Silk Road forums
Discussion => Newbie discussion => Topic started by: cephid017 on June 30, 2013, 07:05 am
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Hey guys really new to this whole site and wow, what an amazingly supportive forum you guys manage to maintain. I've been on the odd forum to do with other things and this has got to be one of the most positive, intelligent and supportive communities I've come across so I'm honoured to be able to be a very small part of it.
I've been reading a lot of the recommended reading Newbie threads such as White 0ut's Guides and the links that are contained in those. And it's all great information, a bit overwhelming but much appreciated nonetheless. However, some of it can be a bit conflicting and also user-specific. Which brings me to me query: I understand the importance of TOR, PGP, BTC being used..etc.. that is standard process for everyone from what I gather. What I'm confused about is people encrypting their computers, buying secondary computers, using prepaid services, bootable USB's ..etc.. Linux being used and so fourth.
I don't know what each individual's needs and relationship with SR exactly and this might dictate the level of security and anonymity desired. So my question is: I'm only looking to be a casual buyer. Sr for me represents more or less the only way I can get stuff as street-wise, I can't seem to find anyone who can help me. So... from your experience, as someone who would probably be making purchases only once every four months maximum if at all that, I'm wondering what your recommended level of security should be.
Basically, in a nutshell what are my options? I obviously don't want to run into any trouble or take shortcuts but buying a secondary computer (I have a laptop I *might* be able to use but last I recall it was terribly slow) unless absolutely necessary wouldn't be one of my first options.
If you could break it down for me into various things I should consider so I can research those, and let me know what I really don't need to worry about, that would be fantastic. For example- USB or no USB? Secondary computer or not? If my old one isn't too slow- keep that and work on windows or is Linux preferred? The computer I'm using right now- wipe to get rid of what I have so far on it or don't worry about it? Any best method you can suggest that would work for someone like me? Worry about using my wireless or learn how to use other people's? ..etc..
Greatly appreciate any and all replies and thanks in advance for the time taken in typing out a reply!
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Easiest way to maintain maximum privacy and security is to download TAILS and burn it to a DVD or USB drive. Its a linux distro designed to run from memory and clears all traces when the media is removed. It comes pre-configured with TOR and a secure browser, etc. You just put in the DVD or USB, restart and boot from it.
https://tails.boum.org/index.en.html
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Easiest way to maintain maximum privacy and security is to download TAILS and burn it to a DVD or USB drive. Its a linux distro designed to run from memory and clears all traces when the media is removed. It comes pre-configured with TOR and a secure browser, etc. You just put in the DVD or USB, restart and boot from it.
https://tails.boum.org/index.en.html
This is some good advice in a nutshell!
-Cheers! 8)
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So basically for just personal use which won't be that often anyways you guys recommend using TAILS with a USB? Sounds good to me, and I would personally rather avoid installing all sorts of encryption stuff onto a computer if I'm not going to need it. I might split the USB into two parts anyways just as a further level of protection in case.
I'm slowly learning and I'd like to know what you guys think about buying bitcoins. I've read that it's not a good idea to buy straight from the vendor and put it directly into your SR wallet. I'm curious as to why this is bad and also what other wallets people use in order to 'bounce' the bitcoins around.