/fringe/ - Fringe

Do not use Windows, Mac OSX or any other closed-source operating system! Especially important if you use them for things that may attract heat. Windows users are most vulnerable due to the popularity of the operating system. Microsoft has or can put in a backdoor to their operating systems through automatic updates. They also tell the NSA about their security holes way before fixing them. They may well even be able to specifically craft updates for unique licences of Windows.

Encryption software will NOT save your ass on Windows. Microsoft may be collecting keys, passwords at request of the governments in the name of national security. The operating system is the God that will always come before any open source software you install on it. If the NSA wants access to your computer, they'll ask Microsoft to secretly collect any data that may be required in gaining access to the operating system. The user is unaware until shit hits the fan.

Please /fringe/, do not keep putting off installing a free, open-source operating system. Next week, month or year may be too late for you. I recommend Debian as they have a clear focus on privacy and security. Be sure to fully encrypt it with a strong 50+ character password you have never entered online or on Windows before. This is easily done in the setup wizard. Only install trustworthy software on your new operating system and use a VPN (and chainlink other VPNs not located in the USA or UK) -> Tor for private browsing. Avoid JavaScript whenever possible. Never mix casual browsing with private browsing. Always start a new session (session cookies). Better yet, use an entirely different computer as different identities - one for casual, one for private (ensuring private is never used without VPN and Tor.

Bare in mind, never leave a computer unattended. Power them off when sleeping and ensure hardware doesn't get tampered with (keyloggers). I hope this advice proves useful to some.