How Whonix Works
Whonix consists of two virtual machines: a Gateway (handles all Tor traffic) and a Workstation (where you work). The Workstation can ONLY connect through the Gateway, making IP leaks virtually impossible.
Architecture
Workstation VM → Gateway VM → Tor Network → Internet (No direct internet access from Workstation)
Whonix vs Tails
| Feature | Whonix | Tails |
|---|---|---|
| Type | VM-based | Live USB |
| Persistence | Full | Optional |
| Leak Protection | Excellent | Very Good |
| Hardware Access | Virtualized | Direct |
| Best For | Long-term use | Portable/temporary |
Installation
- Requires VirtualBox, KVM, or Qubes OS
- Download both Gateway and Workstation images
- Import into hypervisor
- Start Gateway first, then Workstation