Tails 1.2.1 released, Linux operating system focused on Internet privacy and anonymity

Tails 1.2.1 released, Linux operating system focused on Internet privacy and anonymity

Previously known as Incognito Live CD/USB, Tails is a live-only Linux operating system that provides users with a perfect computing environment for surfing the Internet anonymously. It is based on the Debian GNU/Linux and Tor technologies.

Changes in Tails 1.2.1 :

Notable user-visible changes include:

• Major new features
  
  • Install (most of) the Tor Browser, replacing our previous Iceweasel-based browser. The version installed is from TBB 4.0 and is based on Firefox 31.2.0esr. This fixes the POODLE vulnerability.
  • Upgrade Tor to 0.2.5.8-rc.
  • Confine several important applications with AppArmor.
• Bugfixes
  
  • Install Linux 3.16-3 (version 3.16.5-1).
• Minor improvements
  
  • Upgrade I2P to 0.9.15, and isolate I2P traffic from the Tor Browser by adding a dedicated I2P Browser. Also, start I2P automatically upon network connection, when the i2p boot option is added.
  • Make it clear that TrueCrypt will be removed in Tails 1.2.1 (ticket #7739), and document how to open TrueCryptvolumes with cryptsetup.
  • Enable VirtualBox guest additions by default (ticket #5730). In particular this enables VirtualBox's display management service.
  • Make the OTR status in Pidgin clearer thanks to the formatting toolbar (ticket #7356).
  • Upgrade syslinux to 6.03-pre20, which should fix UEFI boot on some hardware.

See the online Changelogfor technical details.

It encrypts your Internet communications

When using Tails, all your Internet communications will be encrypted and anonymized through the Tor network, leaving no trace on the host computer, unless you instruct it otherwise. It uses state-of-the-art and open source cryptographic software to encrypt your entire network communication, including emails, instant messaging, as well as personal files.

Uses the GNOME desktop environment and popular open-source apps

The live session is powered by a traditional GNOME desktop environment bundled with well known open source applications, such as Apache OpenOffice, Iceweasel web browser, Claws Mail email client, Liferea feed reader, Pidgin instant messenger, GIMP image editor, Inkscape SVG graphics editor, Audacity audio editor, PiTiVi video editor, and Synaptic Package Manager.

Download Tails 1.2.1