Tails 5.11, the latest version of the anonymizing Linux distribution, promises better performance with its newly enabled compressed memory feature. The developers have utilized Linux’s zram module for RAM compression, aimed at increasing the storage capacity of the computer used, providing the ability to run more applications or use the session for longer periods resulting in less freezing or slow down. Although, it is yet to be proven over longer sessions.
Another crucial feature has been added to the distribution package, which is the ability to record the screen in the form of screenshots or videos using the function integrated into Gnome. Users can personalize the recording actions using specific keyboard shortcuts, for example, pressing Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R to commence recording and stopping with the same key combination. However, there is no sound in the recording; therefore, users need to use the Sound Recorder app alongside to ensure the audio track can be added in post-processing.
The Tails makers vowed improvement for version 6.0, set to be available from the middle of the year, with better screencasting functions. Alongside these changes, the developers have updated the central packages for the distribution, with Tor Browser up to date at 12.0.4, while Thunderbird has the freshly bug-fixed version 102.9.0 on board. They have also improved the unlock dialog on the welcome screen for persistent storage.
The Tails project has provided installation instructions for loading Tails on different operating systems, such as Linux, macOS, Windows, as well as Debian or Ubuntu, available through the command line. Images are available on separate download sites for USB sticks, burning to DVD, or for use in the VM.
Tails 5.11 is the latest update following Tails 5.10 released a month ago, where the developers had sealed a possible security gap. The next version of the project plans to release on April 18, 2022.
