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{{distinguish|Red Flag Linux}}
{{short description|North Korean Linux-based operating system}}
{{Infobox OS
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| caption = Screenshot of the desktop of Red Star OS 3.0, [[Internationalization and localization|localized]] with [[North–South differences in the Korean language|North Korean terminology and spelling]]
| developer = [[Korea Computer Center]], [[North Korea]]
| family = [[Linux]] (desktop and server),<br> [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (on Woolim, [[Arirang (smartphone)|Arirang]], [[Samjiyon tablet computer|Samjiyon]], [[Manbang]], Jindallae and Ryonghung)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nknews.org/2017/05/north-korean-company-advertising-domestically-made-ipad/|title=Domestic Tablet|work=NKNews[[NK News]]|access-date=2022-07-07|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/190872/20161231/north-koreas-android-tablet-woolim-is-packed-with-features-automatic-screenshots-non-removable-bloatware-and-more.htm|title=Domestic Tablet |work=NKNews[[NK News]]|access-date=2022-07-07|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mashable.com/article/north-korean-smartphone|title=North Korean Smartphone|work=Mashable|access-date=2022-07-07|language=en-US}}</ref>
| working_state = Current
| source_model = {{ubl
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| marketing_target = [[Personal computer]]s
| language = [[Korean language|Korean]]
| supported_platforms = [[IA-32]], [[x86-64]] (server only), [[ARM architecture|ARM]] (mobile and tablet only)
| kernel_type = [[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]] forked from ([[Linux kernel]])
| ui = [[KDE]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://archiveos.org/redstar/|title=Red Star OS|work=ArchiveOS|access-date=2017-08-31|language=en-US}}</ref>
| license = GPL (Linux kernel and other GNU software only), Proprietary
| influenced_by = [[Fedora Linux]] (desktop), [[CentOS]] (Server), [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (mobile and tablet)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/wnx8yy/inside-north-koreas-totalitarian-operating-system|title=Inside North Korea's Totalitarian Operating System|website=Motherboard|date=27 December 2015 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-08-31}}</ref>
| date = July 2014
}}
 
'''Red Star OS''' ({{ko-hhrm|붉은별|mr=Pulgŭnbyŏl|context=north}}) is a [[North Korea]]n [[Linux distribution]], with development first starting in 1998 at the [[Korea Computer Center]] (KCC). Prior to its release, computers in North Korea typically used [[Red Hat Linux]],<ref name="ChosonSinbo">{{citation
| url=http://www.korea-np.co.jp/news/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=22248
| archive-url=https://archive.today/20071223055411/http://www.korea-np.co.jp/news/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=22248
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| last=Kim
| first=Chi-yong
| language=ko}}</ref> and later switched to a modified versions of [[WindowsMicrosoft XPWindows]] with [[North Korean language]] packs installed. <ref>{{cite news|title=North Korea's 'paranoid' computer operating system revealed|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/27/north-koreas-computer-operating-system-revealed-by-researchers|access-date=4 May 2018|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=27 December 2015|language=en}}</ref>
 
Version 3.0 was released in the summer of 2013, but {{asof|2014|lc=y}}, version 1.0 continues to be more widely used.{{Verify source|date=November 2021}} It is offered only available in a [[Korean language|Korean]] edition, [[Internationalization and localization|localized]] with [[North–South differences in the Korean language|North Korean terminology and spelling]].<ref name="Daum">{{citation
| url=http://media.daum.net/digital/view.html?cateid=1068&newsid=20100302174815619&p=yonhap
| date=2010-03-03
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| last=Nam
| first=Hyeon-ho
| language=ko}}</ref>, although it is possible to change it to English by modifying the [[ISO file]] or on the [[BIOS boot partition|BIOS boot menu]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-01-01 |title=Notes on Red Star OS 3.0 |url=https://messaroundery.net/2015/01/01/notes-on-red-star-os-3-0 |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=messaroundery.net |language=en}}</ref>
| language=ko}}</ref>
 
==Specifications==
Red Star OS features a modified [[Mozilla Firefox]] browser called [[Naenara (browser)|''Naenara'']] ("MyOur country" in Korean), which is used for browsing the [[Naenara]] web portal on North Korea's [[national intranet]] known as [[Kwangmyong (network)|Kwangmyong]]. Naenara comes with two search engines. Other software includes a [[text editor]], an [[office suite]], an [[e-mail client]], [[Media player (application software)|audio and video]] players, a [[file sharing program]], and [[computer game|video games]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 20, 2019|title=Naenara: Exploring a North Korean Computer & Internet|url=https://koryogroup.com/blog/naenara-exploring-a-north-korean-computer-internet|url-status=live|access-date=August 14, 2021|website=[[Koryo Tours]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Locker|first=Theresa|date=January 7, 2015|title=You Can Now Install the Original North Korean Operating System RedStar 3.0|work=[[Vice News]]|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/pgaxa9/you-can-now-install-the-north-korean-operating-system-redstar-30|access-date=August 14, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Version 3, like its predecessors, utilizes [[Wine (software)|Wine]], a compatibility layer that allows [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] programs to be run under Linux.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = http://www.northkoreatech.org/2014/01/31/north-koreas-red-star-os-goes-mac/|title = North Korea's Red Star OS Goes Mac|date = January 31, 2014|access-date = July 23, 2014|website = [[North Korea Tech]]|publisher = Martyn Williams|last = Williams|first = Martyn}}</ref>
 
The operating system utilizes customized versions of [[KDE Software Compilation]]. Earlier versions had [[KDE 3]]-based desktops. Version 3.0 closely resembles [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]'s [[macOS]], whereas previous versions more closely resembled [[Windows XP]];<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-26047439|title=Apple's Mac OSX imitated in latest North Korea system|date=2014-02-05|work=BBC News|access-date=2017-08-31|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/10619703/North-Korean-computers-get-Apple-makeover.html|title=North Korean computers get 'Apple' makeover|work=Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=2017-08-31|language=en}}</ref> current North Korean leader [[Kim Jong-un]] was seen with an [[iMac]] on his desk in a 2013 photo, indicating a possible connection to the redesign.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26047439| title=Apple's Mac OS X imitated in latest North Korea system| date=2014-02-05| publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref name=telegraph-redstarapple>{{cite web|title=North Korean computers get 'Apple' makeover|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/10619703/North-Korean-computers-get-Apple-makeover.html|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=5 February 2014 |access-date=6 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=North Korean computers get iMac makeover|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/blue-sky-north-korea-computer-resembles-an-imac-2015-6?r=US&IR=T|work=Business Insider|access-date=2022-07-07}}</ref>
 
{{System requirements
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| platform1 = Red Star OS
| os1 =
| cpu1 = Core 800 MHz Intel 3900RXSTAR | RXSTAR =Pentium RedIII Star</ref>
<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3036046/what-its-like-to-use-north-koreas-red-star-os|title=A Visual Guide To North Korea's Totalitarian Operating System|date=2014-09-23|work=Fast Company|access-date=2017-08-31|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/03/04/north-koreas-red-star-os-takes-the-open-out-of-open-source/|title=North Korea's Red Star OS takes the 'open' out of 'open source'|website=Engadget|date=4 March 2010 |access-date=2017-08-31}}</ref>
| memory1 = 900256 [[GigabyteMegabyte|GBMB]]
| gpu1 =
| sound1 =
| network1 =
| hdspace1 = 5003 [[Gigabyte|GB]]
| media1 =
| display1 =
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==Media attention==
[[File:Windowing in Red Star Linux.png|leftright|thumb|220x220px|Built-in games in Version 2.0 of Red Star OS, including a ported versionversions of [[Atomix (video game)|Atomix]] and [[Minesweeper (video game)|Minesweeper]].]]
The Japan-based [[North Korea]]-affiliated newspaper ''[[Choson Sinbo]]'' interviewed two Red Star OS programmers in June 2006.<ref name="ChosonSinbo"/> English-language technology blogs, including [[Engadget]] and [[OSnews]], as well as South Korean [[news agency|wire services]] such as [[Yonhap]], went on to repost the content.<ref name="Daum" /><ref>{{citation
| url=http://www.osnews.com/story/22960/North_Korea_Develops_Its_Own_Linux_Distribution
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It featured the "[[Naenara (browser)|Naenara]]" web browser, based on Mozilla Firefox, and an Office suite based on Open Office, called "Uri 2.0". [[Wine (software)|Wine]] is also included.
 
SoOne far,copy no copies havehas been leaked online. The screenshots of the operating system were officially published by KCNA and discovered by South Korean news sites.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|author=Tong-hyung|first=Kim|date=5 April 2010|title=NK Goes for Linux-Based Operating System|url=httphttps://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2010/04/123_63669.html|url-status=live|work=[[The Korea Times]]}}</ref>
 
=== Version 2.0 ===
[[File:Red Star OS 2.0 21 10 2023 20 34 26.png|right|thumb|205px|Desktop of Red Star 2.0]]
The development of version 2.0 began in March 2008, and was completed on June 3, 2009. Like its predecessor, its appearance resembles Windows XP, and was priced at 2000 [[North Korean won]] (approx. US$15).
 
The "Naenara" internet browser is also included in this version. The browser was released on 6 August 2009, as part of the operating system, and was priced at 4000 [[North Korean won]] (approx. US$28).
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[[File:Sogwang_Office_in_Red_Star_OS_3.jpg|right|thumb|205px|Sogwang office (customized OpenOffice) in Red Star OS 3]]
 
Version 3.0 was introduced on April 15, 2012, and its appearance resembles [[macOS]] operating systems of various versions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.northkoreatech.org/2014/12/30/red-star-3-0-desktop-finally-becomes-public/|title=Red Star 3.0 Desktop finally becomes public|last=Williams|first=Martyn|date=2014-12-30|website=[[North Korea Tech - 노스코리아테크]]|access-date=2017-08-31}}</ref> The new version supports both [[Internet Protocol version 4|IPv4]] and [[IPv6]] addresses.
 
The operating system comes pre-installed with a number of applications that monitor its users. If a user tries to disable security functions, an error message will appear on the computer, or the operating system will crash and reboot. In addition, a watermarking tool integrated into the system marks all media content with the hard drive's serial number, allowing the North Korean authorities to trace the spread of files. The system also has hidden "anti-virusantivirus" software that is capable of removing censored files that are remotely stored by the North Korean secretSecret serviceService. There is a user group called "[[superuser|administrator]]" in the operating system. Users do not have root access by default, but are able to elevate their privileges to root by running a built-in utility called "rootsetting". However, provisions are made in kernel modules to deny even root users access to certain files, and extensive system integrity checks are done at boot time to ensure these files have not been modified.<ref name="chaos" />
 
Red Star OS 3 comes with a customized version of [[OpenOffice.org|OpenOffice]] called ''Sogwang Office''.<ref name="chaos"/>
 
The operating system was leaked by [[2020–2021 Nintendo data leak|Zammis Clark]] ("SlipStream").<ref>{{Cite web |title=r/linux - I managed to get a hold of the latest version of that North Korean Linux distro, in some shape or form. Here's a torrent of Red Star OS 3.0 Server. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/linux/comments/272zxf/i_managed_to_get_a_hold_of_the_latest_version_of/ |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=reddit |date=2 June 2014 |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
=== Version 4.0 ===
Very littleLittle information is available on version 4.0.
 
According to ''[[The Pyongyang Times]]'', an official version of Red Star OS 4.0 hashad been developed as ofby January 2019, with full network support as well as system and service management tools.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pyongyangtimes.com.kp/pdf/2019/02/6.pdf|title=The Pyongyang Times|access-date=2019-01-12|archive-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518165456/http://www.pyongyangtimes.com.kp/pdf/2019/02/6.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
As of late 2017 it is known that a Red Star 4.0 exists and is being field tested.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htecm/20171014.aspx|title=Electronic Weapons: Two Lines, No Waiting|access-date=2017-12-27|language=en-GB}}</ref>
 
In June and July 2020, [[South Korea]]'s NKEconomy (NK경제) obtained a copy of Red Star OS 4.0 and have published articles about it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nkeconomy.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3191|title=북한 붉은별4.0에 오라클 버추얼박스를 탑재하고 있다|trans-title=Oracle Virtualbox is installed in DPRK's Red Star 4.0|publisher=NK경제 (NKEconomy)|date=2020-06-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nkeconomy.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3213|title=붉은별4.0 서광 오피스에서 MS워드 파일 편집 가능하다|trans-title=Sogwang Office in Red Star 4.0 can edit Microsoft Word files|publisher=NK경제 (NKEconomy)|date=2020-06-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nkeconomy.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3261|title=북한 붉은별 4.0의 기본 브라우저는? 파이어폭스|trans-title=The default web browser in Red Star 4.0 is Firefox|publisher=NK경제 (NKEconomy)|date=2020-07-06}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nkeconomy.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3292|title=붉은별4.0의 비밀번호 관리는 키체인으로?|trans-title=Password management in Red Star 4.0 is done by keychain?|publisher=NK경제 (NKEconomy)|date=2020-07-21}}</ref>
According to ''[[The Pyongyang Times]]'', an official version of Red Star OS 4.0 has been developed as of January 2019, with full network support as well as system and service management tools.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pyongyangtimes.com.kp/pdf/2019/02/6.pdf|title=The Pyongyang Times|access-date=2019-01-12|archive-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518165456/http://www.pyongyangtimes.com.kp/pdf/2019/02/6.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
One source vaguely suggests that Red Star OS 4.0 contains a password management application, but not much information about it is known.<ref name=":2" />
In June and July 2020, [[South Korea]]'s NKEconomy (NK경제) obtained Red Star 4.0 and published articles about it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nkeconomy.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3191|title=북한 붉은별4.0에 오라클 버추얼박스를 탑재하고 있다|trans-title=Oracle Virtualbox is installed in DPRK's Red Star 4.0|publisher=NK경제 (NKEconomy)|date=2020-06-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nkeconomy.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3213|title=붉은별4.0 서광 오피스에서 MS워드 파일 편집 가능하다|trans-title=Sogwang Office in Red Star 4.0 can edit Microsoft Word files|publisher=NK경제 (NKEconomy)|date=2020-06-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nkeconomy.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3261|title=북한 붉은별 4.0의 기본 브라우저는? 파이어폭스|trans-title=The default web browser in Red Star 4.0 is Firefox|publisher=NK경제 (NKEconomy)|date=2020-07-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nkeconomy.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3292|title=붉은별4.0의 비밀번호 관리는 키체인으로?|trans-title=Password management in Red Star 4.0 is done by keychain?|publisher=NK경제 (NKEconomy)|date=2020-07-21}}</ref>
 
== Vulnerabilities ==
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==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
 
==External links==
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| date=2010-04-06
| publisher=[[BBC News]]}}
|* {{cite web |url=httphttps://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/economy/2010/04/03/0303000000AKR20100403065200017.HTML |title= |script-title=ko:北 컴퓨터운영체제 붉은별 첫 분석 |language=ko |date=5 April 2010}}
* {{cite web
| url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/economy/2010/04/03/0303000000AKR20100403065200017.HTML
| script-title=ko:北 컴퓨터운영체제 붉은별 첫 분석
| language=ko| date=5 April 2010
}}
* [https://github.com/takeshixx/redstar-tools redstar-tools]: A tool used for analyzing the system.
 
{{Fedora Linux derivatives}}
 
{{Linux distributions}}
{{Portal bar|Free and open-source software|Linux}}
 
[[Category:2008 software]]
[[Category:Information technology in North Korea]]
[[Category:KDE]]
[[Category:Korean-language computing]]
[[Category:Linux distributions]]
[[Category:RPM-based Linux distributions]]
[[Category:State-sponsored Linux distributions]]