12. Tails Desktop Familiarization
Step 1: Application Menu Layout
Look at the top-left or top bar of the screen.
You will see an Applications menu.
This menu contains:
Internet tools
Utilities
Settings
System tools
Important things to know:
Applications are grouped by category
You do not need to open everything
Many tools are for specific purposes only
Simple idea:
The menu shows what tools exist—use only what you need.Step 2: System Status Indicators
On the top bar, you will see small icons.
These icons show:
Battery level
Sound volume
Date and time
System notifications
Why this matters:
Low battery can cause sudden shutdown
System messages can warn you about problems
Simple idea:
These icons tell you how the system is feeling.Step 3: Network and Tor Status Icons
Also on the top bar:
A network icon shows Wi-Fi status
A Tor icon shows Tor connection status
What to check:
Network icon shows connected
Tor icon shows connected or active
If Tor icon shows a warning:
Do not browse yet
Fix the connection first
Simple idea:
Green/normal icons mean it’s safe to continue.Step 4: Unsafe Application Identification
Not all applications are safe for anonymity.
Important rule:
- Only use applications that are designed to work with Tor
Avoid:
Unknown tools
Random system apps
Anything that accesses the internet outside Tor
If you are unsure:
Do not open it
Ask or skip it
Simple idea:
If you don’t know what an app does, don’t open it.Step 5: Session-Only Tool Awareness
Tails is temporary by default.
This means:
Files disappear after shutdown
History is erased
Settings reset unless saved in persistent storage
So:
Do not expect files to stay
Do not save things casually
Understand that this session will end completely
Simple idea:
When you shut down, everything disappears.Step 6: Calm Exploration Before Action
Before browsing:
Spend a minute looking around
Learn where things are
Do not rush into websites or searches
This helps:
Reduce mistakes
Avoid clicking wrong things
Build confidence
Simple idea:
Look first, act later.