Tails is a secure operating system that can rival macOS, Windows, or Linux. The system was designed to run on any computer, and you don’t need to download it onto the device to make it work. Tails works from a portable drive, making it very mobile and flexible. Download it onto a USB stick, shut your computer off, and turn it on again with the USB stick. This way, you can access your favorite operating system from anywhere.
The main unique selling point of Tails is safety and security. With its help, you can browse the internet without the risk of surveillance. The operating system has built-in protection against viruses. As a part of the Tor Project, Tails uses the Tor Browser to enable users to surf the internet without the risk of being tracked. All communication is encrypted, and data remains secure even in the case of a lost computer. In addition to that, it allows you to view content that may not be available in your country.
Why Should I Download Tails?
The main reason users choose Tails as their operating system is for the anonymity it provides online. As a Tor Project software, it runs all internet traffic through the Tor network, thus protecting users from online threats, surveillance, and censorship, and hiding their IP addresses. Conveniently, your internet activities will leave no digital footprint, allowing for true anonymity and privacy. That is because the OS is technically not a part of your computer’s software; it lives on a USB drive. For that reason, when you unplug the USB, all the data is erased from your computer.
Another reason people appreciate Tails is because it’s a portable security solution. You don’t need to install a safe browser or operating system on your laptop and carry it everywhere with you to be safe on the internet. Instead, you get to carry the operating system with you in a vessel as small as a USB stick and turn any computer into a safe device for browsing the internet. In essence, it is a flexible solution that can be applied to any computer without long and complex installation processes.
Tails is effective against malware and viruses. It enables private browsing and encrypts your emails. Journalists and activists choose this tool to bypass censorship and enjoy full anonymity online.
Is Tails Free?
Yes, Tails is free. It is an open-source solution developed as part of the Tor Project.
What Operating Systems Are Compatible with Tails?
Tails is an operating system that can be used on most 64-bit computers. Make sure your computer has at least 2 GB RAM.
You can use the operating system on Windows computers running Windows 7 or later. Linux computers are supported as well. As for macOS, only Intel-based Macs are supported, as long as the operating system is macOS 10.10 or later.
What Are the Alternatives to Tails?
Tails is not a unique product, and alternatives exist.
One of them is Qubes OS—a secure operating system for computers. Unlike Tails, Qubes OS has to be installed on your computer to work. The program focuses on cybersecurity rather than online anonymity. It works on protecting your computer from cyberattacks, but that’s not all. You can section your apps into different “qubes,” so if one has been targeted by malware or hackers, the others will remain secure. Qubes OS is a great solution for people looking for a permanent browser for their computer, though it may be challenging to use at first.
Another alternative that focuses on security over privacy is OpenBSD. OpenBSD is an operating system built in 1995. It has since become one of the most secure and reliable alternative operating systems available. Its developers implemented multiple advanced features and procedures to ensure total safety for users, including technologies like LibreSSL and OpenNTPD. Those looking for a tried and true solution should give OpenBSD a go.
Whonix is another secure operating system that’s rooted in Debian and Tor. The OS prioritizes anonymity online, making sure user information and IP addresses are not being tracked, stored, or shared. At the same time, it offers robust protection against malware. If you’re looking for a secure alternative to Tails that you can install on your computer, then Whonix is a fantastic choice.
