Turn Any Computer into A Trusted Computer Using Ubuntu
Do you trust the computer you’re on?
If you’re not the only person ever to use it you shouldn’t. Every time someone uses a computer there is a potential to install spyware or malware, either accidentally or maliciously. Especially if it’s a public terminal, any information you transmit could be logged. As more people use many different computers to do work, how do we make sure we maintain our data’s integrity while going from computer to computer?
The answer is a bootable Ubuntu LiveCD.
Using an Ubuntu LiveCD creates a trusted environment. No matter where you go or what computer you’re using, you boot into the same, read-only environment. Ubuntu’s LiveCD comes with all the software most people will need while using multiple computers, and if you carry a USB key with your personal files, you can have a mini traveling computer.
And using Ubuntu isn’t any more complicated than using Windows. As a matter of fact, it’s probably easier, as I’ve seen complete computer newbies install printers who would have no idea where to start using Windows. The LiveCD comes bundled with plenty of software to get you working quickly. It has an image editor, office suite, web browser, PDF viewer, and the capabilities to install more software once booted. All this software works the same way as its Windows counterpart and the included office software even opens Microsoft Word documents.
All you have to do is download the ISO, burn it to a CD, then reboot your computer with the LiveCD in your computer. If your BIOS is already to boot from CD first, it should go directly into your trusted environment. Otherwise, look up how to set your BIOS to boot from CD first. Once you’ve done so, congratulations, you’re running trusted software.
If you’ve got a USB Key with your personal files on it, all you need to do is plug it into your computer once you’re logged into Ubuntu. Ubuntu will automatically notice the drive and an icon will pop up on the desktop. Double click it, and you can now edit all of your Windows/Apple files.
