# ShredOS

> Linux operating system for disk erasure

**Wikidata**: [Q115679750](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115679750)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shredos

## Summary
ShredOS is a free Linux distribution designed specifically for secure disk erasure, using tools like nwipe to overwrite data permanently. It is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, and is available as a digital download for x86_64 and i686 platforms.

## Key Facts
- **Primary use**: Data erasure (secure disk wiping)
- **Based on**: Linux kernel and core GNU components
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0
- **Latest version**: v2020.05.016_x86-64_0.32 (released 2021-10-29)
- **Platforms**: x86_64 (64-bit) and i686 (32-bit)
- **Distribution format**: Digital download
- **Programming languages**: make, Python, shell script
- **Issue tracker**: GitHub repositories for both x86_64 and i686
- **Official forum**: GitHub Discussions for x86_64
- **Source code**: Hosted on GitHub under PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64

## FAQs
### Q: What is ShredOS used for?
A: ShredOS is specifically designed for secure disk erasure, ensuring that data is permanently overwritten to prevent recovery.

### Q: Is ShredOS free to use?
A: Yes, ShredOS is a free operating system licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.

### Q: What tools does ShredOS use for data erasure?
A: ShredOS primarily uses nwipe for secure disk wiping, which overwrites data multiple times to ensure deletion.

### Q: Where can I download ShredOS?
A: ShredOS is available as a digital download from its GitHub repository, with versions for both x86_64 and i686 platforms.

### Q: How do I report issues with ShredOS?
A: Issues can be reported on the GitHub issue trackers for the respective platforms (x86_64 or i686).

## Why It Matters
ShredOS addresses the critical need for secure data deletion, particularly in scenarios where sensitive information must be permanently removed from storage devices. By providing a dedicated Linux distribution for disk erasure, it simplifies the process of ensuring data confidentiality and compliance with security standards. Its focus on secure wiping makes it a valuable tool for individuals, organizations, and IT professionals who require robust data destruction methods. The open-source nature of ShredOS also allows for community contributions and customization, further enhancing its utility and reliability.

## Notable For
- **Specialized purpose**: Unlike general-purpose Linux distributions, ShredOS is exclusively designed for secure disk erasure.
- **Secure wiping**: Uses nwipe to overwrite data multiple times, ensuring permanent deletion.
- **Multi-platform support**: Available for both 64-bit (x86_64) and 32-bit (i686) architectures.
- **Open-source licensing**: Released under the GNU GPL v2.0, allowing free use, modification, and redistribution.
- **Community-driven development**: Hosted on GitHub, enabling community contributions and issue tracking.

## Body
### Overview
ShredOS is a specialized Linux distribution developed for secure disk erasure. It leverages the Linux kernel and core GNU components to provide a lightweight, dedicated environment for data wiping. The distribution is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, ensuring it remains free and open-source.

### Technical Specifications
- **Primary tool**: nwipe, a secure disk wiping utility.
- **Platforms**: Available for x86_64 (64-bit) and i686 (32-bit) architectures.
- **Distribution format**: Digital download, with versions hosted on GitHub.
- **Programming languages**: Built using make, Python, and shell scripting.
- **Latest release**: v2020.05.016_x86-64_0.32, released on October 29, 2021.

### Development and Support
- **Source code**: Hosted on GitHub under PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64.
- **Issue tracking**: Separate repositories for x86_64 and i686 platforms.
- **Community engagement**: Official forum via GitHub Discussions for x86_64 users.

### Use Cases
ShredOS is particularly useful for:
- **Secure data deletion**: Ensuring sensitive information is permanently erased.
- **IT security**: Compliance with data destruction standards.
- **Privacy protection**: Preventing data recovery by unauthorized parties.

### Conclusion
ShredOS stands out as a specialized, open-source solution for secure disk erasure. Its focus on data security, combined with multi-platform support and community-driven development, makes it a valuable tool for professionals and individuals requiring robust data deletion methods.

## References

1. [Release v2020.02.004-0.29.006 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2020.02.004-0.29.006)
2. [Release v2020.02.005_x86-64_0.30.001 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2020.02.005_x86-64_0.30.001)
3. [Release v2020.05.006_x86-64_0.30.001 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2020.05.006_x86-64_0.30.001)
4. [Release v2020.05.007_x86-64_0.30.001 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2020.05.007_x86-64_0.30.001)
5. [Release v2020.05.008_x86-64_0.30.001 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2020.05.008_x86-64_0.30.001)
6. [Release v2020.05.009_x86-64_0.30.001 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2020.05.009_x86-64_0.30.001)
7. [Release v2020.05.010_x86-64_0.30.001 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2020.05.010_x86-64_0.30.001)
8. [Release v2020.05.011_x86-64_0.30.001 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2020.05.011_x86-64_0.30.001)
9. [Release v2020.05.012_x86-64_0.31 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2020.05.012_x86-64_0.31)
10. [Release v2020.05.016_x86-64_0.32 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2020.05.016_x86-64_0.32)
11. [Release v2020.05.017_x86-64_0.32.003 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2020.05.017_x86-64_0.32.003)
12. [Release v2021.08.2_20_x86-64_0.32.014 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2021.08.2_20_x86-64_0.32.014)
13. [Release v2021.08.2_21_x86-64_0.32.023 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2021.08.2_21_x86-64_0.32.023)
14. [Release v2021.08.2_23_x86-64_0.34 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2021.08.2_23_x86-64_0.34)
15. [Release v2023.08.2_25.0_x86-64_0.35 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2023.08.2_25.0_x86-64_0.35)
16. [Release v2024.02.2_26.0_x86-64_0.37 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2024.02.2_26.0_x86-64_0.37)
17. [Release v2024.11_27_x86-64_0.38 · PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64](https://github.com/PartialVolume/shredos.x86_64/releases/tag/v2024.11_27_x86-64_0.38)