This security-minded Linux distribution makes it easy to browse anonymously

There are some Linux distributions that were created for specific purposes. There are those for creating multimedia, developing software, network routing, ethical hacking, general use, and everything in between.

And then there are some distributions that can easily serve multiple purposes. 

When I think of ParrotOS, I generally think of security: forensics, penetration testing, etc. I’ve used ParrotOS for similar purposes before, but always neglected to test the Home edition.

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The ParrotOS home edition is all about versatility. While retaining the ParrotSec aesthetics (the common nickname for Parrot Security — which is the security-minded version of the OS), this version of the OS is tailored for everyday use, meeting a wide range of user needs. 

That doesn’t mean ParrotOS has all of the security bits removed. While it might not contain the cornucopia of pentesting tools, it does include software for privacy, such as AnonSurf, which makes it possible (and easy) to browse anonymously. AnonSurf uses the Tor network to ensure your IP address is masked and your traffic encrypted. Essentially, AnonSurf is like having a built-in VPN powered by one of the most secure services available to the public.

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To use AnonSurf, you open the app, click Kill (to clear the previous cache), type your user password, and you are now anonymous. You can also control AnonSurf from the green shield icon in the top bar.

Speaking of the top bar, ParrotOS uses the MATE desktop, which is a fork of the GNOME 2 desktop environment. MATE includes a top bar, a bottom panel, a desktop menu, a system tray, and clickable icons. This desktop will be instantly familiar (and easily adopted) by any user of any skill level. MATE was a great choice for ParrotOS because of its simplicity and user-friendly nature.

Included software

Beyond AnonSurf, ParrotOS includes the software you need for a general-purpose OS, such as Firefox, Pluma (a text editor), LibreOffice, GIMP, encryption tools (such as EncryptPad and zuluCrypt, VLC media player, Bleachbit), and all the utilities you might need, such as a calculator, a terminal window, an archive manager, webcam software, and more.

There is one bit of confusion that you’ll want to get out of the way immediately. On the ParrotOS desktop, you’ll find an Applications menu at the top left corner of the display. That only shows installed applications and not some of the other tools you’ll need (such as access to Settings). If you click the Menu button at the bottom left corner, you’ll see everything installed (as well as a search tool and power menu). Click Control Center to access all of the MATE settings.

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The MATE Control Center gives you plenty of options for configuration and is broken into the following categories: Administration (such as login window and printer settings), Hardware (such as Bluetooth management and keyboard), Internet and Network (such as firewall configuration and proxy), Look and Feel (such as appearance and MATE Tweak), and Personal (such as File Management and Preferred Applications).

One quirk to keep in mind is that ParrotOS uses the Synaptic Package Manager GUI. Although this app is very easy to use, it’s not quite as user-friendly as, say, GNOME Software or KDE Discover. Even so, you can open Synaptic, search for the app you want to install, mark it for installation, and click Apply.

ParrotOS does include Flatpak (the universal package manager), but support for Flatpak is not available for Synaptic, which means you can install via Flatpak, but it must be done from the command line, like so:

flatpak install slack

The aesthetic

Once again, I have to lodge a complaint against distribution developers everywhere. What is it with the dark themes being the default? How about Linux desktop developers realize that not everyone prefers the dark theme? I’d go so far as to say that the majority of average users do not prefer the dark theme and would rather have something light and airy. 

Fortunately, it’s easy to switch the theme in the Control Center. Go to Look and Feel, click Appearance, and select from one of the lighter themes (such as ARK-Snow). In fact, between Appearances and MATE Tweak, it’s fairly easy to customize the MATE desktop to better suit your tastes.

Is ParrotOS for you?

The answer to this question requires a sub-question:

Do you want a general-purpose OS that includes the tools necessary for anonymous browsing (and makes it simple enough that anyone can use it)? If so, ParrotOS is a great choice. If, on the other hand, you want more eye candy and a simpler app store, ParrotOS might not be for you.

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I was pleasantly surprised at how ParrotOS could accommodate users of any skill level, so I could easily recommend this Linux distribution to just about anyone.

If you’re interested in ParrotOS, download an ISO image of the Home edition from the official site, install it on a spare computer (or as a virtual machine) and see what there is to see.

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