Introduction
Kylin is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu designed to meet the security and technological sovereignty requirements of Chinese government administrations and enterprises. Its UKUI desktop environment offers a familiar interface for Windows users, while the system incorporates kernel patches and hardening tools adapted to local regulations. In this article we will review its origin, technical features, and the scenarios where its adoption is most beneficial.
History and Origin
The Kylin project was initiated in 2013 under the direction of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, with the goal of reducing dependence on foreign software in critical sectors such as defense, 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 provide a Windows 7‑like experience while respecting open standards. Each release follows Ubuntu’s LTS lifecycle, incorporating specific security patches and performance improvements for domestically produced hardware.
Main Features
Kylin combines Ubuntu’s stability with enhancements focused on security, centralized management, and compatibility with domestic architectures.
- UKUI desktop environment, highly customizable and optimized to run efficiently on ARM and x86_64 processors from domestic manufacturers.
- Linux kernel hardened 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 a trusted source.
- Centralized administration tools such as the Kylin Management Console, which allow applying group policies, auditing, and remote deployment of updates.
Architecture and Components
At the base of Kylin lies the Linux kernel 5.10 (in the most recent versions) which includes additional security patches developed by the national security team. On top of it runs systemd as the init system, responsible for managing services, mounts, and the launch of graphical environments. The desktop layer consists of the Marco window manager and the UKUI panel, which provide an application menu, system tray, and control center with privacy and performance settings.
Use Cases
Thanks to its focus on security and technological sovereignty, Kylin is primarily deployed in environments where confidentiality and regulatory compliance are critical.
- Public administration: government offices handling classified data that require compliance with the Information Security Law.
- Defense and aerospace: platforms used in flight‑control systems and simulators that must resist sophisticated cyber attacks.
- Financial sector: banks and insurers processing sensitive transactions and needing to reduce the risk of information leakage.
- Critical infrastructure: power plants and telecommunications facilities operating under strict availability and protection standards.
Installation and Configuration
Installing Kylin follows the typical process of an Ubuntu‑based distribution. Download the ISO image from the official portal and create a bootable USB medium with Rufus or dd. During boot, the wizard lets you choose between a minimal installation (base system only) or a full installation with the 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 security profile according to the machine’s role. You can also enable disk encryption and group policies via the Kylin Management Console.
Community and Support
Although Kylin is state‑driven, it has a public GitHub repository for reporting bugs and proposing improvements. The official forums, in Chinese and English, allow sharing troubleshooting guides and customization tips.
For enterprises that require an SLA, the provider offers technical support with extended security updates, migration assistance, and training. These services keep the systems up‑to‑date and secure without affecting critical operations.
Advantages and Disadvantages
When evaluating Kylin as an operating system, it is important to weigh its benefits and limitations to decide on adoption.
- High level of security with kernel patches and tools aligned with Chinese regulations.
- UKUI interface familiar to Windows users, reducing the learning curve and facilitating migration.
- LTS cycle aligned with Ubuntu, guaranteeing access to packages and regular updates for several years.
- Documentation and support are mostly in Chinese, making troubleshooting difficult for non‑Chinese speakers.
- Fewer third‑party applications compared with distributions such as Fedora or Debian, especially specialized desktop software.
- Dependence on a single state provider raises concerns about independence and the project’s longevity.
Conclusion
Kylin is a solid alternative for organizations seeking technological sovereignty and data protection without sacrificing usability. Its Ubuntu base provides access to a vast software ecosystem, and its additional security layers make it suitable for high‑confidentiality environments.
If you need a stable Linux that is compatible with domestically produced hardware and backed by institutional support, Kylin is worth considering. Analyzing its pros and cons helps determine whether it fits your infrastructure and long‑term security goals.
This post is also available in ESPAÑOL.