Whonix is a free and open-source desktop operating system (OS) that is specifically designed for advanced security and privacy.
It’s based on the Tor anonymity network, security-focused Linux Distribution Kicksecure, GNU/Linux and the principle of security by isolation. Whonix defeats common attacks while maintaining usability.
Whonix uses an extensively security reconfigured of the Debian base (Kicksecure Hardened) which is run inside multiple virtual machines (VMs) on top of the host OS. This architecture provides a substantial layer of protection from malware and IP leaks. Applications are pre-installed and configured with safe defaults to make them ready for use with minimal user input.
Whonix consists of two VMs: the Whonix-Gateway and the Whonix-Workstation. The former runs Tor processes and acts as a gateway, while the latter runs user applications on a completely isolated network. This innovative architecture allows for maximum privacy, keeps applications in check and makes DNS leaks impossible.
| Working state: | Active |
| Desktop: | Xfce |
| Init Software: | systemd |
| Package Management: | DEB |
| Release Model: | Fixed |
| Platforms: | x86_64 |
| Home Page: | www.whonix.org |
| Developer: | Whonix |
| This article is part of our Big List of Active Linux Distros which is currently under development. |
What's a Linux distribution ("distro")? |
| A distro provides the user with a desktop environment, preloaded applications, and ways to update and maintain the system. Each distro makes different choices, deciding which open source projects to install and provides custom written programs. They can have different philosophies. Some distros are intended for desktop computers, some for servers without a graphical interface, and others for special uses. Because Linux is an open source operating system, combinations of software vary between Linux distros. |