Qubes OS is a free and open-source, security-oriented operating system for single-user desktop computing. Qubes OS leverages Xen-based virtualization to allow for the creation and management of isolated compartments called qubes.
You can think of using Qubes OS as having many different computers on your desk for different activities but with the convenience of a single physical machine, a single unified desktop environment, and a set of tools for using qubes together securely as parts of a unified system.
Qubes takes an approach called security by compartmentalization, which allows you to compartmentalize the various parts of your digital life into securely isolated compartments called qubes.
These qubes, which are implemented as virtual machines (VMs), have specific:
- Purposes: with a predefined set of one or many isolated applications, for personal or professional projects, to manage the network stack, the firewall, or to fulfill other user-defined purposes.
- Natures: full-fledged or stripped-down virtual machines based on popular operating systems, such as Fedora, Debian, and Windows.
- Levels of trust: from complete to non-existent. All windows are displayed in a unified desktop environment with unforgeable colored window borders so that different security levels are easily identifiable.
Features include:
- Strong isolation – Isolate different pieces of software as if they were installed on separate physical machines using advanced virtualization techniques.
- Template system – use app qubes to share a root file system without sacrificing security using the innovative Template system.
- Multiple operating systems – use multiple operating systems at the same time, including Fedora, Debian, and Windows.
- Disposables – create disposables on the fly that self-destruct when shut down.
- Whonix integration – run Tor securely system-wide using Whonix with Qubes.
- Device isolation – secure device handling through isolation of network cards and USB controllers.
- Split GPG – use Split GPG to keep your private keys safe.
- CTAP proxy – operate Qubes CTAP proxy to use your two-factor authentication devices without exposing your web browser to the full USB stack.
| Working state: | Active |
| Desktop: | Xfce |
| Init Software: | systemd |
| Package Management: | RPM |
| Release Model: | Fixed |
| Platforms: | x86_64 |
| Home Page: | www.qubes-os.org |
| Developer: | Marek Marczykowski-Górecki and Qubes Core Team |
| 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. |
This page was written with the help of a visitor who completed our distro form.