Computer Open Source (OS) Linux

The most important thing to remain safe online is to keep your computer safe. You need to be able to trust your computer to do the right thing. I use Linux (Debian/Ubuntu). I trust them because its open source and most of the vulnerabilities are available in the public domain. So I know whats going on in the system.

So use Linux as much as possible. If you can't avoid using Windows or Mac try dual booting or a live CD. Linux like before is not very difficult to use these days. Distros like Ubuntu are very user-friendly. Try it.

Tails is a live CD or live USB that aims at preserving your privacy and anonymity. It helps you to use the Internet anonymously almost anywhere you go and on any computer. All connections to the Internet are forced to go through the Tor network. The OS leaves no trace on the computer you're using unless you ask it explicitly. It uses state-of-the-art cryptographic tools to encrypt your files, email and instant messaging. It's an all in one package which is very useful non geeks. Install it on your USB and use it.

For highly paranoid ones there are distros like TinFoilHat [g] available. It even protects you against electromagnetic radiation eavesdropping [g].