No Malware: Scan with any antivirus - it's clean

How do I install despite the warning?

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download from official GitHub Releases only
    - ✅ https://github.com/kawai-network/veridium/releases
    - ❌ Don't download from random websites

  2. See the warning: "Windows protected your PC"
    - This is expected - don't panic!

  3. Click "More info"
    - Small text link at bottom of warning

  4. Click "Run anyway"
    - Button appears after clicking "More info"

  5. Allow UAC prompt
    - Click "Yes" when Windows asks for permission

  6. Install normally
    - Follow the installation wizard

Can I verify the download is safe?

Yes! Verify the file hash:

# Open PowerShell in download folder
Get-FileHash Kawai-{VERSION}-windows-amd64.zip -Algorithm SHA256

Compare the output with the hash in checksums.txt from the release. If they match, the file is authentic and hasn't been tampered with.

When will the warning go away?

We're working on it! Here's our plan:

Phase 1 (Current): Unsigned builds with clear documentation

Phase 2 (After 1000+ users): Purchase code signing certificate ($200-300/year)
- Warning will still appear for 3-6 months while building reputation
- But shows our verified identity

Phase 3 (After validation): Upgrade to EV certificate ($400-600/year)
- Instant trust, no warning
- Requires registered company

Phase 4 (Future): Microsoft Store version
- No warning at all
- Automatic updates
- Easier installation

What if my antivirus blocks it?

Some antivirus software is extra cautious with unsigned applications.

Solutions:

  1. Temporarily disable real-time protection during installation
  2. Add exception for Kawai installer and installation folder
  3. Whitelist the application after scanning
  4. Use Windows Defender only (usually less aggressive)

Popular antivirus compatibility:

Antivirus Status Notes
Windows Defender ✅ Works May show SmartScreen
Avast ⚠️ May block Add exception
AVG ⚠️ May block Add exception
Kaspersky ⚠️ May block Add exception
Norton ⚠️ May block Add exception
Bitdefender ✅ Usually OK Scan first

Can I use Microsoft Store instead?

We're working on a Microsoft Store version! Benefits:

  • ✅ No SmartScreen warning
  • ✅ Automatic updates
  • ✅ Easier installation
  • ✅ Trusted distribution

Status: In development. Join our Discord for updates.

macOS Installation

Why does macOS say "unidentified developer"?

Similar to Windows, macOS Gatekeeper protects users from unsigned applications.

Solution:

  1. Right-click (or Control+click) on Kawai.app
  2. Select "Open" from menu
  3. Click "Open" in dialog
  4. Or: System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Click "Open Anyway"

When will macOS signing be available?

Soon! macOS signing is our top priority:

  • Cost: $99/year (Apple Developer account)
  • Timeline: Implementing in next release
  • Benefit: No Gatekeeper warning

We're prioritizing macOS because:
- Gatekeeper is stricter than SmartScreen
- User experience impact is higher
- Cost is lower ($99 vs $200-600)

Linux Installation

What format is the Linux build?

We provide a .tar.gz archive containing the Kawai binary. This works on all Linux distributions.

To install:

# Extract the archive
tar -xzf Kawai-{VERSION}-linux-amd64.tar.gz

# Make executable (if needed)
chmod +x Kawai

# Run the application
./Kawai

# Optional: Install system-wide
sudo mv Kawai /usr/local/bin/

Why isn't there a .deb or .rpm package?

We currently provide .tar.gz for maximum compatibility. Package formats coming soon:

Planned:
- ✅ .tar.gz (available now)
- 🔄 .deb package (in progress)
- 🔄 .rpm package (in progress)
- 🔄 AppImage (planned)
- 🔄 Flatpak (planned)
- 🔄 Snap (planned)

Do I need to install dependencies?

Most modern Linux distributions include required dependencies. If you get errors:

Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt install libgtk-3-0 libwebkit2gtk-4.1-0

Fedora/RHEL:

sudo dnf install gtk3 webkit2gtk4.1

Arch:

sudo pacman -S gtk3 webkit2gtk-4.1

General Security

How do I know this isn't malware?

Multiple ways to verify:

  1. Check the source code
    - All code is open source on GitHub
    - Review it yourself or ask a developer friend

  2. Scan with antivirus
    - Use VirusTotal.com
    - Scan with your local antivirus
    - Should show 0 detections

  3. Verify file hash
    - Compare SHA256 hash with GitHub Releases
    - Ensures file hasn't been tampered with

  4. Check community
    - Join our Discord
    - Ask existing users
    - Read reviews and feedback

  5. Monitor behavior
    - Use Process Monitor (Windows)
    - Check network connections
    - Review file system access

What data does Kawai collect?

We collect minimal data:

✅ Collected:
- Wallet addresses (public blockchain data)
- Usage statistics (anonymous)
- Reward calculations (for claiming)
- Error logs (for debugging)

❌ Never collected:
- Private keys (stored locally only)
- Personal information
- AI conversation content
- Browsing history
- Location data

Is my wallet safe?

Yes! Your wallet is self-custodial:

  • 🔐 Private keys stored on your device only
  • 🔒 Encrypted with your password
  • 🚫 Never sent to our servers
  • ✅ You control your funds completely

We cannot access your wallet or funds. You're in full control.

Can I review the code?

Absolutely! We're fully open source:

What if I'm still concerned?

We understand security concerns! Here's what you can do:

  1. Wait for signed version
    - Coming in next few months
    - Will remove security warnings

  2. Use in VM first
    - Test in virtual machine
    - Verify behavior before main system

  3. Start with testnet
    - No real money at risk
    - Test all features safely

  4. Ask the community
    - Join our Discord
    - Ask questions
    - Get real user feedback

  5. Contact us
    - Email: security@getkawai.com
    - Discord: discord.gg/kawai
    - GitHub: Open an issue

Troubleshooting

Installation fails completely

Try these steps:

  1. Run as Administrator (Windows)
  2. Disable antivirus temporarily
  3. Check disk space (need 500MB+)
  4. Update Windows/macOS to latest version
  5. Download again (file might be corrupted)
  6. Check system requirements in Requirements

App crashes on startup

Common causes:

  1. Missing dependencies (Linux)
    - Install required libraries
    - Check error messages

  2. Corrupted installation
    - Uninstall completely
    - Delete app data folder
    - Reinstall fresh

  3. Conflicting software
    - Close other apps
    - Disable VPN temporarily
    - Check firewall settings

  4. Outdated system
    - Update OS to latest version
    - Update graphics drivers
    - Install system updates

Can't connect to network

Check these:

  1. Internet connection working
  2. Firewall not blocking Kawai
  3. VPN not interfering
  4. Proxy settings correct
  5. Antivirus not blocking network

Firewall exceptions needed:

  • Outbound: Port 443 (HTTPS)
  • Outbound: Port 8545 (Ethereum RPC)
  • Outbound: Port 30303 (P2P, optional)

Getting More Help

Where can I get support?

Multiple channels:

  1. Discord (fastest): discord.gg/kawai
    - Community help
    - Real-time chat
    - Voice support

  2. GitHub Issues: github.com/kawai-network/veridium/issues
    - Bug reports
    - Feature requests
    - Technical discussions

  3. Email: support@getkawai.com
    - Detailed issues
    - Private concerns
    - Business inquiries

  4. Documentation: docs.getkawai.com
    - Comprehensive guides
    - FAQ sections
    - Video tutorials

What information should I provide?

When asking for help, include:

  1. Operating System: Windows 10/11, macOS version, Linux distro
  2. App Version: Check in About section
  3. Error Message: Exact text or screenshot
  4. Steps to Reproduce: What you did before error
  5. System Specs: RAM, CPU, disk space
  6. Logs: Check app data folder for log files

Where to find logs:

  • Windows: %APPDATA%\Kawai\logs
  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Kawai/logs
  • Linux: ~/.config/Kawai/logs

Still have questions? Check our other FAQs:

Or contact support directly!