What kinds of software should newcomers be familiar with?

[derlderman 38]

If you've ever encountered someone who isn't tech-savvy and is having trouble navigating the bitcoin ecosystem, including all the cold wallet/hot wallet and confidential vital information that everyone will come across, this is the place to go. What software would be useful for non-tech aware users and somewhat "teachable" to them in terms of protecting against hacks, privacy, and keeping things clean, among other things?

The software I believe will be beneficial to beginners and non-tech savvy users
Anti-virus software

VPN

Password Manager

Two-Factor Authentication programme

I'm not sure, but it's possible that this could benefit someone else.

[zardinark 56]

Tails can also be used to broadcast transactions. But I'd want some advice from someone who knows more and is more knowledgeable than I am. Is an anti-virus programme really safe? Isn't it true that they don't scan computer files? If that's the case, why isn't my wallet.dat file scanned? Yes, the Bitcoin folder can be added to the list of exceptions. Even so, the most popular and effective anti-virus software is closed source. I don't have faith in them.

Also, I'd want to see a talk regarding VPNs - which ones are worth using and why - as well as a comparison(?) of VPN, TOR, and proxy use (free/hacked or not).
There was a list of VPNs that sold your information. VPNs that ostensibly do not were included. Many of the well-known ones collect, analyse, and sell your personal information. VPNs are not something I would use because they give the false idea of privacy. Perhaps the only time I can see them being beneficial is for local websites that block access to Tor nodes. Tor, on the other hand, is the clear winner.

[FreakWitherSkeleton 7]

I'm aware of this, however I'm not aware of the complete list (not that it would matter much yet). I utilised TOR instead of a VPN. I don't see any significant advantages to using a VPN, but I could be missing something, which is why I'd appreciate additional information.

They do scan files; some scan only known executable files, some allow you to specify specific extensions or folders not to be examined, while yet others scan everything. Most of them will also sell as much info as they can.
One of the reasons I use a hardware wallet is because of this.

Yes, Tails can be used. Tails would be best used for cold storage (clearly offline) and a watch-only wallet on your main online PC, in my opinion (and broadcast from there).
However, setting up persistence in Tails is not for everyone, and some people are wary of the Electrum package that comes with Tails because it is difficult to verify. But, in general, I prefer having a Tails stick around; the last time I used it, it had TOR installed by default, iirc.

[breakdownde 37]

Not really software, but regardless of the browser people use, I would recommend uBlock Origin (which blocks adverts, trackers, and other unwanted content).

Not really, yet if you don't have solid security practices, you're likely to be at greater danger.

[desky 60]

To begin with, forget about software; what you really need is education. You can have a hardware wallet and the most secure gadgets in the world, but if you don't know what you're doing, you'll still be screwed. If the person has a good understanding of security threats, he or she will be aware of the necessary software.

[GeekyBiome 18]

Beginners, on the other hand, may put themselves in more danger if they do not utilize the correct ones. For instance, utilizing a free VPN might lead to more possibilities for malware to be downloaded and installed on their computer, resulting in hackers compromising their wallet device and wallet to steal coins, or their data being sold to third parties by free VPN providers.

In addition, I will advise newcomers to understand the differences between Tor and VPN, as well as how Tor is superior, particularly when it comes to protecting privacy or anonymity on noncustodial wallets. Decentralized Tor servers give more privacy and anonymity than a single VPN provider-operated server.

Antivirus (anti-malware) software can be useful, however for ad blocking, I use ublock origin, which is recommended by ETFbitcoin.

Closed-source 2FA should be avoided if open-source alternatives exist, such as Aegis and Tofu. Beginners should also be aware that their 2FA app should not be installed on the same device as their wallet or the device for which they used 2FA. I don't suggest 2FA that uses an online cloud for backups; instead, I prefer offline backups.

[SideshowEnderdragon 58]

For non-tech aware people, the first line of defense against internet attacks is to employ common sense and avoid doing anything that could jeopardize their online security. There is no program that can completely shield us from human folly.

We can (and should) install antivirus software on our computers, but it doesn't change the fact that they are still administered by the same people who make mistakes. Social engineering is not protected by antivirus software. Simple e-mails, phishing schemes, and social engineering phone calls, to mention a few, can be used to enter networks and trick people into handing up their credentials.
The only way to prevent potentially harmful circumstances in cyberspace is to exercise extreme caution. Users should understand how to defend themselves against potential threats and avoid clicking on questionable e-mails or harmful links in communications.

If you're unsure, don't click!

[CreeperI 53]

Privacy and a newbie? Do you genuinely believe it? What are the requirements for this? Take a young man who is just learning about the Internet and tell him and explain all the dangers of revealing his identity on the Internet. Today, children as young as five years old go on the Internet, post images, and talk about themselves, and as they grow older, they try to delete their information, which is simply impossible to erase.
Everything else is nonsensical until we start talking about privacy from the beginning. Whatever you do today has already left an imprint on the internet. It's only a matter of spreading it as little as possible.

[hubde 19]

One issue I didn't consider when writing my last piece. Learning about Linux could be the first and most crucial step. If you care about openness, security, and privacy, this is the first thing you should do. You can even install a fresh Linux distribution on an old computer and use it solely for Bitcoin transactions. There's no need for anti-virus software when all you're doing on that computer is accessing your Bitcoin wallet.

[derlderman 38]

Do virtual machines keep malware and keyloggers at bay? What about the Linux operating system?

The question is whether the VM will safeguard you if you click on a potentially harmful link. If you use Windows, how about a premium anti-virus program like Kaspersky or Norton?

[dering 65]

Most virus formats or compatibility is for Windows OS, therefore it's reasonable to assume that it won't damage linux and that it's virus-free.

It is not enough to simply click the url; the url page must be accessed before the browser and anti-virus software react.

Generally, if you install an ad blocker and specify which url domains are whitelisted or blacklisted, it will react promptly simply by clicking the url.