There are a couple of operating systems or OS available, of which Whonix is one. Whonix is known for its anonymity, privacy and security. The OS is based on the Tor anonymity network and its protection by isolation. With the Whonix OS, DNS leaks are impossible. Even the malware with the root privileges cannot find out the actual IP of the users. This ensures a safer way for accessing the deep web as opposed to just accessing the Tor browser on your current operating system. Generally, it is discouraged to use Tor with a Windows OS as NSA has direct access to the Microsoft systems. NSA also keeps an account of the information that Microsoft hands over to them.
This article will discuss how easily and quickly you can install the Whonix OS on your personal computer. But before we do so, a basic understanding of how the Whonix OS works will be literally helpful. Whonix consists of two parts. The first is the one that solely runs the Tor browser and acts as a gateway. The gateway is termed as “Whonix-Gateway”. The second is the one that the user uses and is termed as the “Whonix-Workstation”. This is on an entirely different and isolated network that only permits the connections via Tor. Both these parts run in their individual virtual machines on your system. This is what keeps you contained within Whonix.
Installing Whonix On Your PC
There are a couple of easy steps that will enable you to install the Whonix OS on your PC without any hassle. So, without much waiting, let us get into the actual process.
To start off, you will have to download the VirtualBox. This will permit you to create virtual machines and help you run Whonix on your computer. Next, you have to download both the Whonix-Gateway and the Whonix-Workstation. You will be provided with a couple of options for download. You need to choose the one that best fits your requirement. Additionally, you are suggested to verify the images utilizing the Signing Key if you know how to do so. Else, you can gather some knowledge on PGP Encryption or Pretty Good Encryption. After you have successfully installed the VirtualBox, open the program and follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Click “File” and then choose “Import Appliance”.
- Click “Choose” and select the downloaded Whonix-Gateway.ova file.
- Click “next” and then “Import” without changing any of the default settings.
- Wait until the progress bar completes the import.
- Repeat these steps for the Whonix-Workstation.ova file as well.
- Now simultaneously start the Whonix-Gateway and Whonix-Workstation.
If you are doing this process for the very first time, you will need to go through a quick setup process. Following this, you will need to wait until Whonix searches for and installs any necessary updates. Make sure you keep the Whonix-Gateway running. Although it will just run simultaneously, and you do not do anything with it except for updating. You will be conducting all your activities within the Whonix Workstation virtual machine window. With this, you can use the Whonix OS to browse the internet more safely and securely without having to make some extreme changes to your personal computer.