Tails 0.18 can install packages on the fly

Version 0.18 of Tails, The Amnesiac Incognito Live System designed for users who need to protect their privacy and be as anonymous as possible, has been released with a preview of a new feature which allows a custom list of packages to be installed and automatically updated each time a network connection is made. The new feature makes use of the persistent volume support in the distribution but users should be aware of the ramifications of using the persistence when attempting to leave no traces.

Existing Tails users are also strongly urged to upgrade to Tails 0.18; the team list security vulnerabilities discovered in the previous 0.17.2 release to reinforce that recommendation.

Another new feature in the Debian-based distribution is support of obfs3 bridges when using the Tor network. Obfuscation bridges make it harder for the ISP to know a user is using the Tor network by disguising the protocol in use; obfs3 is the latest version of the protocol replacing obfs2 which no longer works in China.

Other changes include updates to the Iceweasel (rebranded Firefox) browser, with latest Torbrowser patches and Torbutton, HTTPS Everywhere 3.2 and NoScript 2.6.6.1-1. There are also changes in how content is isolated within the browser. Tails 0.18 has an updated kernel and other bug fixes and includes gnome-screenshot and GNOME accesibility themes.

The next release of Tails is due on 27 June and the developers now have a roadmap which lays out their development plans in the short term (more efficient memory wiping, better build processes), for the 1.0 release (better bridge support) and beyond to 2.0 (newer Windows theme, UEFI support). Those interested in helping the distribution develop should consult the contribution page.

Tails 0.18 is available to download as an ISO image for burning to DVD or writing to a USB stick. New users are recommended to read the about and warning pages to ensure that Tails is appropriate for their needs.

(djwm)