Re: [gNewSense-users] basic questions about gNS

[kelly]

I know I'm a tad late responding but this is what I do (because I'm
paranoid about my privacy):

Bubba cakes wrote:

> Hi, all,
> I hope this is the right list...
>
> I have some basic questions, and I wonder if this is the place to ask
> them.
>
> I want to know about internet security, how to keep my computer from
> being infected with viruses, spamware, spyware, adware,
> whatever-ware...

I run Chkrootkit and rhunter though I use Chkrootkit more often.

> Is there a program that I can run to check all my files and drives for
> security problems?

I believe that is already built into the system.  Can't remember the
name of it but it checks, I think, for modified files.
>
> What about a firewall?

I use Firestarter.  The real handy thing about it, other than being
very easy to use, is you can block (a) ports, (b) block protocols and
(c) use it for Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
>
> Actually, I don't know what I need.  I'm a construction guy, and need
> you computer guys to tell me what to do.
>
> *I would like to be able to browse the internet without being
> monitored by anyone.  I would also like to send emails without
> receiving ten freakin advertisements based on words I just sent to
> someone.  Is this possible?*

Encrypt each email. Gnupg works well.  For attachments, try bcrypt or
ccrypt.  Be aware of Google or any other web based mail service.  Read
the terms of service/conditions agreement.  You won't believe what
rights (explicit and implied) you either (a) give up or (b) waive.  It
is incredible and, in my opinion, morally wrong.

> Is it possible to use the internet and email (Gmail) without somebody
> always reading/monitoring my activities?

Not completely in anyway.  But you can make things harder for the bad
guys (which includes our not so illustrious government).

Do simple things first such as (a) turn off cookies, (b) set your
 browser history to zero and (c) block ads by modifying your "hosts"
file (/etc/hosts).  Here is an example of blocking doubleclick.net:

127.0.0.1    doubleclick.net

Cleans up a web page quite nicely.  I like it better than adblock or
whatever it is called.

You could set up an ICS system.  That way the ICS box automatically
blocks *all* not requested incoming signals.  Secondly, only the ICS
box has a routable (public) IP address, while the machine you actually
use has a non-routable (private) IP address.  By installing Firestarter
on the ICS box you can block ports and protocols *before* your machine.
Plus you can have your own home network.

If you really want to clean up the signaling then consider isolated
ground electrical circuits (using thhn stranded wire) in the room where
the computers are along with metal grounded screening between the wall
studs and inner wall and/or ceiling (normally drywall).  You would be
amazed how 'dirty' the air (with electrical signals) actually is within
a home.

> Is Gmail email using a proxy server? (I think it is, but don't really
> know.)

No idea.

> HELP!
>
> Patrick
-- 
krp
GnuPG Key ID: 0x8BCBFAB0