Internet and computer use without ads

The internet and modern computing is all ads, licenses, subscriptions, and constant fixing of what ain't broke in order to stay relevant and make sales. I dream of being free of all this, of being able to access the wired on my own terms without being subject to the constant barrage of commercials and updates. Now I personally am not very technologically literate. I am usually here for the psychological and cultural side of lainchan. I would appreciate some help from my fellow lainons who are savvy with these kinds of things. I am in a transition period technologically - my laptop running Windows 11 took a tumble and is falling apart, and I am using an ipad pro for daily use (work/grad school), but it honestly is like kicking dead whales down the beach and is a great source of frustration, especially when ms office intentionally makes things more difficult solely to punish apple users). I have the opportunity now to justify trying something new, whether a laptop or desktop, probably running linux to get off the Microsoft train for good. The point I want to reach is one where nothing changes unless I want it to - an OS supported for security reasons only (no upselling, no forced updates, features, etc.), software for word-processing, office work, and home use, a browser also ad-free with the same philosophy as the OS. I know nothing is forever lainons but I want to just have a computer that works offline and is protected from insta-death on the net. Even ad-blocking "privacy" browsers like brave are constantly pushing upgrades and AI. I am willing to pay one-time fees for programs if it means they are supported, ad-free, and don't force me to adopt their newest shiny version like MS. I have heard for years “just get an old thinkpad w/ linux” but I want something which can continue to interface with the web for as long as possible. As tech improves, the net bloats to accommodate how much value they can squeeze out of us. How long can something really last as a daily driver? Tl;dr I need a new computer and want one that is as static as possible, marketing-free, and can run programs that are ad-free, browsers that are ad-free, and can give me an experience with the wired that is actually on my own terms. Maybe that’s not really possible, but I do not even have the knowledge rn to know why it would not. Please help me lainons before I buy another ms money-hole which wants me to worship copilot.

>>91264 OpenBSD or Devuan. Pick new-ish (a.k.a. 2 - 5 y/o) hardware of a high spec and it'll last 5-10 years without much issue. Firefox fork of choice + uBO + SponsorBlock and maybe a cookie nagbar / muh consent blocker and you're set.

Look at libreoffice to replace MS office. Same layout and keyboard shortcuts. Lets you save things in the formats MS office uses. Then there's also sites like alternativeto for finding software that replaces something you already use but dislike. https://alternativeto.net/ Otherwise I agree with the first lainon. Maybe try looking up a handful of laptops youd use and then look at how easy it is to repair them yourself if a common problem pops up like a screen or battery failure. If I wanted to get a modern laptop Id go for an x1 carbon.

>>91264 Capitalist alienation is real and it will stay for however long it needs to. Socialists wrote about it, and will continue writing about it. For hardware, I recommend framework laptops, they are a good corp for what they offer. Get a linux OS that is stable, not something like arch. For browsers, use firefox forks. But I would recommend a multiple, each for their own purpose. >>91273 This is nice, libreoffice is a great option. Usually replacing your stuff with foss will allow you greater flexibility, nevermind the tinkering, but it should remain stable for a long time.

Any GNU/Linux distro with a Firefox-derived browser running Ublock Origin will effectively provide an ad-free PC experience. I personally daily drive Debian Stable & Librewolf, but if you're new to unix systems, I'd recommend installing Linux Mint. Get whatever computer you want, basically any mainstream hardware is supported by most distros so long as it's been out for more than a few months. Most Linux distros will run well on a potato, especially if the most demanding job you have is running a web browser. I don't use or know much about tablets but I'd suggest an android tablet that Lineage OS support. It might be a little complicated to install, but installing a free OS & free software is non-negotiable if one desires to own his computers rather than the reverse. If you use a smartphone, you'll also want an google-free android distro like lineage for that as well. Although the truth is that android may not be a free ecosystem for much longer so if you decide to acquire android devices, you may want to do so cheaply, as the app support might not be very good in 3-5 years. Inshallah, there may be actually good GNU/Linux mobile devices available by then. https://whalesdev.com/best-tablets-for-lineageos/

Another way to look at solving the problem long-term would be to get an older thinkpad to use while saving up for a better laptop. That way you could get used to doing things the linux way. I recommend starting with debian or mint and from there play with other distros if youre curious about personalizing them past what desktop environment (DE) it comes with and a couple start up scripts.The rule of thumb for DE's is xfce for people transitioning from macOS and cinnamon for people transitioning from windows. But go look at screenshots and videos, see what appeals to you. Its possible to set up being able to choose different DE''s on the login screen as well.

>>91264 Others have mentioned some of these, but consider my answer another endorsement. For software: Something Debian-based (Devuan should be fine, I have no experience on it so I can't speak on it). You can configure it to resemble Linux Mint without having to deal with the older packages of Linux Mint. Guide here: https://wrongthink.link/posts/making-a-mint-look-alike/ Libreoffice for writing documents, Pandoc + markdown + generic text editor if you're feeling fancy. Ungoogled Chromium and Librewolf for browsing, combine with uBlock Origin (ad blocker) and SponsorBlock(YouTube sponsor segment labler/auto skip). Yes, Chromium browsers are bad because they are tied to Google, but Ladybird is still a work in progress. Software for downloading media - qBittorrent for torrents, Nicotine++ for the SoulSeek network, yt-dlp for downloading YouTube videos (among many others - check the docs for a full list), (maybe?) an IRC client for downloading from IRC, etc. There's a list of videos here that go over various options: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqv94xWU9zZ0vC-7KIvnfjsMbXYLJEdvi Since you mention sovereignty from "insta-death on the net", I'd also recommend downloading Git and configuring your system to automatically pull down new releases of the source code for your essential software, so that in the event of a source code removal (see: Nintendo Switch emulators as of late), you can simply reupload the source code to the Internet Archive or various other Git hosting services (sharing is caring) and go about your day. You could also set up a package mirror for your system, which would store local copies of the packages you use on your system. This would allow you to have a local archive of the essential software you need for day to day use in the event of an outage. More information on how to do that here: https://pendrivelinux.com/how-to-set-up-your-own-debian-linux-mirror/ For hardware: Others have endorsed older model Thinkpads. I would also look at used business laptops, as these are plentiful and often come configured with better options than consumer grade machines (absurdly large ram capacity, Xeon core processors, etc.). No matter what you choose, consider investing in the following: - A handful of backup hard drives (two should be fine) that you use to regularly back up your system with. Backups are important, make them regularly and test them properly. - An external hard drive for offline media storage (photos, videos, movies, TV shows, YouTube/Odysee videos, etc.) For tablets, the Google Pixel Tablet is supported by GrapheneOS, and thus has my recommendation. I don't know what the used market looks like in your place of residence but if you see a good deal for one used go for it. I understand this is somewhat out of scope for what you mentioned, but having a separate system for running a package mirror/automatic archiver for media could also be nice. You shouldn't run a package mirror on the same system you use for daily use, as you will very quickly run out of storage and slow down your system. It is better to separate these things. TL;DR: Software: Debian + Cinnamon (user friendly desktop environment) + LibreOffice (office work) + Ungoogled Chromium and Librewolf (browser) + uBlock Origin and SponsorBlock (extensions for adblock and YouTube videos) + qBittorrent and Nicotine++ (download torrents and access the SoulSeek network) + Git Hardware: Older thinkpad OR used business laptop + used Google Pixel Tablet (GrapheneOS support) + two backup drives + (optionally) a large hard drive for media storage

>>91264 >The point I want to reach is one where nothing changes unless I want it to Most Linux distros don't work like this. You either need containers or Nix. Nix is better, but containers are easier. NixOS for nix (duh) and I recommend Aurora Linux for containers. >a browser also ad-free with the same philosophy as the OS Chromium or Firefox with ublock origin. Alternatively if you're a sperg, Ungoogled-Chromium or Librewolf with ublock orign. >How long can something really last as a daily driver Really depends on your needs, but for Office Work + Web browsing 15 years give or take. If your "home use" includes heavy gpu processing it would be closer to 5 years. >I want something which can continue to interface with the web for as long as possible That's the least of your concerns. I can still run antix on a Pentium 4 and watch youtube. Of course that's using mpv and yt-dlp, but it's still "interfacing" with everything. Running software that can do more with less input is more pertinent.

>>91264 A lot of the advice here is good, but I want to add: Maybe just use normal Debian. Devuan is fun, and as a technical person the philosophy behind the schism is something I like, but it just factually requires more tinkering than mainline Debian. If you want technical details on the schism: Unixes (and Linux) use an "init system" to actually, well, start the OS meaningfully. Debian uses one called systemd, which a lot of people (especially here) hate for a myriad of reasons from lock-in to personal hate of the author. But notably: Most "easy to use" or low tinker distributions of Linux run systemd. If you stray away from it there is a good chance you will eventually have to manually install and configure software, including writing your own init scripts. It's fun, if you like tinkering, but if you need something that "just works", stick to systemd.

I recommend slightly older high end workstation laptops from the second hand market, it is a lot of bang for the buck. When it comes to distributions, I recommend that you install Debian, you can try that on your current laptop that you use, do a dual boot install if you want to keep windows as a backup. To use Debian, just learn the very basics that is in every starter guide. It's going to be things like how to add permissions to your user account and how to mount a hard drive and once you know those things, Bob is your mothers brother. Debian is the only dist I have used so far where automation with updates, installs and such have not yet failed a single time. Ublock-origin is a good extension for the web browser, it removes pretty much all ads. Just go into settings and activate all the filters for maximum effect. You can also add some filters to your router and Host file if you need filtering for other software than just the browser with the extension. Dan Pollocks list https://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ urlhaus-filter gitlab.com/malware-filter/urlhaus-filter#malicious-url-blocklist As for software there is a lot available for Debian and you will find plenty of good software to use and some you will recognize from Windows. And a lot of windows software including games run perfectly on Debian once you installed wine and it's addons.

>>91281 One can always simply choose NOT update the OS (there are still people running windows 7 who seem to be okay). Debian stable only has a major upgrade every 2-ish years. The rest of the updates don't really affect the day-to-day user experience very much. >>91278 Cool guide, I might try this one day.

Wish you funz distro hopping and falling down the rabbit holes of schizo wisdom. Always rember, always lurk. And most importantly, never believe anything you read, ever.

>>91264 >windows 11 and iPad >Doesn't know a world of computers without ads Grim, I say

Thank you all for your feedback. Here is an update on where I'm at. With the current used laptop market being what it is, I decided to hang onto my broken laptop (2019 lenovo ideapad). I've purchased a keyboard and monitor to basically use it like a desktop. I'm going with normal Debian, but I'm hesitant to install until I've gotten some new HDDs. Everything is backed up on an HDD I've had for ~7 years now. Perhaps you lainons can tell me if I should be fine with the one I have. Everything will be on both the laptop and backed up on the external HDD. To be more specific about my use-case, I use my computer for work (writing, reading ebooks, presentations, printing) and "home-use." (filing taxes, online banking, storing and viewing home movies and photos, music listening, streaming movies, burning CDs. No gaming.) My impression is that Debian will leave me alone, keep me from getting hacked, and has DEs I can customize to my liking. Is there anything I should know before I install Debian? I do not plan on dual-booting unless I'm missing some huge upside to locking up storage with an OS I don't intend to use. Other steps I have decided on to get out of the algorithm and world of advertising: - Pi-hole DNS filter - Deleting/replacing socials with RSS - Canceling all media subscriptions - VPN If there is anything I should add to the list, feel free to let me know. Thank you lainons for your advice, you encouraged me to finally go through with this overhaul.

>With the current used laptop market being what it is Is it bad? I find many decent-looking laptops being sold for less than 100€ >To be more specific about my use-case, I use my computer for work (writing, reading ebooks, presentations, printing) and "home-use." (filing taxes, online banking, storing and viewing home movies and photos, music listening, streaming movies, burning CDs. No gaming.) Yeah, even a <50€ laptop will be good enough provided you use a not-too-bloated OS (ergo, not Windows), an ad-blocker (or just block JS and 3rd party requests), and alternate frontends for "social media" sites (freetube, old.reddit, xcancel, etc).

>>91461 I forgot to mention that for work I need Logos Software (which reportedly works just fine using Wine) as well while running a few browser tabs at a time for research. For whatever reason, this absolutely cooks my RAM on Windows. So looking at prices of refurbished business laptops with 16gb memory appears to be really inflated at the moment. At least inflated enough to incline me to use this old lenovo until it dies or the market shifts. My grad student income doesn't help either.

Any recs for an android IRC client?

>>91468 Revolution.,can be found in F-droid.

just install tor browser and turn off javascript. i haven't seen an advertisement in years. and my ip / fingerprint isn't tracked like i'm some little muppet with no rights

>>91474 My goal isn't to have the greatest anonymity possible at all costs, but to have access to the net and my own computer without the constant advertising and manipulation to which I am normally subjected. What I am looking for primarily is control - over when and how I operate in the wired. I want to enjoy functional sites. I don't want to be lied to, pestered, and have my computing made intentionally worse for the sole purpose of bullying me into buying a product. I don't want to be spied on, obviously. But I am not anonymous. I have a name, a job, a family, and I file taxes. If the alphabet agencies wanted to frame me it really doesn't matter if I was using tor. This is all about keeping the net in its place, where my computer does what I need and the net is a place I can enjoy again. Because right now, it is exhausting. Doing all this research over the last couple of months has made me fall in love with technology again. It never had to be the way that I always felt trapped into thinking it was.

Does anybody use ArchiveBox or otherwise just use a tool to scrape/back up new web content? That seems like the move to reduce the privacy rape of using a browser, but I have not yet set it up to speak or promote it for this purpose.

NoScript is another good browser extension for Ungoogled Chromium or LibreWolf, I like Unhook too and uBlock Origin of course.

>>91483 It's awesome being able to view stuff without even talking to a server you don't like too :)

Update: I'm all up-and-running with Debian 13! It is quite a learning curve using the terminal and familiarizing myself with the repository system. My ram use is almost never over 4gb. On windows that was idle usage. I've got a vpn and have been using librewolf w/ ublock. I haven't seen an ad since. Youtube is almost unusable on this browser, but I just switch to firefox when I need to look something up there. Libre Writer works just fine for my needs. A lainon here recommended a yt client but I am still ignorant of how to safely find software outside the debian and flatpak repositories I have access to. RSS is set up using thunderbird, but I would love some recs for a client that has an attractive UI and can load webpages in app when needed. Any advice on security would also be great as far as antivirus measures and general security hygiene. Windows is not holding my hand anymore.

>>91482 >I don't want to be spied on, obviously. But I am not anonymous. be a loot cooler of you did >>91507 Sounds solid, why's YouTube not working on librewolf though? Isnt librewolf just pre-hardened Firefox?

>>91525 I'm not sure why. The site is excruciatingly slow on LW but FF has no issues. Both are running the same extensions. Like I said I'm not very tech-savvy. But I installed freetube for a second time (first install wasn't working for some reason) and now it works great.