Introduction
Kylin is a Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed to meet the security and technological sovereignty requirements of Chinese government administrations and companies. Its UKUI desktop environment offers a family interface for Windows users, while the system incorporates kernel patches and strengthening tools adapted to local standards. In this article we will review its origin, technical characteristics and the scenarios where its adoption is most beneficial.
History and origin
The Kylin project was launched in 2013 under the leadership of the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, with the aim of reducing dependence on foreign software in critical sectors such as defence, energy and telecommunications. The first version, Kylin Desktop 1.0, was based on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS and used the UKUI desktop environment, created to offer a similar experience to Windows 7 with open standards. Each release follows Ubuntu's LTS life cycle, incorporating specific security patches and performance improvements for national hardware.
Main characteristics
Kylin combines the stability of Ubuntu with improvements focused on security, centralized management and compatibility with national architectures.
- UKUI desktop environment, highly customizable and optimized to run efficiently in ARM and x86 _ 64 processors from national manufacturers.
- Kernel Linux reinforced with SELinux-type patches and AppArmor policies adapted to Chinese encryption guidelines.
- APT package manager with official repositories that include government-certified software, ensuring traceability and reliable origin.
- Centralized management tools such as Kylin Management Console, which allow for group policies, audit and remote deployment of updates.
Architecture and components
At the Kylin base is the Linux 5.10 kernel (in the latest versions) that includes additional security patches developed by the national security team. On it is executed systemd as an initiation system, responsible for managing services, assembly and the start of graphic environments. The desktop layer consists of the Marco window manager and the UKUI panel, which offer an application menu, system tray and control center with privacy and performance settings.
Cases of use
Thanks to its approach to security and technological sovereignty, Kylin is deployed mainly in environments where confidentiality and policy compliance are critical.
- Public administration: government offices that handle classified data and require compliance with the Information Security Act.
- Defense and aerospace: platforms used in flight control systems and simulators that must resist sophisticated cyber attacks.
- Financial sector: banks and insurers that process sensitive transactions and need to reduce risks of information filtration.
- Critical infrastructure: power and telecommunications plants operating under strict standards of availability and protection.
Installation and configuration
The Kylin installation follows the typical process of a Ubuntu-based distribution. Download the ISO image from the official portal and create a USB boot medium with Rufus or dd. During the start-up, the wizard allows you to choose between a minimum installation (base system only) or a complete one with UKUI desktop and productivity packages.
After installation, it is recommended to run the hardening wizard to adjust the firewall, enable automatic updates and define the safety profile according to the role of the equipment. You can also activate disk encryption and group policies with the Kylin Management Console.
Community and support
Although Kylin is state-driven, it has a public repository in GitHub to report errors and propose improvements. The official forums, in Chinese and English, allow you to share solution guides and customization tricks.
For companies that need SLA, the provider provides technical support with extended security updates, migration support and training. These services keep systems up to date and safe without affecting critical operations.
Advantages and disadvantages
In assessing Kylin as an operating system, it is important to weigh its benefits and limitations in deciding its adoption.
- High safety level with kernel patches and tools aligned to Chinese standards.
- Family UKUI interface for Windows users, reducing the learning curve and facilitating migration.
- LTS cycle aligned with Ubuntu, ensuring access to packages and regular updates for several years.
- Documentation and support mainly in Chinese, making it difficult to solve problems for non-Spanish-speaking users.
- Less availability of third-party applications against distributions like Fedora or Debian, especially specialized desktop software.
- A single State supplier unit raises concerns about project independence and longevity.
Conclusion
Kylin is a solid alternative for organizations that seek technological sovereignty and data protection without losing usability. Its Ubuntu base provides access to a vast software ecosystem, and its additional safety layers make it suitable for high-confidentiality environments.
If you need a stable Linux, compatible with national hardware and institutional support, Kylin is worth considering. Analyzing your pros and cons helps to determine whether it fits your infrastructure and long-term security targets.
