Maze Linux / FAQ

Questions, answered.

The things people ask before switching to Maze Linux.

FAQ

Is Maze Linux based on Arch?

Yes. Maze Linux is built on Arch Linux and follows a rolling-release model, so you always get current packages. You get Arch's power without the manual assembly — a complete, hardened KDE Plasma 6 desktop is ready on first boot.

Do I have to configure the security and privacy tools myself?

No. AppArmor, the firewall, Maze Guard, auditd, Tor and VPN are already set up out of the box. Things that change how you appear on a network, like MAC randomization in Maze Cloak, are off until you switch them on. Local AI via Ollama is also ready to run, fully offline.

Can I try it without installing?

Yes. Maze ships as a Live ISO — boot it from USB and try the full desktop before installing. When you're ready, a guided installer sets it up in minutes.

Does Maze Linux collect any telemetry?

No. Maze has zero telemetry — nothing phones home and there is no tracking. Privacy is the default, not an option you have to turn on.

What are the hardware requirements?

A 64-bit (x86-64) CPU with UEFI (no BIOS/Legacy), at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended, 16 GB for local AI) and 40 GB of disk space. Secure Boot and full-disk encryption are supported.

Is it free and open source?

Yes. Maze Linux is free to download and use, and built on open-source software. Maze's own tools are free software (GPL-3.0, AGPL-3.0, MIT). A few third-party apps it ships, such as Steam and Discord, are proprietary.

How is Maze Linux funded?

Entirely by donations. There is no company or investor behind Maze Linux; it shows no ads, collects no telemetry and never sells your data. Server, domain and development costs are covered by users' donations in Monero, Bitcoin or through GitHub Sponsors.