Tails OS

Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) is a privacy-focused live operating system based on Debian Linux. It routes all network traffic through the Tor network, leaving no traces on the computer it runs on. Tails is designed to protect users from surveillance, censorship, and data leaks by operating entirely in volatile memory and erasing everything upon shutdown.

It’s a complete operating system that can be started from a USB stick on almost any PC or laptop. Once booted, it provides a secure, amnesic environment with pre-installed tools for browsing, communication, and encryption. It’s especially useful for journalists, activists, IT professionals, and anyone who needs to stay anonymous or work with sensitive data.

Why use Tails

• Privacy by design — all connections go through the Tor network, blocking any direct traffic.
• No traces left behind — Tails runs in RAM and wipes memory when you shut it down.
• Portable and lightweight — carry it on a USB and boot securely from any computer.
• Encrypted Persistent Storage — optionally store selected files or passwords securely.
• Open-source and auditable — developed under GNU GPLv3+ license.

Tails comes with pre-installed applications such as Tor Browser, a password manager, file encryption tools (VeraCrypt, GnuPG), secure messaging clients, and utilities for document editing and file wiping. It’s a ready-to-use secure workspace that does not rely on the host OS at all.

How to Create a Bootable USB (Windows)

Windows users can easily write the Tails image to a USB drive using either Rufus or Balena Etcher. The procedure is the same as described in our Hiren’s BootCD USB guide — only the image file differs.

1. Download the Tails image (.img) from the link below.
2. Open Rufus or Balena Etcher.
3. Select your USB drive and choose the Tails image file.
4. Click Start / Flash to begin writing.
5. When done, reboot your PC and choose “Boot from USB”.

If you need screenshots or a detailed step-by-step process, follow the Hiren’s USB manual — the steps are identical.

Download Options

How to Use Tails After Booting

• At startup, choose your language and region, then click Start Tails.
• Once loaded, open Tor Browser to access the internet anonymously.
• Use Files → Persistent Storage to create encrypted storage if needed.
• All saved data and session information vanish after shutdown — unless stored in the persistent volume.
• For safe file transfers, use the OnionShare tool or encrypted USB drives.

Tails is perfect for secure browsing, encrypted communication, or working with confidential material without leaving traces on the host system. It’s also widely used for digital forensics, incident response, and freedom-of-speech activities in restrictive environments.

Useful Links

• Official Tails Website
• Official Documentation
• Rufus — Write image to USB (Windows)
• Balena Etcher — Cross-platform flasher
• License: GNU GPLv3+

Note: Always verify the Tails image signature before installation. Avoid saving sensitive data outside the encrypted Persistent Storage, and never log into personal accounts that could deanonymize you.

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