Home computer use: minesweeping

Self-tutoring about home computer use and (in)security: the tutor reflects…

I’m no expert on computer security; this article is a lifestyle piece about my own experience.

In my post from July 16, 2021, I mention anti-malware on home computers. Of course, the first technique to maintain security is don’t go to unsafe or untrusted sites.

But what if you’re referred to a place you might not trust, but for some reason you’re compelled to visit — what then?

A few years back I was in such a situation. My research was sending me to sites I certainly wouldn’t expose our home computers to. Actually, the sites I thought were likely safe enough, because of their sources. On the other hand, the anti-malware protectors didn’t want to visit them, probably because they were completely unknown.

Although I trusted the sites, I don’t like to contradict an anti-malware suite. What I did instead was load up a mothballed old computer with Ubuntu Linux. It had no access nor association to the others in the household.

The Linux computer had nothing on it but the OS and what loaded with it (including Firefox). I used it to surf to places the anti-malware suites said were dangerous. In that way, the Linux computer became my minesweeper. Some points I followed:

1. not to share any files between the minesweeper and a computer that holds assets.
2. not to network with the minesweeper.
3. not to let anyone else use the minesweeper without first warning them that it’s been to untested waters.

Note that it’s best not to visit unsafe sites.