This howto explains how to get GNU Radio up und running without installing, compiling, fiddling with OS stuff etc.

• Basic computer knowledge
• A rad1o with HKRF-OLD as default application.

• Get the latest version of Pentoo Linux from http://pentoo.ch/download/. You have the choice between “default” and “hardened” versions. For our purpose (just playing with GNU Radio) “default” is recommended.
• Burn the .iso on a DVD or install it to USB stick and make it bootable
• Boot your computer from the DVD or USB stick (this will take some time…).
• When you reach the shell prompt, connect rad1o (which must be turned on) to your computer
• hackrf_info should show that rad1o was detected (with some text like “Found HackRF board”)
• Now you can use all GNU Radio command line tools like hackrf_transfer
• If you want to use graphical tools like GNU Radio Companion (grc) or osmocom_fft:
  • startx to start the desktop environment
  • Start GNU Radio Companion (Applications ⇒ )

• A working GNU Radio with all of it's tools

Credits to Michael Ossmann (the “Great Scott” ) for providing the info (source).