Software
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Search for 'open source' software instead of 'free' software to avoid bait-and-switch tactics involving watermarks, trials, and ads.
Searching for 'free' often leads to limited trial versions with ads, malware, or watermarks.
- Most search engines do not distinguish between 'free' and 'open source', so you may still get freeware results.
- Open source is not always free, and free is not always open source.
4 people, independently
Disable unnecessary startup programs and background tasks in your system preferences.
You likely have things running at startup that you do not need.
3 people, independently
One person argued that blocking ads helps musicians by increasing play counts per hour.
Blocking ads allows for more plays per hour, which this person claims does more to help musicians than subscription fees or listening to ads.
- This is a contested opinion; others argue blocking ads reduces revenue.
one person who lived it
Understand that blocking ads hurts Spotify's ability to buy music rights.
If they don't succeed, they can't buy the rights for music.
one person who lived it
If you have Ninite Pro, use it to create offline installers.
It is considered well worth the money.
one person who lived it
Be aware that casting from ad-free apps like Vanced to official YouTube apps on TVs may still show ads.
Chromecast does not necessarily block ads on the receiving device; for instance, casting from Vanced to the official YouTube TV app can still display ads.
one person who lived it
Try MPV player as an alternative to VLC if you need to play various media formats.
One person reported it played everything they threw at it.
one person who lived it
Use DaVinci Resolve for video color correction, though be aware its editing interface may be difficult for full projects.
It is phenomenal for color correction.
- The editing interface is difficult to use for real projects.
one person who lived it
Test Linux compatibility by booting a distribution from a live USB without installing anything.
There is no risk since you do not have to install it.
2 people, independently
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Download music to your phone for offline listening if you travel, use public transit, or face unreliable internet connectivity.
It helps avoid data usage and connectivity issues in areas with poor internet access.
one person who lived it
If you believe a service underpays artists, stop using the service rather than blocking its ads.
Blocking ads generates zero revenue for the site while it still incurs the full cost of serving content, and these sites rely on ads to survive.
one person who lived it
Browse away or close the browser immediately when ads appear to signal dissatisfaction through data.
YouTube relies on data showing you watched the ads rather than user feedback like memes.
one person who lived it
Expect quirks and crashes in some open-source software.
It is often written primarily by volunteers.
one person who lived it
Use VeraCrypt as the successor to TrueCrypt.
TrueCrypt is no longer maintained.
one person who lived it
Avoid using Windows Server editions for personal desktop use.
They are complex to install and configure, lack support for free antivirus software, and restrict default browser settings.
one person who lived it
Consider that some users find the convenience and value of Spotify worth the cost, similar to using Netflix instead of pirating movies.
It is convenient.
one person who lived it
Use Rufus to create custom Windows 11 installation media to bypass hardware requirements on older PCs.
- Microsoft reserves the right to stop providing support for installations on unsupported hardware.
3 people, independently
Use Malwarebytes to remove PUPs, malware, and adware.
It is described as less obtrusive, avoiding upsell pop-ups, and removing PUPs unlike other antivirus software.
one person who lived it
Use Linux Mint Cinnamon instead of XFCE if your laptop has a high-resolution (HiDPI) display.
Mint Cinnamon provides excellent support for HiDPI screens.
one person who lived it
Consider spending a small amount on commercial entry-level software rather than using free tools if user experience is a priority.
Commercial tools like iMovie may offer a better experience for hobbies.
one person who lived it
Format the disk and perform a clean OS installation, keeping only essential software and disabling startup programs.
Most computers contain excessive unnecessary software that degrades performance.
one person who lived it
Watch TV performances on YouTube uploaded by official channels for better audio quality.
Official channel uploads are properly mixed and mastered.
one person who lived it
Uninstall unnecessary software instead of wiping and reinstalling the OS.
Reinstalling the OS often just reinstalls all the bloatware again.
one person who lived it
Go to Control Panel and uninstall software and useless programs you do not need.
3 people, independently