Becoming a tech subduer will require trying new things, reconsidering your options and figuring out what works for you. If you’re looking for immediate new things to try, here’s a short list.
All software listed here is open source, unless marked with *. Don’t know what I mean by “open sourced”, read this).
Note to iOS users: some of these suggestions are not available for your devices, I’m sorry. Please know that Apple work exceptionally hard to restrict your devices and stunt your freedom (this is marketed as making things “streamlined” and “user friendly”).
Web Browsers
Tor
Very private. Overkill for most people (maybe), but worth mentioning. Again, I also use this one sometimes...
Search Engines
DuckDuckGo
I've been using this for years with no issues. I literally cannot remember the last time a Google Doodle tried to brainwash me.
Browser Extensions
uBlock Origin
User-friendly content blocker. Works quietly and efficiently in the background to give you a much less silent-abuse-ridden browsing experience.
Unhook*
Modifies YouTube to remove its distractions. Easy toggles for switching on/off recommended videos, comments, trending page etc. Not open source.
VPN
Mullvad
Very private payment options. Not promoted by YouTubers. Green flag upon green flag.
Apps
Organic Maps
Maps app. Privacy focused. Does not track your location. Full disclosure: sometimes it has struggled finding particular locations that I have searched for. (Just being honest. But still check it out.)
F-Droid
An app store exclusively for free and open source apps. Of course, don't go installing literally anything. But have a browse. Many privacy and autonomy focused apps are released on F-droid.
Newpipe
Watch YouTube videos with no ads and many extra features (e.g. download videos, play audio with device locked).
Operating Systems
TrueNAS
An operating system for those who want their own server for managing their own files.
Other
Open Office
An alternative, office suite. For creating documents, presentations etc. By the way, it can read and write to all your favourite file types.
