I am just some dude who hates ads and likes privacy
On the state of the internet
When I see not-so-tech-minded people using their (usually mobile) devices without an adblock, on default settings, I'm violently blown out of my little carefully curated bubble where I've blissfully forgotten that ads exist. The amount of malware installing, tracking ads on EVERY site and app is worse than it used to be on adult websites or russian cracked video game exe -sites not-so-long-ago. Reminds me of the old The Simpsons joke about FOX.
"You know, FOX turned into a hard-core sex channel so gradually I didn't even notice."
I absolutely have no idea how anyone can use the modern internet without employing a plethora of plugins, network filtering, careful choice in browsers and OS. Everything is so saturated with ads, chatbots, nagging to subscribe to this and that, "we respect your privacy" -cookie banners that make it as inconvenient as possible to say "NO TO EVERYTHING, JUST LET ME FUCKING LOOK AT THE SITE WITHOUT YOU MOLESTING MY PRIVACY"
So I guess I'll share some of my favourites.
HOX! I am not paid or otherwise compensated for my recommendations. These are my personal daily driver favorites. None of this should be taken as the truth, but as what it is: an opinion of some dude on the internet. Don't be a sheep and follow my advice, unless you decide I'm right. Which I usually am.
Browser
Waterfox - No alternative for me at this time. Firefox, but not shit.
Browser plugins/addons
AdNauseaum - Clicks and blocks ads, costing advertisers money, and screws with their targeting and surveillance.1
Privacy Badger - Tracker and other privacy breaching shenanigans blocking tool, made by EFF.2
cookie-auto-decline - Configurable cookie banner auto-detection and automatic decliner.3
UnTrap for Youtube - Basically the now-defunct UnFuck YouTube. Huge plethora of options to fight google's efforts to make YouTube usable again.4
Operating System
You saw it coming:
Debian Linux - Other distros are available! The talk about my choice of distro is a long one and might be a post at some point.
Ageless Linux - Arguably I am not running Debian, but Ageless Linux.5
If I really have to touch someone elses' Windows install
HOX! Use at your own risk. Always understand the code / script you're running.
UnFuck Windows 10 - Kind of irrelevant at this point in time, but much love to the author.
Windows 11 Debloat script collection - Basically the same as UnFuck Windows 10, but for Win11. Pick and mix stuff you want or run the whole thing.
Windows 11 Unsuckifying Guide - General guide to desperately cling to a somewhat usable W11 install.
Conclusion - So you decided to stand up to the advertisement industry
This started out as something completely different, but I've actually had several people asking me something along the lines of:
"Oh you mighty God Of Everything Computers! Bequeath upon me thine divine knowledge! How do I become cool and not see 17 ads in one youtube video?"
So here you go, basically a very short essentials equivalent to "Adblocking and privacy for dummies". This is in no way exhaustive or The Absolute Truth.
Remember The Rules before commenting below. Play nice.
Footnotes:
I mostly use strict blocking mode and filter lists AN provides, but also keep manually zapping elements that slither through. Doesn't play nice with browsers' native tracker blockers. Use one of these.↩
HOX! Does not play nice with AdNauseaum or browsers' native tracker blockers. Use one of these. EFF, We protect your electronic rights! Shoutout to local branch EFFI.↩
Works most of the time. Sometimes doesn't detect the banner, rarely breaks the site.↩
Thanks GrandElemental for this recommendation!↩
