What is Tails OS?
Tails is a name that comes up in privacy discussions. It is not an app but an entire operating system built around one goal: leaving no trace.
What makes it different
Tails is a portable operating system you run from a USB stick. It routes all connections through Tor and is amnesic - when you shut down, it forgets everything, storing nothing on the computer by default.
A related resource is the beginner glossary of terms.
Who it is for
Journalists, activists, and privacy-conscious users choose it when they want strong isolation from the underlying machine. Like all tools, it protects the connection and the system state, not your personal choices.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tails legal?
Yes, in most countries. It is a privacy tool used for many legitimate purposes.
Does Tails make you anonymous?
It helps a lot by forcing Tor and forgetting data, but your behaviour still matters.