MOFO Linux / Blog: Recent posts

You may have noticed that much time has passed since the release of MOFO Linux version 7. In fact, there have been no minor updates, bug fixes, or point releases. To be honest, it was my opinion that MOFO Linux 7.0 did its job quite well, but was becoming less relevant as communication and assembies were trending more towards smart phones. So many easy-to-install smartphone and Linux apps were appearing, that it did not seem productive to update and publish a fresh MOFO Linux iso,... read more

After a much longer than expected cycle of development, MOFO Linux 7.0 is released, with more options for communicating, collaborating, and accessing blocked content behind national censorship barriers.

Almost a year ago, during development of MOFO Linux version 6.1, it was discovered that censorship technology upgrades by the main proliferators would make version 6.1 obsolete before it was released. Version 7.0 is the developer's response: decentralise, be flexible, and never, ever, accept infringements of the rights to freely think, speak, and peacefully assemble with others. If VPNs are being detected and blocked quickly, obfuscate better. If server access is blocked quickly, switch to other servers as you can with Streisand and Algo. Go peer-to-peer and encrypt end-to end. Find more ways to use Tor and IPFS.... read more

After a much longer than expected cycle of development, MOFO Linux 7.0 is released, with more options for communicating, collaborating, and accessing blocked content behind national censorship barriers.

Almost a year ago, during development of MOFO Linux version 6.1, it was discovered that censorship technology upgrades by the main proliferators would make version 6.1 obsolete before it was released. Version 7.0 is the developer's response: decentralise, be flexible, and never, ever, accept infringements of the rights to freely think, speak, and peacefully assemble with others. If VPNs are being detected and blocked quickly, obfuscate better. If server access is blocked quickly, switch to other servers as you can with Streisand and Algo. Go peer-to-peer and encrypt end-to end. Find more ways to use Tor and IPFS.... read more

MOFO Linux 6.1 is in the making, to upload within two weeks. It will bring a fresh kernel, minor upgrades and some bug fixes. Notably, there will be a switch from DNSCrypt to DNS-Over-TLS. Version 6.0 of MOFO Linux doesn't work well with external drives, and that will be fixed in 6.1.

It is getting harder to use VPNs in the usual problematic countries. Deep packet inspection is becoming more effective in finding obfuscated traffic, so there may be a software reshuffle in future versions of MOFO Linux. This system will not accept the dictator's muzzle and blinders, ever.... read more

Bringing a fresh, responsive MATE Desktop, new and updated applications that empower internet users, and an elegantly functional Xanmod Kernel, MOFO Linux 6.0 is released! If you prefer it, a MOFO Linux bittorrent download is available: http://linuxtracker.org/index.php?page=torrent-details&id=5cda8e6045a1b3f3eb2ffec58dfe07a035d7ddcd

We are just a couple of weeks from the release of MOFO Linux 6.0. It brings a leaner, debloated Linux system, a MATE desktop environment, and updated circumvention applications. Signal Private Messenger and Interplanetary File System (IPFS - decentralised internet) are the important new additions.

If you don't know about IPFS, watch Juan Benet's lecture on this liberating technology.... read more

It has been a while since the last update to MOFO Linux. There are several updates in the works for the system and curcumvention applications, all integrated to make release version 6.0 secure, fast, and effective.

We're switching to the MATE desktop environment. It is easy on system resources, looks great. Tor, its asdociated apps, Bitmask, Freenet, and I2P also have important updstes. Lantern and Psiphon, which have been hard pressed to perform against so-called cybersoveringty efforts, are updated to their latest versions. All in all, MOFO Linux 6.0 continues its mission to destroy the muzzles and blinders that infringe on all peoples' creator endowed rights to communicate freely, without censorship or invasion of privacy.... read more

MOFO Linux 5.3 is now available for download. This release contains updated circumvention software, a fresh Linux Kernel 4.11, and usability enhancements. The add-ons in Kodi were in need of updates, so they have been freshened too. Download from here or get MOFO Linux via bit torrent.

Dictators are running amok in the world, arguing for so called internet sovereignty, increased censorship and all sorts of encroachments on civil liberties. MOFO Linux isn't going to stand by and watch border walls go up on the internet, so work has begun on version 6.... read more

With plenty of updated circumvention applications and a fresh kernel, MOFO Linux 5.2 is released. Downloadfrom here or get MOFO Linux via bit torrent.

You will like the refinements in version 5.2! It now uses the sandboxed Tor Browser, which is much more resistant to blocking and surveillance by advanced adversaries. Psiphon and Lantern have been upgraded too, enabling global web browsing from restricted, state censored networks. Freenet, I2P, and Tor bring unblockable, surveillance resistant darknet access.... read more

MOFO Linux 5.2 is currently in testing and is expected to be released this month. It has significant system updates, better hardware compatability, and improved censorship circumvention.

We are moving from the hardened Tor Bowser to the much more secure sandboxed and hardened Tor Browser. You will need to get a fresh, cryptographically signed, download each computing session if you boot from the MOFO Linux iso file. If you use the iso with "persistence" or do a full installation to a USB stick or hard drive, Tor Browser will check for updates and autonatically download and install new versions. It is for your protection in a hostile cyber environment!... read more

MOFO Linux 5.1, bringing bug fixes and software updates, is uploading. For an unknown reason, connectivity to SourceForge is extraordinarily bad, so getting the iso file onto their servers may not be completed until January 2nd, 2017. For a faster download, use the bit torrent link at Linuxtracker: http://linuxtracker.org/index.php?page=torrent-details&id=fe8f99c13b1139c1987be72fa1745d61638479a6.

Tor Browser has received an important pair of updates.
One closes a vulnerability which is believed to have been used to deanonymize users. If the American FBI can do it, expect similar capabilities from intelligence services in China, Iran, Russia, and other countries. The other update sets up the browser in a sandbox, isolating it from the host system.

These advances are significant enough to warrant a fresh build of MOFO Linux. Expect version 5.1 to upload shortly. In the mean time, update your Tor Browser before accessing or posting sensitive content.

MOFO Linux 5.0 is uploading and should be available after 11/27/2016, 1800 UTC. Enjoy the connectivity provided by the updated system and circumvention applications. Internet censorship by nation-states is becoming more sophisticated and effective month to month, but MOFO Linux asolutely intends to defeat all methods of imposing cyber sovereignty.

Be sure to verify the MD5 or SHA1 sums before using.... read more

Version 5.0 of MOFO Linux is in the last stages of development. It will contain software updates and a new base system using Ubuntu 16.04, stripped down and retooled for censorship circumvention. There are several bug fixes and script refinements strengthening the distro's ability to connect from anywhere to anywhere else with internet access.

It was very pleasing to go to a news stand today and find a four page review of MOFO Linux in the September 2016 Linux Magazine. People besides myself actually do use MOFO Linux!

Actually, there has been a notable increase in downloads - hopefully because users are happy with development focus on stability and user-friendliness. It's not enough for MOFO to just work for me behind my national censorship wall. It needs to work for you, behind your censorship barrier, and be the real deal - no junk / no bunk.

MOFO Linux version 4.7 will begin uploading very shortly, and should be fully available by 1600 UTC, 08/08/2016.

This update contains many changes which will enhance the experience of users intending to circumvent state censorship barriers. Psiphon is the newest addition to to MOFO Linux, offering easy connectivity. The OpenVPN and SoftEther scripts, for access to VPN Gate servers, have been rewritten to work better in contested networking environments. Tor Browser is now a "hardened" version, in response to recent racheting up of Middle Eastern and Asian state surveillance.... read more

MOFO Linux is dedicated to making circumvention software user friendly and collecting the best technology for use "under one roof by regular people."

Recent scenes in the news depict Iranian police destroying vast numbers of satellite dishes, blockages of social media in Ghana and Uganda, and general hostility to a free press in many countries. Noting those affronts to basic human freedoms by governments, it is obvious that more effective anti-censorship and anti-surveillance technology will be necessary to give back those freedoms.... read more

MOFO Linux 4.6 is in the upload process. Expect a full iso file to be available by 05/20/2016, 2000 UTC.

This update features the addition of Freenet anonymous, censorship resistant networking. There are also many upgrades and system tweaks.

Please verify the MD5 or SHA1 sums before installing:

mofolinux-4.6.iso (Release Date: 05/20/2016):
md5sum: c9ac6d713cd672a5e59b06d373d4720d
sha1sum: 3c17c5839b31ad97e12397dce39e3b04f720442e

Here it comes! Version 4.5 should be fully uploaded by 04/10/2016, 0300 UTC.

This update features the addition of cjdns mesh networking and Zulucrypt file / folder / drive encryption. There are also updates and system tweaks.

Dnscrypt-proxy is now the default for DNS resolution, using two servers. It runs smoothy, but DNS may be switched to Google's servers by selecting "off" in the controller script.... read more

Due to a recent upgrade to dnscrypt-proxy, the system incorrectly attempts to use nameserver address 127.0.0.2. The new nameserver address should be 127.0.1.1.

Here is a command to fix it until the next update to MOFO Linux:

sudo echo "nameserver 127.0.1.1" > /run/resolvconf/resolv.conf

Using the "DSCrypt-Proxy Controller" to stop dnscrypt will overwrite the file and configure for Google DNS.

The recent wave of Chinese censorship during the "Two Sessions" locked many people out of contact with foreign / blocked websites. Many VPNs were rendered useless.

MOFO Linux users, however, enjoyed constant connectivity that China's Great Firewall could not stop, thanks to apps such as Tor Browser, Lantern, and Bitmask. Connectivity no matter what and no matter who! FTW.

MOFO Linux 4.4 is now available for download, bringing smoother multilanguage operation, more secure VOIP options, and freshly updated applications.

MOFO Linux Version 4.3 has better systemd integration, bug fixes, and updated applications. Torshare has been installed, providing Tor's strong protection for file transfers.

Uploading is expected to complete by 01/16/2016, 1800 UTC.

MOFO Linux 4.2 is an update featuring updates to Tor Browser and other circumvention / anonymity software. Tor Messenger is a new addition, bringing anonymous messaging capability. Lantern, a domain fronting proxy, has been added, and it works very nicely from restricted internet environments.

As usual, MOFO Linux is being uploaded from a country with terrible international connectivity. Expect the upload to be finished by 0000 UTC time, 11/07/2015.

Version 4.1 is uploading, with system performance enhancements and additional software!

I have activated the zram kernel module, providing more speed on computers with limited memory. Fcitx, which provides multiple language keyboard input, is now started at boot time and appears as the penguin icon on the taskbar atop the screen.

JonDo - a circumvention / anti-surveillance application based on the Java Anonymity Proxy, is now in MOFO Linux. JonDo offers free access, which is okay, plus a subscription, which has higher bandwith and is better for streaming media. ... read more