I Searched for Alternative Operating Systems for More Privacy

Many people continue to use Windows or Mac OS, although they are known to invade your privacy to collect large amounts of "diagnostic data".

And while the Mac OS is generally considered a bit more private, the truth is that it remains closed-source and it's nearly impossible to verify independence from government agencies.

I am a privacy advocate and willing to sacrifice a small level of convenience personally to protect my data.

Currently, I use a small number of free-to-use tools on a daily basis to help protect my privacy and data in an alleged attempt to remain anonymous.

It's time to start exploring alternative operating systems and eventually create a portable operating system that can run from a solid state drive or even a small flash drive.

Tails OS

A potable Debian-based Linux distribution that temporarily leaves no traces on the machine it is running on.

It is also the operating system believed to have been used by Edward Snowdon during his whistling mission. It actually came out in the past and recommended the use of this operating system.

You can use it on other people's computers and move encrypted and permanent documents and settings for some additional convenience. Another important feature with all network traffic is automatically routed through the Tor network for anonymous communication.

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

Tails OS is specially designed to help you avoid online surveillance, censorship and tracking. It is physically difficult to access due to its temporary nature as it disappears after closing.

Main Features:

• Tails uses the Tor network to protect your online privacy and help you avoid censorship. Enjoy the internet the way it was meant to be.

• Turn off the computer and start from your Tails USB stick instead of starting on Windows, macOS, or Linux. When the queues are closed, they leave no traces on the computer.

• Tails includes a number of applications for working on sensitive documents and communicating 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 Operating System

"If you're serious about security, QubesOS is the best operating system available today. That's what I use and it's free. Nobody can do VM isolation better." Edward snowdon

Qubes OS works to increase security through isolation with the added bonus that it can be used as a permanently run system.

It uses virtualization technology to separate different programs from each other, so if a program is attacked, the remaining programs and systems are protected to some extent through isolation.

Personally, I think it could be a solution where I mainly run windows for applications such as games and graphics related software while keeping a portable version of a Linux-based operating system like Tails on a flash drive.

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

I'd love to hear your feedback on using a Linux-based operating system, for example Mint, that really seems to be the most recommended operating system for new users looking for privacy.

I personally can see myself using a portable operating system like Tails to separate business applications that are largely crypto-related, as well as what I was thinking about for personal old school banking.