For hardware compatibility issues, refer to our [[known issues|support/known_issues]].

To learn what you can do with Tails, refer to our [[documentation|doc]].

For questions related to Tor, see also to the [Tor support pages](https://support.torproject.org/).

[[!toc levels=2]]

<!-- This entire section would be better placed in an "About Us" section. See #17700. -->

Tails is part of the [Tor Project](https://torproject.org/).

Tails [[was founded|news/celebrating_10_years]] in 2009 and [[joined forces with Tor|news/tails_tor]] in 2024.

See also our explanation about [[why Tails uses Tor|doc/anonymous_internet/tor/why#relationship]].

The rapid development cycle of Ubuntu would be too fast for Tails.

Ubuntu adds features in ways that we find dangerous for privacy. For an example, see [EFF: Privacy in Ubuntu 12.10, Amazon Ads and Data Leaks](https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2012/10/privacy-ubuntu-1210-amazon-ads-and-data-leaks).

Very well translated

Doing relatively well in terms of accessibility features

Actively developed

Well maintained in Debian, where it is the default desktop

<h2 id="dedicated-stick">Do I need a USB stick dedicated to Tails?</h2>

No. Upgrading whenever you get a notification from *[[Tails Upgrader|doc/upgrade]]* is enough.

If you upgrade the system yourself using `apt` or *Synaptic*, you might break things.

Our team sometimes publishes emergency releases, whenever important security upgrades are available in Debian or *Tor Browser* before the next scheduled release.

<h2 id="integrity">Can I verify the integrity of a Tails USB stick or DVD?</h2>

It is impossible to verify the integrity of a Tails USB stick or DVD while running Tails from it. It would be like asking someone whether they are lying: a true liar would always pretend to tell the truth.