If you're going to be using darknet then it is advisable to be using a secure operating system. Windows and MacOS are generally not recommended for darknet activity due to the closed nature source of these operating systems, and the potential for data collection which could be shared with law enforcement. One solution that has gained popularity is Tails, an acronym for 'The Amnesic Incognito Live System.' Designed with privacy-centric features in mind, Tails provides an anonymous and secure environment, allowing users to browse the internet, send emails, and use applications without leaving any trace.
In this guide, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of installing Tails on a USB drive and booting it up on any device for a secure and private online experience. Tails can be run on pretty much any modern PC that is capable of running Windows 7 or later (and possibly even older) since it has relatively low spec requirements.
Before proceeding, please note that the installation process may vary depending on your operating system and device specifications. Therefore, it's crucial to refer to the official Tails documentation for additional guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Start by visiting the official Tails website and navigate to the "Download and install" section, then click on the download link recommended for your operating system.
Next, connect your USB drive to your computer. Make sure it has enough capacity to hold the Tails OS files. Open the Etcher application and it should detect your USB drive automatically. If it doesn't show up, click on the "Select Image" button in Etcher and browse to the Tails OS ISO file you downloaded previously. Be sure to double-check that the correct USB drive is selected in Etcher. It's important to choose the right one to avoid accidentally overwriting any important data.
Once you have confirmed the USB drive selection, click on the "Flash!" button in Etcher. The software will start writing the Tails OS ISO file to the USB drive. This process may take a few minutes. Once the verification process is complete, you can safely remove the USB drive from your computer when prompted.
To boot into Tails OS, first shut down your device. Then when the USB device is inserted into the device, switch it on and ensure you enter the boot menu during startup. This can usually be done by pressing the Boot Menu key (e.g., F12, Esc, or Del) during the boot process. From the boot menu, select the USB drive as the booting device. Save the changes and exit the menu. Your computer will now boot Tails from the USB drive instead of your normal operating system.
Once booted, Tails will guide you through a verification process to ensure that your installation was successful. Simply follow the instructions on screen. Tails comes with a large selection of pre-installed software which provides everything the average user will require for any darknet activity, including the following applications:
If there's any additional software you require, you can opt to install anything that is compatible with Debian Linux (which Tails is based on).
By using Tails you are significantly improving your OpSec (Operational Security) when using the darknet. As soon as you remove the USB drive, your usage history simply disappears. We recommend taking some time to familiarize yourself with Tails if you are new to Linux, and explore the documentation available at the Tails website.
