Security/Privacy. Files Could Be Found?

Hey! I was wondering.....

I want to use my computer to store private things, ie Diary, Finances, Ideas, etc. But I have heard that your files/data are always in your computer no matter what. If "They" the government, competitive corporations, the neighbors, the lawyers, the Internet hackers get a hold of your computer they can always get at your private stuff.

If I save stuff to a CD is there still an image on the PC?

Ok, you think I'm paranoid... but better safe than sorry. I have considered buying a used computer/laptop from the paper or a pawn shop or something. And then promising myself I will never use it to access the internet.

Thank you for your thoughts.

 

Security is a sliding scale. While no usable system is completely secure, one can be more secure than another. For instance, not connecting to the internet will provide a lot of protection, but makes the system much harder to use. A good firewall is a bit riskier, but you can get on the internet. Encrypting the disk will prevent data from getting stolen if the computer is taken, but if you loose your passwords and keys, you also can't access your own data. While the encryption may be secure, if you are doing something illegal, I suppose the govenment could simply lock you up till you give them the passwords to get in. etc.

The key to security is to list the possible risks, list the damage that may happen if the risk occurs, then decide what appropriate measure you want to take to either prevent the risk from happening, or limit the damage when it does happen. Keep in mind also, that your protections from things like competition include patents, trademarks, legal action, non disclosure agreements, copywrites and so on. Not all security is technical in nature.