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Alternative Operating Systems For Increased Privacy

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Agr8buzz
@agr8buzz
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4 min read

Many people continue to use windows or Mac OS, despite the fact they are known to invade your privacy in order to collect large amounts of "diagnostic data".

And while Mac OS is generally considered slightly more private, fact is it remains closed source, and virtually impossible to verify independence from government agencies.

I'm an advocate of privacy and am personally willing to sacrifice a small level of convenience in order to protect my data.

At present I'm using a small number of freely available tools on a daily basis to help protect my privacy and data in an attempt to remain pseudo-anonymous.

It's time for me to start explore alternative operating systems, and eventually build a portable OS that can work off of a solid state drive or even a small flash drive.

Tails OS

A potable Debian based Linux distro which leaves no trace on the machine that it's temporarily operates on.

It's also the OS that is believed to have been used by Edward Snowdon during his whistle blowing mission. In fact he has come out and recommended use of this OS in the past.

You can use it on other peoples computers and carry encrypted and persistent documents and settings for some added conveniences. Another key feature being all network traffic is automatically routed through the Tor network for anonymous communication.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2BYWYS73G0

Tails includes an email client, a passwords manager, office suite and file manager out of the box.

Tails OS is built specifically to help you avoid online surveillance, censorship and tracking. It's hard to physically access because of it's temporary nature, as it disappears once it's shutdown.

Key Features:

  • Tails uses the Tor network to protect your privacy online and help you avoid censorship. Enjoy the Internet like it should be.
  • Shut down the computer and start on your Tails USB stick instead of starting on Windows, macOS, or Linux. Tails leaves no trace on the computer when shut down.
  • Tails includes a selection of applications to work on sensitive documents and communicate securely. Everything in Tails is ready-to-use and has safe defaults.
  • You can download Tails for free and independent security researchers can verify our work. Tails is based on Debian GNU/Linux.

Qubes OS

"If you're serious about security, QubesOS is the best OS available today. It's what I use, and free. Nobody does VM isolation better." -Edward Snowdon

Qubes OS works to enhances security through isolation with the added bonus that it can apparently be used as a permanent operated system.

It uses virtualization technology to isolate different programs from each other, so if one program was attacked the remaining programs and systems are protected to a degree through isolation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aghj8MyDF4I

QubesOS can also run windows programs in it's virtual machines. An option if you are looking for a more permanent operating system with improved security. However from what I've found through my research it's a major resource hog and shouldn't really be attempted unless you have a large amount of RAM and an octa-core processor.

This solution is a larger commitment, but the result is a more permanent solution.

Ket features:

  • Qubes brings to your personal computer the security of the Xen hypervisor, the same software relied on by many major hosting providers to isolate websites and services from each other.
  • Can't decide which Linux distribution you prefer? Still need that one Windows program for work? With Qubes, you're not limited to just one OS.
  • With Whonix integrated into Qubes, using the Internet anonymously over the Tor network is safe and easy.

THESE APPS Are SPYING On You!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jxdwIkFdj8

Switch To Linux?

I'm not going to switch to Linux at this point. I do have some friends that go back and forth for various reasons and it sounds like a bit of pain.

Personally I think there might be a solution where I primarily run windows for applications such as games and graphics related software, while keeping a portable version of a Linux based OS such as Tails on a flash drive

I do need to ask around, I know there's people here and also in my circle of friends who have more experience with Linux than I do.

I would love to hear your feedback on using a Linux based OS, for example Mint, which really seems to be the most recommended OS for new users seeking privacy.

I think for me personally I can see myself using a portable OS like Tails to separate out what I would consider work applications, which are largely crypto related, and also for personal old school banking.

I look forward to experimenting with a Linux based OS in the near future.

Ciao for now,

@agr8buzz

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