Tails, the Linux-based distribution popular for its privacy features, is leaving the world of 32-bit architecture. Tails 3.0 will be the first version to support only 64-bit x86-64 compatible processors.
The developer team has announced that it decided to drop the 32-bit support after analysing the statistical data of its users. “It has no surprise that over the last years, the number of people who use Tails on a 32-bit computer has dropped,” the team said in a statement, adding that at the beginning of 2016, only 4 percent of Tail users were still using a 32-bit system.
There are ample of compatibility issues on Tails Linux’ 32-bit version. Its developers have apparently spent a massive amount of time in fixing the issues for 32-bit processors. However, the team now wants to focus on more important priorities for 64-bit users.
Reasons to switch to 64-bit hardware
The Tails team has highlighted two main reasons to prefer 64-bit architecture over the 32-bit one. Firstly, the new hardware makes it harder for attackers to exploit security vulnerabilities. And secondly, the Tails release using a 64-bit Linux kernel is touted to be more sustainable on a long run.
Tails 3.0 with 64-bit support is scheduled to be debuted in June. You can check if your computer is compatible with Trails 3.0 by typing “uname-m” in the terminal window. The system generates “x86_64” on the screen to confirm the compatibility.
The live version of Tails Linux distribution can be run from an external read-only drive. The Debian-powered platform had gained massive popularity after it was found to be used by prolific whistleblower Edward Snowden for protecting his identity from watch guards of the US government.
