Keep a super long story short, getting a Laptop from my University as the course starts in September, and the benefit I have applied for which covers my university course in the UK includes a Laptop.

They pay for the majority of the price.

Intel i5 10th generation or AMD Ryzen 5 4000 8 GB 512 SSD graphics Onboard

Onboard graphics Operating system Windows 10 64 Bit 10 64 Bit 2.8 kg

These are the minimum specs it will come with.

As a privacy consciousness individual, and since I will require the Laptop formy course at university, andpotentially a job, one day perhaps, I would like to make the laptop as privacy friendly and hardened as possible.

I want to basically make it a safe device. I need it to be not monitoring me, or watching me.

Potentinally there will be some sort of system or software that can monitor my activities through my.university orbenefitss people.

As it is for studying and for working, I think best to keep the same operating system (OS) Also I have only ever used windows in my life. Never Linux other than a virtual system on my host windows 11 pro edition PC.

My PC has an amd ryzen 55 000 CPU.

Thanks.

  • Scott 🇨🇦🏴‍☠️@sh.itjust.works
    11·
    2 days ago

    First, I’m not a Windows user so my knowledge about modifying the OS is very limited. You did message me asking for help, so I’ll do what I can. Normally, I keep out of Windows and Apple threads.

    Often what happens when a computer is being supplied by the work/school is the IT department will be the admin. It’s unlikely you will have enough access dual-boot or debloat the machine.

    Use your phone. I once used an Android for two years as my only computer. This could serve for activity you don’t want the Uni to know about, at least for a month or two until you are settled at Uni. No need to rush into anything.

    Two computers. Hands down the best way to keep work/play separate. Use the Windows for Uni and a separate machine for personal activity. This could get expensive.

    TailsOS can work for you in your off hours. It’s Linux OS that installs on a flash drive and sends all your traffic through Tor. When you unmount the flash drive it leaves no traces on your computer. It’s very easy to set-up and comes pre-loaded with tons of software.