🧊 What is Tails OS?

Tails (short for The Amnesic Incognito Live System) is a privacy-focused, live operating system that you can run from a USB stick. It’s built on Debian Linux and designed to leave no trace on the computer you use, while forcing all network traffic through the Tor network.

In short: Tails is a portable, secure, and anonymous OS you can carry in your pocket.

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🛡️ Why Use Tails?

Here’s what makes Tails stand out:

🔐 Privacy & Anonymity by Default

• All traffic is routed through Tor, keeping your IP address hidden.

• It leaves no trace unless you explicitly choose to save data.

• Comes with secure defaults: no logging, strong crypto, and minimal background services.

💻 Runs from USB (Live OS)

• Doesn’t install anything on your computer.

• Great for using shared or untrusted computers.

• You can shut it down anytime and leave no forensic evidence behind.

🧰 Pre-installed Privacy Tools

• Tor Browser for anonymous web surfing.

• KeePassXC for password management.

• Thunderbird with encrypted email support.

• VeraCrypt for encrypted file containers.

• MAT2 for removing metadata from files.

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🧰 How to Get Started with Tails

Step 1: Download Tails

Go to the official website:
👉 https://tails.net
Download the latest ISO image (you’ll get instructions for your OS—Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Step 2: Create a Tails USB Stick

Use the Tails USB Installer (recommended) or tools like Etcher to flash the ISO to a USB drive (8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended).

You’ll often need to:

• Download a “Tails Installer” USB first.

• Then use it to install the full, persistent version on a second USB.

Step 3: Boot Into Tails

• Reboot your computer.

• Enter your BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F12, Esc, or Del during startup).

• Select the USB drive as the boot device.

You’ll see the Tails Greeter — a simple interface where you can choose your settings.

Step 4: Use It!

• Once booted, you can browse anonymously with Tor Browser.

• You can enable Persistent Storage to save settings, passwords, and encrypted files (encrypted and protected by a passphrase