gnutard

How is it not both? Passive government surviellence can lead to targeted attacks.

Open source is not enough. It needs to be entirely free software. I recommend buying a Libreboot laptop from before 2009, they can fully disable/remove the IME and have a 100% free BIOS firmware (anything supported device with a Core Duo processor basically).

I mean, sure, but to be honest, I think most people just browse the web. They open Google Chrome, and that's basically all they know. Some don't even know what OS they're using. I would say that's at least 40% of computer users. I think they're just unaware that there are other options, like the ones I listed above. Honestly, it's not their fault; Libreboot and GNU/Linux aren't mainstream yet. I really don't see why you would need a powerful machine unless you're a gamer or work in computer graphics, etc.

You're not wrong, but for those who don't use their machines to make money in these fields, think about the freedom you've lost. Consider all the things that make you who you are, being entirely known by someone you never consented to give information to. I just think it's sad that most people don't care, but I do, and I will keep fighting for it.

I gave up gaming, I stopped wasting time and started getting more done. It really just gives me the freedom to do other things. When people say "user freedom," it's not just about the software; it's about having control over one's life.

There is a sort of hidden beauty in free software. It might seem boring, but that’s kind of the point! Go outside, read books, enjoy life, and live in the moment. I encourage everyone to do the same.

I would go on eBay and buy a Libreboot machine from 2009 and prior (X200, T500, etc.) These systems have 100% no blobs in the firmware and can have the IME fully disabled. I use these as my daily and I'm fine.

Have people started to use Godot more?

It's pretty messed up that schools enforce those things onto kids. Chromebooks, while cheap, invade the hell out of your privacy and are extremely restrictive. We should be teaching kids GNU/Linux, not ChromeOS... I honestly feel sorry for the future of free software. Students aren't taught ethics, freedom, or privacy at ALL. I was in school, (graduated two years ago), and it seemed that every teacher adapted the "you don't have privacy" motto. Absolutely terrible. Buy the kids a Dell Latitude E6400 and put Libreboot/Trisquel with KDE on it. Let them live and help each other out with issues. It would be super heart warming to see schools adapt something like this instead.

(I understand the convenience issues, but we should start adapting, its crazy that Gen Z barely know anything about computers)

I honestly think anonymity is even better now, given the fact that you can self-host LLMs that can change the linguistic style of your writing into something entirely different.

Well shit, pirate everything I guess.

I would rather buy a gaming computer instead. Mainly, so I can pirate all my games and actually keep what I paid for. In any case, we should still support developers who develop games without DRM. I just buy my games from GoG instead, since all the games on there don't have DRM. I lost all my Steam games because I had two factor enabled (this is my own fault). My phone disappeared in the ocean, and I didn't save the recovery key.

I contacted Steam support and they didn't do anything, I could show receipts, even my whole ID+SSN, still they wouldn't recover my account. Ever since then, I've been pirating all the games I used to own, I think that's more ethical than just straight up pirating the game without originally paying the developer.

(I know this had almost zero to do with the post but imo people should really avoid buying consoles)

I agree. As someone who has been taking 20mg of Adderall since I was 16 (I'm 20 years old now), I feel like I don't really need it. It was great in the beginning and really helped, but I don't see how it's been making a difference in my life anymore. I've gone up and down in dosages and tried different medications, but the reality is, I just don't want to take it because I feel like it isn't me. I feel like I will do damage to myself down the line if I keep taking it. It doesn't help me socially; I only feel more anxious, no matter the dosage.

I can still focus just as okay without it, not as great as when I'm on my meds, but I can work with it. Here's some things that have helped me:

1.) Start reading books. Seriously, it helps with concentrating a lot, at first it may suck, but keep doing it and eventually you'll just start doing it out of habit.

2.) Get rid of any distractions. (I'm in the process of eliminating the need of my cell phone and switching purely to a laptop)

3.) Excersise your brain. (e.g. Play chess)

4.) Keep you and your room clean.

5.) Invest some time into living minimally. (e.g. Too many outfits/laundry? Donate them until you only have what you need.)

6.) Eat healthy, goto the gym, make friends, feel good about yourself.

One of the biggest downsides has to be that it affects my sex life negatively. It makes me last WAY too long in bed, so I end up just getting blue balled sometimes. Sorry TMI, but it's the truth! P.S. for any men considering, it makes your pecker look small.