I do private Infosec work. I don’t have anything to hide but, i run with a lot of security just to annoy these .Gov creeps. Using a virtual machine is good advice. https://www.virtualbox.org/ Other good advice to consider here below.
Consider changing your browser homepage and search default. When your worried about your search use Startpage’s integrated proxy feature in the search results. https://startpage.com
Consider putting Truecrypt on your host if you want an elevated degree of the assurance of the confidentiality of your computer. Use a long strong pass PHRASE with it. http://www.truecrypt.org/
Consider the TOR browser package and/or VPN. https://www.torproject.org/projects/torbrowser.html.en
http://www.ibvpn.com/
Consider installing a NON-PERSISTENT RAMDrive program (there are free ones but i like “Primo’s”) and put a portable version of your preferred web browser program on it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_RAM_drive_software
http://www.romexsoftware.com/en-us/primo-ramdisk/
Consider using Sandboxie in the RAMDrive to isolate the browser further against “hacks”. Optionally set the program to dump and wipe the contents of the sandbox on browser close. “Eraser” can be called for a secure wipe.
http://www.sandboxie.com/
http://eraser.heidi.ie/
Consider using “Boxcryptor” if you use online storage. https://www.boxcryptor.com/
Consider using “CCleaner” and/or “Privazer” for keeping your system tidy.
https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
http://privazer.com/
Consider changing to alternative DNS provider like the OpenNicProject or OpenDNS.
http://www.opennicproject.org/
https://www.opendns.com/
Consider annoying your friends to switch to PIDGIN and all get the encryption plugin if you IM.
http://www.pidgin.im/
http://www.cypherpunks.ca/otr/
http://pidgin-encrypt.sourceforge.net/
Consider annoying your friends to setup Mozilla Thunderbird with a service like GMail and integrate GPGP4Win for secure email. http://www.enigmail.net/home/index.php
Consider annoying your friends to all get the free Keytone app from the app store for secure voice and text on your mobile phones. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/keytone-free!/id532401119?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mocana.keywe&hl=en
Bump for good hints...
Are you familiar with Keyscrambler? I have been using it with both IE and Firefox for several years.
The newest version, however, which expands the keyscrambling to other programs, crashed my system when I tried to install it several months ago. Now, I just use the older version because I am using the older (v 15) version of Firefox.
Save for later