EN
Advertise

Operating systems for computers

Your operating system sees everything you do. These range from ordinary Linux distributions to systems built to leave no trace.

Several start from a USB stick or inside a virtual machine, so you can try them without wiping your computer.

Order: what the tool asks of you (nothing, an account, ID), then open code before closed code, then A to Z. Affiliate links and sponsors never change it.

  1. Arch Linux

    Asks of you: nothing Code: open source
    • Independently developed x86-64 GNU/Linux distribution with a rolling release.
    • Minimal base system: you add only the software you need.

    Visit Arch Linux Checked 2026-10-19

  2. Debian

    Asks of you: nothing Code: open source
    • Calls itself a complete Free Operating System, built by a community of people.

    Visit Debian Checked 2026-10-19

  3. Fedora Workstation

    Asks of you: nothing Code: open source
    • GNOME desktop built on open source technology.
    • Says it is free, has no ads and that your data belongs to you.

    Visit Fedora Workstation Checked 2026-10-19

  4. FreeBSD

    Asks of you: nothing Code: open source
    • Operating system known for network performance and stability.
    • BSD-style license that allows redistribution and modification.

    Visit FreeBSD Checked 2026-10-19

  5. Kicksecure

    Asks of you: nothing Code: open source
    • Secure by default system based on Debian.
    • Runs on a physical computer, from a USB stick or in a virtual machine.
    • Says all its source code uses OSI approved licenses.

    Visit Kicksecure Checked 2026-10-19

  6. NixOS

    Asks of you: nothing Code: open source
    • Linux system configured declaratively with Nix.
    • Says a package that works on one machine works on another.
    • Nix is LGPL 2.1 and Nixpkgs is MIT.

    Visit NixOS Checked 2026-10-19

  7. OpenBSD

    Asks of you: nothing Code: open source
    • Free, multi-platform Unix-like operating system based on 4.4BSD.
    • Says: "Only two remote holes in the default install, in a heck of a long time!"
    • Developed by volunteers and funded by donations.

    Visit OpenBSD Checked 2026-10-19

  8. openSUSE Tumbleweed

    Asks of you: nothing Code: open source
    • Continuously updated: you install it once.
    • Its page links to the source code and to a license page.

    Visit openSUSE Tumbleweed Checked 2026-10-19

  9. Qubes OS

    Asks of you: nothing Code: open source
    • Free and open source system built on compartmentalization.
    • Brings the security of the Xen hypervisor to personal computers.
    • Its home page links to a separate page for hardware requirements.

    Visit Qubes OS Checked 2026-10-19

  10. secureblue

    Asks of you: nothing Code: open source
    • Security-focused desktop and server Linux system built on Fedora Atomic Desktop images.
    • Developed as an open source project. Apache 2 license.

    Visit secureblue Checked 2026-10-19

  11. Tails

    Asks of you: nothing Code: open source
    • Starts from a USB stick instead of Windows, macOS or Linux.
    • Uses the Tor network for everything you do online.
    • Says it leaves no trace on the computer when you shut it down.
    • Free software that independent researchers can verify.

    Visit Tails Checked 2026-10-19

  12. Whonix

    Asks of you: nothing Code: open source
    • Routes all internet traffic through Tor with a dual-VM design.
    • Runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, Qubes, KVM, USB, ISO and Raspberry Pi.
    • Says all its source code uses OSI approved licenses.

    Visit Whonix Checked 2026-10-19

See also