First-Time Setup#

[this is a summary of other documentation] [this is the hardest part, please read carefully]

Prepare a Flash Drive#

This is a quick summary of upstream instructions, focusing on our recommendations:

  1. Copy the Tails OS image onto a Flash Drive

    • Short Version: Download the image and use Rufus to copy it onto a Flash Drive

  2. Boot your computer using this newly-prepared Flash Drive

    • If you know how to verify Secure Boot is enabled, this is wise

    • Most laptops require tapping F12 to select a custom boot device

  3. If all goes well, you will be prompted to make some choices:

    • If you change language or formate, it is helpful to “Save” for future reboots

    • Enable the option to “Create Persistent Storage”

    • Open “Additional Settings” and configure an “Administrative Password”

      (this password is temporary, and simple is fine)

  4. The next screen will guide you through preparing encrypted storage
    • Take some time to pick out a VERY STRONG password

      (store this password in a personal password vault)

    • The larger the Flash Drive, the longer this first startup will take (be patient)

  5. When your Encrypted Persistent Storage is prepared, you will have a list of options:

    1. We recommend enabling: - Persistent Folder - GnuPG - SSH Client - Tor Browser Bookmarks - Additional Software

    2. You should NOT enable: - Dotfiles

    3. When all sliders turn blue, close this window using the “X” in the top-right

Copy Our Tools#

  1. Connect to the Tor network:

    1. Click the Onion (with the white x) in the top-right of your desktop screen

    2. Click “Open Tor Connection Assistant,” then click “Open Wifi Settings”

    3. Follow on-screen steps to connect to a wifi network

    4. Once connected, close the “Wi-Fi” window using the “X” in the top-right

    5. Return to the Tor Connection assistant and proceed with on-screen instructions

      (Connect to Tor automatically WITHOUT a Tor bridge is typically sufficient)

    6. Establishing a connection can take some time, wait until this completes

    7. Once successfully connected, close this window using the “X” in the top-right

  2. Open a “Console”

    1. Click “Apps” in the top-left of your screen

    2. Hover over “System Tools”

    3. Click “Console”

    4. OR: Top Super (Windows) key > type cons > Tap Enter

  3. Copy and paste (or carefully type) this text into the black window:

    curl -Ss https://raw.githubusercontent.com/americanpanthers/workspace/root/.bin/bootstrap | sh

  4. Double check caps (only the first S), punctuation, and spacing, then press Enter

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions

    • The temporary admin password you set at startup will be required

Now that you are running Tails OS with a copy of our basic tools, head to the next section to create a unique (and private) online identity.