I don’t think you were pushy. Don’t worry at all!

I totally get it. I use Linux on all my machines as well lol.

I think I’ll just tell her that if she wants to do something optional to be a bit safer, I can help her set up Linux Mint and teach her how to use it…but I’d be sure to tell her she doesn’t have to. I would love for her to use Linux of course, but I really worry that I might make her feel like she HAS to use it to be safe. She has anxiety and other mental health issues that are still being managed. The last thing I’d want to do is unintentionally make her feel like using Windows for anything will have the NIS kicking down her door.

Also, for me personally, pushing her in any way to use Linux as a daily driver just feels kinda wrong and over controlling for me to do. I refuse to be THAT kind of Linux user LOL

But of course, I appreciate you suggesting it! It’s a good idea, but I’ll probably instead help teach her opsec alongside tails. Thank you!

These are amazing resources, thank you! This, alongsides the resources in the other comments, are just what I’m looking for.

And don’t worry. Both of us are well aware of the danger she might be put in because of this. She does use a VPN, but like you said, that really isn’t enough. She’s not very technically literate so I was wondering what the best option would be for her…but after thinking for awhile I think the best option would be giving her a live USB with Tails OS on it, and telling her to only look at these materials online with TOR while using the USB. That would be the cheapest and easiest for her to use.

I know TOR was literally made by US military and the US government has been accused of compromising the service before by TOR themselves…but I think it’s probably the best option as she definitely wouldn’t be a major target compared to other TOR users.