Hey guys so I got 1 desktop I am going to re format and start a new...and use that for this stuff. So I was wondering what is a good anti virus,maleware ect program to use to make sure it stays private also wouldn't mind using it on this lap top. Any suggestions where to start looking?

Have you tried Linux? Modern Linux can be very easy to install and use. It's more secure by design and I personally find it less hassle- updates are certainly less painful.

It all depends on what software you need really. You can try it from a live CD without installing to see if it's compatible with your hardware.

+1 for linux.

haha so I was just reding and thinking about Linux lastnight! Linux distro qubes seems good have you 2 used that one or is there a better one?

read it should be compatable with most new systems and I decided since I had a little cash to just treat myself to a new desktop its not super good but more than what I will need it for!

I can't say I've used the Qubes distro, but if it looks good to you, throw it on a liveboot and give it a go. It's a good idea to try a few different distros on liveboot and see what feels most comfortable to you. You might consider trying both a Debian based distro (like Mint or a *buntu) and an Arch based distro (like Manjaro) to see how they differ and what fits your preferences.

I'm personally a fan of the Ubunutu family for their ease of use, huge support community, and excellent repositories.

Ok I saw the umbunutu.....Might try that....first thank you

Only going to use it for a couple things anyway

Personally, I would go for Linux Mint if you're coming from Windows. It's Ubuntu under the hood but with different GUI options and some nice tools to round out what Ubuntu offers. Plus it's more privacy centric than stock Ubuntu.

I would try both Ubuntu and Mint live versions (no install) to see what you prefer.

Or try online.
https://distrotest.net/

Ubuntu Mate version is also very highly regarded.

Don't forget, the linux distros are only as secure as the person using them. They're not incredibly secure or anything as they sit.

Learning linux's file permissions, its iptables, those are important to start. Get a decent a-v, something like clam or similar, something with a good ruleset out of the box.

Then other things like vpn, possibly even tor, are important. Having your bases covered on your OS is fundamental though before vpn and/or tor imo/ime.

I did use tor. But honestly, if your bases are set with your os and a-v, file permissions, iptables, then a vpn should be enough for what you're wanting it for, save that you have your browser configured properly also.

Also make sure if/when you get a vpn that it's not leaking your isp's dns resolver. Make sure the vpn provider is using dns resolution within the said country for whichever server you end up tunneling through.

Also, a big part of being more secure on the net comes from being wise to correlation. Correlation is a very powerful tool for said agencies.

Secure software:

Demonsaw
DNSCrypt
Hard Drive encryption
open-source, encrypted audited, and
KeePassX
KeepassXC
Signal Messenger
Wire Messenger
Tribler
DemonSaw
Chromium
VPNs that don't log your data
Tor Browser
Jami / Matrix Network
ElectronMail
LibreOffice with patches
Arch Linux
Manjaro Linux
Mumble (Could have stronger encryption)
Proto Mail
Proxies that don't log your data
TLS Transport Layer Security
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is an extension of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). In HTTPS, the communication protocol is encrypted using Transport Layer Security (TLS) or, formerly, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). The protocol is therefore also referred to as HTTP over TLS
Pfsense
OpenWRT for routers
Tails aonymous linux
Linux which is the GNU operating system + the Linux kernel
Wireshark network analyzer
SpiderOak secure cloud storage
Coreboot secure open-source firmware
LineageOS mobile OS
Lavabit DarkMail email

You can tell my reading the descriptions of these, which ones are for security.
Open-source ones are more trustworthy.
Chromium extensions: