Private Computing
Most people these days use a computer in some manner for pretty much everything they do. Banking, working, socialising, gaming, booking tickets, planning events, keeping photos and so on.
No matter who you are, you need to keep at least some of that information private from someone, even if it’s just your banking details from random scammers.
More recently though, with nations and states introducing all kinds of oppressive laws, that can massively fine and jail individuals just for exercising basic human rights (like visiting a dying child), privacy is more important than ever, to everyone.
If you are using a Windows or Mac computer, and are connected to the Internet at all, you have no way of controlling what data on your computer goes back to Microsoft or Apple, and as governments can force corporations to do just about anything, that means you have no control at all of your own computer.
Particularly now with it being almost necessary to have a Microsoft or Apple account to get the full use of your system, and with storage in the Cloud being the norm, most people have basically abandoned the entire concept of privacy, despite it being important enough to count as a Human Right according to the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
But believe it or not, there are actually excellent alternatives available that DON’T violate your privacy, give you full control of your computer and are even entirely free to use. Yes, you do sacrifice some small conveniences, like having Google tell you where you can buy what you are looking for before you even think to search for it. But in exchange, you get actual control back over your life and privacy. It may even save you being assaulted by criminal police breaking into your house because they found a photo of you without a mask or some equally heinous crime.
Different people of course have different requirements for security and privacy. The average individual needs a lot less than a Human Rights activist or a journalist does. And that is where I can help.
We can discuss your specific privacy requirements, along with what functionality your computer needs, to allow you to maintain your normal work and general computer use. Then I can provide advice on all the suitable software and configuration needed for your privacy requirements.
If you are a less technical user (or just want everything done quickly so you can get right to work as usual), I can also assist you step by step in setting everything up via video conference and showing you how to use it.
For most users, I will recommend some form of Linux as your operating system instead of Windows or MacOS. For many users, just transitioning to Linux and learning some basic computer security principles will be sufficient for your needs, and requires very little work.
However for business people who deal with private data (such as finance or health data), or for individuals directly involved in political activism in oppressive regimes like Australia and Canada, I may also recommend use of tools like “Tails” (a specific configuration of Linux) for extra private communications and data transfer, or Qubes OS for the absolute top level of security against remote threats.
Contact me with a summary of your situation and requirements for a quote.
Please note, this is not an introductory computer course. Basic computer literacy is a necessary prerequisite.
Fees: $70 per 30 minutes. Depending on your tech skills and requirements, this service typically takes from 2-4 hours. You will be provided a quote prior to commencement.