Setting up a computer to use for the hobby

[Redwolf]

OK. I am looking for some advice.

If you are going to get a new computer, does it matter what kind you get if you want to use it for hobby purposes? Which is more Hobby friendly, Mac, PC, or Linux? Obviously, a laptop would be easier to throw away quickly, if that were needed.

Are the finger print readers worth it?

How should you set-up it up? Can you set it up in such a way as to keep all signs of your hobby activity on a flash drive? Or is it best to designate one computer (perhaps a netbook) to your hobby activities?

Always use protection!
What anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, etc. is needed? Pay or get freeware? Other applications for secure browsing? Other?

Which browser is best?

Other advice?

We want to protect our information from be corrupted or stolen but also to keep someone unwanted from seeing our information.

[lakecat]

I'll be interested to hear the answers RW, I've been wondering the same thing. Any computer geeks who speak English able to help?

[6ULDV8]

I'm sure there'll be a few opinions on this but I'll contribute what I believe is a good compromise for the PC short of a fully encrypted PC. Over the years I tried quite a few products, all with the intention of hiding my activities and avoid dreaded virus/spyware. I've had good luck with a combination of three anti-virus/spyware programs.

They are, Malwarebytes anti-malware and Spybot Search and Destroy which are free downloads. I use them for scanning purposes. They frequently will pick up somthing the other has overlooked. And I have a subscription to AVG as my main/primary anti-virus software, this is the one I count on to catch incoming threats while I'm browsing as well as resident threats when scanning.

Together they'll catch 99% of the spyware/virus's. Be sure to keep them updated (for instance, Malwarebytes issues an update on the average of twice a day). And run them frequently, at least once a day if your a heavy browser.

In addition I use AVG PC Tuneup. It's a one time cost. This will clean up all hidden traces of your browsing activity as well as those nasty most frequently viewed lists and internet/program temperary files and application traces. These are the areas where forensics or someone who knows what they're looking for go to.

Last but not least should you get a nasty bug, don't panic, unplug your modem, do not turn off your pc and call the folks at support.com at 866 574-6934

[Sens55]

I had the thumb ID on my work laptop. Was a complete pain in the ass. If you didn't swipe it or roll it just right, if your fingers were dirty or sweaty or anything that gave an unclear print it wouldn't open. The readers might be better today as this was a couple of years ago. And, doing the work I do, I was trying to unlock it and lock it 10 times a day and it would piss me off when it wouldn't and I had to give a presentation or pricing to a client and had to work even harder to get into it. Just me. But I would never try it again.

[ez2plz]

You might consider an iPad. Generally, it doesn't have the same exposure to malware as a Windows computer. You can easily have it time out and password protected so it is more difficult for someone else to use or access information. You can access both wifi and cell phone networks to send and receive data. If it is lost or stolen, you can erase information remotely, and even locate it with gps technology. There will be pros and cons to every possible solution.

[KCQuestor]

The problem with an iPad is the lack of support for Flash. So many escort sites use Flash and you'd be locked out using Apple. If you want the form factor of an iPad, try an Android tablet like the Motorola Xoom.

If you have the expertise, a Linux-based system would be the most secure. And if it is just for hobby use, the simplest of machines would be super cheap... almost disposable.

As far as the fingerprint readers, I loved mine. It was super convenient never needing to remember passwords and just swiping my finger for every Web site I visited. It made it REALLY convenient when private browsing since I didn't mind that I had to sign in every time I went to a site.

Unfortunately, the company that made the fingerprint reader on my laptop went out of business and the driver stopped working on the latest Firefox and Chrome browsers. It still works on Explorer, but that's not enough to make me go back to IE. For a desktop computer I would totally go with an external fingerprint reader.

[raedy4funn45]

Even an older laptop is good enough if you are just surfing the internet. Computer speed doesn't really impact internet usage.

When you do get a PC, and it is truly just for hobbying, NEVER use your real name anywhere. It is always saved someplace.

If my computer gets lost or impoounded, my personal files are on an encrypted part of my hard drive. My favorites, documents, email profile, etc are protected and not easily accessed by anyone. It would take a true hacker or the FBI to get to them. All they get to is my basic Windows operating system.

Firefox is a good browser, but make sure you clear your history after each session, which you can setup to do automatically.

Actually with Windows 7, and even Vista, you can setup a Virtual computer. Basically it is another Windows operating system that is seperate from your normal operating system. Anything you do within that "Virtual" operating system is hidden. It can be password protected, and can be easily deleted. No history, no records, it no longer exists. It can be hidden on a family computer, unless you are married to a hacker.

[vitokc]

If I were to set one up for hobby use only, I would spend as little as possible on the
computer but invest in good anti virus. I don't understand why you want to track your activities though, flash drive or otherwise. I always delete history upon signing
out. I guess as long as you keep it hidden, you'll be fine. Don't leave it laying around
where a curious mind (the mrs, kids) can pop it in and look around.

[bigryan222]

I would disagree with Linux being more secure for a couple reasons. First there are more security flaws for Linux and its main components than Windows. Second most people do not properly configure it because to be honest it is a pain in the ass to configure properly. It is far to easy to install more components then you need and then you need to configure many of the components to properly secure it. Most Linux Experts/Enthusists do not put the time, effort, and research into doing it properly. While Linux can be more secure its power and flexibility make it easier to leave open.

As far as the OS to choose, go with what you like or are comfortable with. It will be easier to learn to be smarter with something you mostly know then to learn something new and be smart with it in most cases.

First, make sure you encrypt your system and power it off when you are not using it so A) If it is not on it cant be remotely accessed and B) If you encrypted the disk there are ways to hack it by powering it off abruptly (since while it is booted the data is assesible and in the encryption keys are physically in memory for a short period of time even after shutdown)

Second, keep it patched and your virus scan up to date. You can go with Microsoft Security Essentials since it is a great cost (free) if you choose Windows.

Third, configure your browser to clear your history, etc on exit or use the browsers private browser feature (most big ones have it now). The browser you choose will realistically be based on preference.

Fourth, the less "questionable" content you go to on the internet, the safer you are. Porn, pirated software/content, and other areas bring out the internet bad guys.

Fifth, realistically for the hobby I have a hard time thinking that LE is the most likely source of your headache so if you stay smart around your family and friends. Having a hobby only laptop will cause questions if you are seen with it. You can explain away the rest of the security as computer paranoia, but the separate system is a lot harder to explain away. If LE is going to be your problem, it is probably because you got caught offline and the only way they would go after your computer is if you gave them a reason to do so by talking, etc.

[simplyme]

Didn't know this site had problems ???????????????????

[bigryan222]

Originally Posted by simplyme

Didn't know this site had problems ???????????????????

If you mean in regards to being a "questionable content" site you must not remember when ASPD got hit hard. Different site, different time, but same context.

[KCJF1]

So if you get a cheap, nearly disposable computer with internet access (refurbished PC laptops can be had for around $300) JUST for hobby communication, and you're not putting any personal info on it or making any credit card transactions, who really CARES if you get a virus once in a while? Just clear the whole thing, reinstall the op system and start again. My experience is that I pick up viruses when I surf to unknown porn sites (you'd think I'd have learned by now), not when I use a web based e-mail or sites like this one. Just put some free virus scan stuff from the internet (several are available), don't install any programs but your browser of choice and hide the fucking thing when you aren't using it. If you're concerned about being tracked by your IP address, just hop on the neighbor's unsecured WiFi or go to a prepay cell phone store (Cricket, Boost, etc.) and get one of the wireless cards.

[ez2plz]

Originally Posted by KCJF1

If you're concerned about being tracked by your IP address, just hop on the neighbor's unsecured WiFi or go to a prepay cell phone store (Cricket, Boost, etc.) and get one of the wireless cards.

I believe you can hop on free wifi at just about any McDonald's, and there are tons of them around.

[Modda]

Originally Posted by ez2plz

I believe you can hop on free wifi at just about any McDonald's, and there are tons of them around.

That is not safe either...rather more dangerous.

You can always use http://anonymouse.org/ to hide your ip, but its PITA (pain in the ass) to save cookies, I always use a hobby browser and I install it in a different location and with no icons or menus visible. I clean the Cache and history on exit (set automatically)

Comodo Internet security is free and very good.

[oldman49]

I have been toying with thew idea of using Unbuntu as a O/S. Tried it once on a small server and it was easy to setup, built in browser was Firefox amd since it is not a Microsoft product it is less likely to suffer from a virus. I also use the Malwarebytes and AVG on my Microsoft based laptops. If you go with MS setup multiple users with passwords. Good luck and stay safe.