Island System: Ubuntu Privacy Remix Seals off Users
Ubuntu Privacy Remix (UPR), based on Ubuntu 8.04 (LTS), is a live, read-only CD that seals off your private data from the outside world. It does this using encryption and isolation methods.
Creators of the CD image Ubuntu Privacy Remix designed it as an island solution and took measures to adapt the Ubuntu distro accordingly. UPR incorporates TrueCrypt for hard disk encryption and modifies the system kernel so that it can't mount any local hard disk data. The modified kernel will also no longer support network functions (LAN, WLAN, Bluetooth, IR hardware and PPP). The distro would also be relieved of such unnecessary packets as Pidgin, PPPoE Conf, SMB Client and Update Manager.
This method of booting off a read-only CD provides a completely isolated and unmodifiable system that can't be compromised by spyware or access from the Web. You can also use Extended TC-Volumes to save configuration and user data for OpenOffice, Evolution and GnuPG settings.
The UPR ISO image is available from the Ubuntu project website. The project also provides step-by-step instructions on how to build your own UPR CD, such as when using a different distro.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
openSUSE Joins End of 10
openSUSE has decided to not only join the End of 10 movement but it also will no longer support the Deepin Desktop Environment.
-
New Version of Flatpak Released
Flatpak 1.16.1 is now available as the latest, stable version with various improvements.
-
IBM Announces Powerhouse Linux Server
IBM has unleashed a seriously powerful Linux server with the LinuxONE Emperor 5.
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.