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Tails includes a limited set of applications but you can install more software. This software is distributed in packages that are made available from the Debian repositories, which are similar to an app store. To know which packages are available in Debian:
Being careful about what you install
The packages included in Tails are carefully tested for security. Installing additional packages might break the security built in Tails. For example, installing OpenVPN might modify the firewall rules that Tails uses to force network traffic to go through Tor. So, be careful with what you install. If you are unsure:
Examples of additional useful software
Language packs
Replace lang with the code for your language. For example, es for Spanish or de for German. Spell-checking dictionariesThe hunspell dictionaries are used for spell-checking by Tor Browser, LibreOffice, Thunderbird, and many other applications. Replace lang with the code for your language. For example, es for Spanish or de for German. Installing additional softwareTo install a package using Synaptic:
If you are comfortable with the command line, you can use the apt command instead. Installing additional software automatically when starting TailsTo install an additional package automatically when starting Tails:
The same package can be reinstalled faster for some time because you won't have to download it again. Additional configurationSome packages require additional configuration to work. To keep their configuration across Tails sessions, advanced users can use the Dotfiles feature of the Persistent Storage. Checking your list of additional softwareTo see which packages are installed automatically every time you start Tails, choose . Click the button to remove a package from the list. The same list is also available from the Persistent Storage settings, by clicking on the button of the Additional Software feature.Removing additional softwareWhen you installed the package, if you chose:
Freeing space in your Persistent StorageAfter you installed many packages that you are not using anymore, you can free some space in your Persistent Storage: Configuring additional APT repositories (for advanced users)
The packages available in Debian are submitted to public scrutiny. Configuring additional APT repositories might break the security built in Tails and might install software that has not even been approved by Debian. Be even more careful with what you install. This step is usually not needed to install additional software and might be necessary only in very rare occasions. Sometimes, you might need to configure additional APT repositories. For example, to install packages from the non-free section of Debian. To do so:
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