This Linux distro has one of the smartest security features I've seen (and I've tested dozens)

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ZDNET's key takeaways

iDeal OS is a user-friendly, Debian-based distribution.
It includes a handy tool for extra security.
iDeal OS is free to download and install.

Every so often, I run across a Linux distribution that offers something unique, and it never fails to remind me how special Linux is. It doesn't happen every day, but when it does, I want to throw my hands in the air and cry out a rousing, "Huzzah!"

Such was the case when I ran into iDeal OS.

iDeal OS is based on MX Linux (which is based on Debian Trixie), and there are two different versions:

Emerald Edition - this edition gives you all of the applications you need, along with a friendly desktop experience.
Diamond Edition - this edition turns your computer into a complete and powerful digital workstation. You'll get a wide variety of tools that can enhance the workflow for entrepreneurs, freelancers, programmers, web designers, content creators, artists, and more.

Both versions ship with KDE Plasma 6.x, and because it's a rolling release, you can trust your applications are always up to date.

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But what is it that makes iDeal OS special? Other than the fact that the desktop includes several PDFs with information on activating the Diamond edition, information about the Emerald edition, an MX User Manual, and access to quick system information, there's one app in particular that adds yet another layer of security to the OS and can be used by anyone.

That addition is the iDeal DNS Switcher. This application makes it easy to switch between 16 different DNS providers at the click of a button. Each of these providers were chosen based on their security and privacy practices. Even better, every DNS provider included is free to use.

You can open the iDeal DNS Switcher from the desktop menu > System > iDeal DNS Switcher. Once open, you can select the provider you want from the drop-down and click Apply DNS Provider. You can even run a quick DNS leak test (to see if your DNS service is leaking to your internet service provider) by clicking Test DNS Leak.

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This feature alone makes iDeal OS intriguing.

A wealth of applications

Other than iDealDNS, the list of included applications offers a complete collection of tools so you can hit the ground running. You'll find LibreOffice, GIMP, Betterbird (email), Firefox, VLC media player, PDF Arranger, KeePassXC, the full suite of MX Tools, and much more.

This is a distribution that leaves no stone unturned, so you don't have to worry about installing anything once the OS is up and running. And because iDeal OS is based on MX Linux, which is based on Debian, you get access to the standard repositories, which are replete with applications. You also get KDE Discover for easy app installation.

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Although iDeal OS does ship with Flatpak installed, you have to enable support for it within KDE Discover. To add Flatpak to Discover, open the tool and click Settins in the left sidebar. At the bottom of the page, you'll see Missing Backends, where you'll find options for Flatpak and Snap.

Click the downward-pointing arrow for either option to install support. Restart Discover and go back to Settings, where you'll find an Add Flathub button at the top right corner. Click that and you're good to go.

You also get the Yakuake drop-down terminal, which is a great option for those who depend on the terminal and want to use it efficiently.

There's also a tasteful Conky widget on the desktop that displays time/date and memory/CPU usage.

Plasma goodness

Yes, this is KDE Plasma, which means you can customize it to your heart's content. When you open System Settings > Global Theme, you'll find two iDeal OS-specific themes (Dark and Light), as well as the usual default three (Breeze, Breeze Dark, and Breeze Twighlight).

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As always, I opt to switch to the light version of the theme, because dark themes tend to bother my eyes. If you don't like any of those, click Get New and you can choose from several cool themes.

Who is iDeal OS for?

One thing about modern Linux is that so many distributions are now 100% viable for most users, especially distributions based on Debian. iDeal OS follows in those same footsteps: it's easy enough to use that anyone, regardless of skill, could log in and feel right at home. And with the large array of pre-installed applications, you probably won't have to bother with installing anything out of the gate.

iDeal OS impressed me because it felt so complete. It has everything you need, wrapped up in a user-friendly package, so it's ready to go.

If you're interested in giving iDeal OS a try, download an ISO (it's free) from the official site.

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