Which piece should I move and where should I move it when playing against black in chess when I have the first move of the game? What is the first piece I should move as a novice chess player when beginning the game on the white side as a defensive strategy?
There is no magical move that will solve your opening problems. But if you learn opening principles you can find the correct moves for solving your problems your own. 

I recommend you to read this: http://www.chess.com/article/view/the-principles-of-the-opening

I also found this video quite entertaining: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNO9KCloLRE

Also check these opening traps: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_chess_traps