docs: improve getting started and README documentation

README.md

@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ for contribution guidelines.
 Click [here](https://polaris.apache.org/in-dev/unreleased/) for a quick overview of Polaris.
 
 ## Quickstart
-Click [here](https://polaris.apache.org/in-dev/unreleased/getting-started/install-dependencies/) for the quickstart experience, which will help you set up a Polaris instance locally or on any supported cloud provider.
+Click [here](https://polaris.apache.org/in-dev/unreleased/getting-started/) for the quickstart experience, which will help you set up a Polaris instance locally or on any supported cloud provider.
 
 ## Building and Running 
 

site/content/in-dev/unreleased/getting-started/_index.md

@@ -23,3 +23,117 @@ weight: 101
 build:
   render: never
 ---
+
+# Getting Started with Apache Polaris Binary Distribution
+
+Quickly start Apache Polaris by running the pre-built binary, no build needed.
+
+---
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+- Java 21 or later installed. You can verify this by running:
+
+```bash
+java -version
+```
+
+- Basic familiarity with running commands in your operating system terminal.
+
+---
+
+## Step 1: Download the Apache Polaris Binary
+
+1. Visit the official Apache Polaris GitHub
+   [Releases page](https://github.com/apache/polaris/releases).
+
+2. Download the latest binary archive file, for example:
+
+```bash
+apache-polaris-<version>-bin.tar.gz
+```
+
+---
+
+## Step 2: Extract the Archive
+
+Extract the downloaded tar.gz file to your desired directory:
+
+```bash
+tar -xzvf apache-polaris-<version>-bin.tar.gz
+cd apache-polaris-<version>
+```
+
+*Replace `<version>` with the actual version number.*
+
+---
+
+## Step 3: Configure Polaris (Optional)
+
+Edit the `application.properties` file if needed. For example:
+
+```bash
+polaris.storage.backend=local
+polaris.storage.local.path=/data/polaris
+```
+*(This is a configuration file, not a shell command. Adjust these values as needed.)*
+
+---
+
+## Step 4: Run the Polaris Server
+
+Start the Polaris server using the provided script:
+
+```bash
+./bin/polaris-server.sh start
+```
+
+To tail the logs in a separate terminal, run:
+
+```bash
+tail -f logs/polaris.log
+```
+
+---
+
+## Step 5: Verify the Server is Running
+
+Open your browser and navigate to:
+
+```bash
+curl http://localhost:8181/api/catalog/v1/health
+```
+
+You should see the Polaris server running or be able to access its REST API.
+
+---
+
+## Step 6: Stop the Polaris Server
+
+To stop the server, run:
+
+```bash
+./bin/polaris-server.sh stop
+```
+
+---
+
+## Additional Resources
+
+- See the official Apache Polaris documentation for details.
+- Use ./bin/polaris-admin in the binary for admin and maintenance tasks.
+
+---
+
+Get started with Apache Polaris binaries. See repo for containers and more.
+
+---
+
+*Happy data cataloging with Apache Polaris!*
+
+---
+
+**Want to build or run Polaris from source?**  
+See the [Quickstart guide](https://polaris.apache.org/in-dev/unreleased/getting-started/quickstart/) for developer instructions and advanced setup.
+
+---