Computer security - Revision history

Eskimo: /* Linux */

2026-03-14T08:48:34Z

Linux

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:48, 14 March 2026
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	* Beginners: Linux Mint or Zorin OS because everything works out of the box and they design it with ex-Windows users in mind.		* Beginners: Linux Mint or Zorin OS because everything works out of the box and they design it with ex-Windows users in mind.

	* Advanced users: Fedora Linux or Debian, they may require you to download codecs or customize something during and after installation. You have to me a little familiar with computers for everything to work.		* Advanced users: Fedora Linux or Debian, because they get security updates and have a big community, they may require you to download codecs or customize something during and after installation. You have to me a little familiar with computers for everything to work.

	For anonymity the best Linux distribution is Tails OS but it can not be installed in your computer, this distribution only runs from a USB thumbdrive, this is done on purpose to avoid leaving any data behind after you power off the computer.		For anonymity the best Linux distribution is Tails OS but it can not be installed in your computer, this distribution only runs from a USB thumbdrive, this is done on purpose to avoid leaving any data behind after you power off the computer.

Eskimo: /* Linux */

2026-03-14T08:47:07Z

Linux

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:47, 14 March 2026
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	Recommended Linux distributions:		Recommended Linux distributions:

	Beginners: Linux Mint or Zorin OS because everything works out of the box and they design it with ex-Windows users in mind.		* Beginners: Linux Mint or Zorin OS because everything works out of the box and they design it with ex-Windows users in mind.

	Advanced: Fedora Linux or Debian, they require you download codecs ~~and do a few customization~~ during and after ~~install~~. You have to me a little familiar with computers for everything to work.		* Advanced users: Fedora Linux or Debian, they may require you to download codecs or customize something during and after installation. You have to me a little familiar with computers for everything to work.

	For anonymity the best Linux distribution is Tails OS but it can not be installed in your computer, this distribution only runs from a USB thumbdrive, this is done on purpose to avoid leaving any data behind after you power off the computer.		For anonymity the best Linux distribution is Tails OS but it can not be installed in your computer, this distribution only runs from a USB thumbdrive, this is done on purpose to avoid leaving any data behind after you power off the computer.

Eskimo: added bullets in main points

2026-03-14T08:45:50Z

added bullets in main points

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:45, 14 March 2026
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	Why Use Linux instead of Windows?		Why Use Linux instead of Windows?

	Privacy & Bloat-Free: Unlike Windows, which forces you create an account with personal identifiers and sneakily attempts to get you to inadvertently upload your personal data to Windows servers, most Linux distributions do not track user activity. This focus on privacy, combined with minimal pre-installed software, results in a cleaner, faster, and more private user experience.		* Privacy & Bloat-Free: Unlike Windows, which forces you create an account with personal identifiers and sneakily attempts to get you to inadvertently upload your personal data to Windows servers, most Linux distributions do not track user activity. This focus on privacy, combined with minimal pre-installed software, results in a cleaner, faster, and more private user experience.

	Cost & Flexibility: Most Linux distributions are free to download, use, and distribute.		* Cost & Flexibility: Most Linux distributions are free to download, use, and distribute.

	Customization & Control: Linux offers unparalleled customization. Users can choose from numerous desktop environments, window managers, and software packages to tailor the system to their exact needs.		* Customization & Control: Linux offers unparalleled customization. Users can choose from numerous desktop environments, window managers, and software packages to tailor the system to their exact needs.

	Performance & Stability: Linux is generally more lightweight and efficient than Windows.		* Performance & Stability: Linux is generally more lightweight and efficient than Windows.

	Recommended Linux distributions:		Recommended Linux distributions:

Eskimo: Added Linux section

2026-03-14T08:45:06Z

Added Linux section

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:45, 14 March 2026
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	* OneDrive: When you upload files to OneDrive they are automatically scanned to detect child pornography, <ref>Microsoft tip leads to child porn arrest in Pennsylvania https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-28682686</ref> the main problem with this is approach is that Microsoft treats everybody like a suspected criminal and child pornographer without being one, it is like having to submit yourself to a search without any evidence of any wrongdoing and without any warrant, by agreeing to using OneDrive, you are waving your privacy rights, the same for Dropbox and other cloud services. If you care about not being treated like a suspected criminal, uninstall OneDrive from Windows.		* OneDrive: When you upload files to OneDrive they are automatically scanned to detect child pornography, <ref>Microsoft tip leads to child porn arrest in Pennsylvania https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-28682686</ref> the main problem with this is approach is that Microsoft treats everybody like a suspected criminal and child pornographer without being one, it is like having to submit yourself to a search without any evidence of any wrongdoing and without any warrant, by agreeing to using OneDrive, you are waving your privacy rights, the same for Dropbox and other cloud services. If you care about not being treated like a suspected criminal, uninstall OneDrive from Windows.


			== Linux ==

			Why Use Linux instead of Windows?

			Privacy & Bloat-Free: Unlike Windows, which forces you create an account with personal identifiers and sneakily attempts to get you to inadvertently upload your personal data to Windows servers, most Linux distributions do not track user activity. This focus on privacy, combined with minimal pre-installed software, results in a cleaner, faster, and more private user experience.

			Cost & Flexibility: Most Linux distributions are free to download, use, and distribute.

			Customization & Control: Linux offers unparalleled customization. Users can choose from numerous desktop environments, window managers, and software packages to tailor the system to their exact needs.

			Performance & Stability: Linux is generally more lightweight and efficient than Windows.

			Recommended Linux distributions:

			Beginners: Linux Mint or Zorin OS because everything works out of the box and they design it with ex-Windows users in mind.

			Advanced: Fedora Linux or Debian, they require you download codecs and do a few customization during and after install. You have to me a little familiar with computers for everything to work.

			For anonymity the best Linux distribution is Tails OS but it can not be installed in your computer, this distribution only runs from a USB thumbdrive, this is done on purpose to avoid leaving any data behind after you power off the computer.

	== Smartphones and tablets ==		== Smartphones and tablets ==

Eskimo: fixed URL

2026-03-14T08:32:21Z

fixed URL

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:32, 14 March 2026
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	A VPN provider located in a foreign country, simply because of the hassle of dealing with an agency of another country, can provide more protection than a domestic one. The client software running on your computer/smartphone or tablet will [[encryption\|encrypt]] your request for a Web page, so even if your data is being monitored, all the monitor can tell is that a certain IP address (you) sent a request to a VPN, but the URL of the page that you requested is not visible. Another use of a VPN is being able to access websites that are georestricted, for example watching CBS online outside the USA.		A VPN provider located in a foreign country, simply because of the hassle of dealing with an agency of another country, can provide more protection than a domestic one. The client software running on your computer/smartphone or tablet will [[encryption\|encrypt]] your request for a Web page, so even if your data is being monitored, all the monitor can tell is that a certain IP address (you) sent a request to a VPN, but the URL of the page that you requested is not visible. Another use of a VPN is being able to access websites that are georestricted, for example watching CBS online outside the USA.

	In most Western countries using a VPN is completely legal and there are many legitimate purposes to use one, like wanting to secure your Internet activities on a Wifi access point or a business looking for secure access to a stock market account. As of 2026, there are three VPN companies that filter websites and block what they call child porn websites, once filtering capabilities exist it is very easy for somebody to add any other site they want, the list of blocked websites is secret and nobody will ever know what is in there. These VPNs all belong to the same parent company, UK based Kape Technologies, and their names are ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA) and CyberGhostVPN, due to privacy concerns they should be avoided.<ref>ExpressVPN blocks child porn in partnership with Internet Watch Foundation https://www.~~wired~~.~~co.uk~~/~~article~~/ip-~~bill~~-~~law~~-~~details~~-~~passed~~</ref>		In most Western countries using a VPN is completely legal and there are many legitimate purposes to use one, like wanting to secure your Internet activities on a Wifi access point or a business looking for secure access to a stock market account. As of 2026, there are three VPN companies that filter websites and block what they call child porn websites, once filtering capabilities exist it is very easy for somebody to add any other site they want, the list of blocked websites is secret and nobody will ever know what is in there. These VPNs all belong to the same parent company, UK based Kape Technologies, and their names are ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA) and CyberGhostVPN, due to privacy concerns they should be avoided.<ref>ExpressVPN blocks child porn in partnership with Internet Watch Foundation https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/vpns/expressvpn-blocks-child-abuse-material-in-partnership-with-internet-watch-foundation</ref>

	The Onion Router [[Tor]] is a chain of proxy servers located in multiple countries and it is far more secure than a VPN, however speed is slower.		The Onion Router [[Tor]] is a chain of proxy servers located in multiple countries and it is far more secure than a VPN, however speed is slower.

Eskimo: Added information about ExpressVPN filtering websites

2026-03-14T08:30:53Z

Added information about ExpressVPN filtering websites

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:30, 14 March 2026
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	A VPN provider located in a foreign country, simply because of the hassle of dealing with an agency of another country, can provide more protection than a domestic one. The client software running on your computer/smartphone or tablet will [[encryption\|encrypt]] your request for a Web page, so even if your data is being monitored, all the monitor can tell is that a certain IP address (you) sent a request to a VPN, but the URL of the page that you requested is not visible. Another use of a VPN is being able to access websites that are georestricted, for example watching CBS online outside the USA.		A VPN provider located in a foreign country, simply because of the hassle of dealing with an agency of another country, can provide more protection than a domestic one. The client software running on your computer/smartphone or tablet will [[encryption\|encrypt]] your request for a Web page, so even if your data is being monitored, all the monitor can tell is that a certain IP address (you) sent a request to a VPN, but the URL of the page that you requested is not visible. Another use of a VPN is being able to access websites that are georestricted, for example watching CBS online outside the USA.

	In most Western countries using a VPN is completely legal and there are many legitimate purposes to use one, like wanting to secure your Internet activities on a Wifi access point or a business looking for secure access to a stock market account.		In most Western countries using a VPN is completely legal and there are many legitimate purposes to use one, like wanting to secure your Internet activities on a Wifi access point or a business looking for secure access to a stock market account. As of 2026, there are three VPN companies that filter websites and block what they call child porn websites, once filtering capabilities exist it is very easy for somebody to add any other site they want, the list of blocked websites is secret and nobody will ever know what is in there. These VPNs all belong to the same parent company, UK based Kape Technologies, and their names are ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA) and CyberGhostVPN, due to privacy concerns they should be avoided.<ref>ExpressVPN blocks child porn in partnership with Internet Watch Foundation https://www.wired.co.uk/article/ip-bill-law-details-passed</ref>

	The Onion Router [[Tor]] is a chain of proxy servers located in multiple countries and it is far more secure than a VPN, however speed is slower.		The Onion Router [[Tor]] is a chain of proxy servers located in multiple countries and it is far more secure than a VPN, however speed is slower.

Eskimo: /* External links */

2025-11-04T12:38:51Z

External links

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:38, 4 November 2025
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	* [https://bleachbit.org/ BleachBit Privacy Cleaner]		* [https://bleachbit.org/ BleachBit Privacy Cleaner]
	* [https://oo-software.com/en/shutup10 ShutUp10++:Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11]		* [https://oo-software.com/en/shutup10 ShutUp10++:Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11]
	* [https://distrosea.com/ DistroSea: Test Linux distros online!]		* [https://distrosea.com/ DistroSea: Test Linux distros online]
	* [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid open source app store for Android]		* [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid open source app store for Android]

Eskimo: /* External links */

2025-11-04T12:38:38Z

External links

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:38, 4 November 2025
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	* [https://bleachbit.org/ BleachBit Privacy Cleaner]		* [https://bleachbit.org/ BleachBit Privacy Cleaner]
	* [https://oo-software.com/en/shutup10 ShutUp10++:Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11]		* [https://oo-software.com/en/shutup10 ShutUp10++:Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11]
	* [https://distrosea.com/ Test ~~drive~~ Linux distros online!]		* [https://distrosea.com/ DistroSea: Test Linux distros online!]
	* [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid open source app store for Android]		* [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid open source app store for Android]

Eskimo: Added distrosea link

2025-11-04T12:38:16Z

Added distrosea link

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:38, 4 November 2025
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	* [https://bleachbit.org/ BleachBit Privacy Cleaner]		* [https://bleachbit.org/ BleachBit Privacy Cleaner]
	* [https://oo-software.com/en/shutup10 ShutUp10++:Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11]		* [https://oo-software.com/en/shutup10 ShutUp10++:Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11]
			* [https://distrosea.com/ Test drive Linux distros online!]
	* [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid open source app store for Android]		* [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid open source app store for Android]

Eskimo: /* Windows 11 */

2025-11-04T12:36:23Z

Windows 11

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:36, 4 November 2025
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	'''Warning!'''		'''Warning!'''

	It is extremely difficult to have privacy in Windows and Microsoft new updates keep pushing ~~users~~ towards their cloud services which are a privacy nightmare. A few tips are given here to secure Windows but if you are serious about privacy you ~~should~~ wipe out Windows and install Linux instead, there is no other way.		It is extremely difficult to have privacy in Windows and Microsoft new updates keep pushing people towards their cloud services which are a privacy nightmare. A few tips are given here to secure Windows but if you are serious about privacy you must wipe out Windows and install Linux instead, there is no other way.

	* Microsoft account: The Microsoft Windows 11 operating system forces users to sign up for a Microsoft account, signing into Windows 11 with your Microsoft account will immediately sync (upload) settings and data to the company’s servers <ref> How to Set Up Windows 11 for Maximum Privacy https://aardwolfsecurity.com/how-to-set-up-windows-11-for-maximum-privacy/</ref>, the data may contain your Internet browsing history, saved passwords and settings like your desktop background, signing in with a Microsoft account enables full-disk encryption too and it stores a recovery decryption key in OneDrive, to avoid this use a local Windows 11 account instead of a Microsoft cloud account. At the moment of writing, Windows 11 is making it impossible for users to operate without creating a Microsoft cloud account, there are ways around this but as the situation keeps changing, instead of a providing a solution that will quickly be out of date, you are advised to use a search engine to search for a work around to use Windows 11 with a local account.		* Microsoft account: The Microsoft Windows 11 operating system forces users to sign up for a Microsoft account, signing into Windows 11 with your Microsoft account will immediately sync (upload) settings and data to the company’s servers <ref> How to Set Up Windows 11 for Maximum Privacy https://aardwolfsecurity.com/how-to-set-up-windows-11-for-maximum-privacy/</ref>, the data may contain your Internet browsing history, saved passwords and settings like your desktop background, signing in with a Microsoft account enables full-disk encryption too and it stores a recovery decryption key in OneDrive, to avoid this use a local Windows 11 account instead of a Microsoft cloud account. At the moment of writing, Windows 11 is making it impossible for users to operate without creating a Microsoft cloud account, there are ways around this but as the situation keeps changing, instead of a providing a solution that will quickly be out of date, you are advised to use a search engine to search for a work around to use Windows 11 with a local account.