Browsing freedom, a Speed Run
Maybe you do not have the spoons to alter your computer life by going all in and installing Linux. Maybe you just want to help a relative so their browsing experience doesn't suck. Maybe you just want your daily browsing experience with your smartphone not to suck. Whatever the reason is, allow me to present the Browsing Freedom Speed Run. A few easy and targeted actions you can take in order to make browsing suck less.
Step 1: Install Firefox
Chances are, a significant part of what you do using screens involves a browser. Firefox is not Chrome and, while not perfect in terms of freedom, allows you to use ad-blocking plugins with their full force.
The reading button displayed in the navigation bar also serves as a very effective mechanism to bypass soft paywalls.
Step 2: Install Ublock Origin
Ublock Origin is an extension that blocks adds, trackers and other annoyances. Out of the box, it will remove a lot of garbage before it even reaches your screen. Properly configured, it will make your navigation a paradise. A special recommendation, go to settings, click on the filter lists section and enable the following:
- Easylist/uBO - Cookie Notices
- Easylist - Annoyances
- A region-specific blocklist based on your location.
Make sure cloud storage is enabled in the options so you will not have to do all this again next time you reinstall.
Step 3: Configure how links are opened on your mobile device.
Choosing a good browser and ad blocker will not be as effective if the apps that you utilize open the links in their internal browser. Going app by app can be tiresome, so my suggestion is to wait for an app to use the internal browser and then take the chance to change this behavior in the settings. For the Google search bar on Android, you can select that option in Google's settings as well.
Step 4: Pause to contemplate
The previous steps will save you time, memory and peace of mind in your daily browsing. It is nice to give yourself a second, navigate through a couple pages and see how the quality of your browsing has improved.
I also want you to think how much they stole from us, and the deliberate decisions that were taken in order to make your browsing experience miserable. Never forgive them.
Step 5: Install F-Droid
F-Droid is an alternative app store for Android. Android is trying to kill F-Droid and every install will help them to fight. Also, you will discover a lot of cool apps free of garbage and trackers.
Step 6: Install an RSS reader
RSS is a technology that allows you to have a personalized newspaper with the aesthetics and behavior of your choice. Try starting with a service like Inoreader, which has a generous free option.
Further steps
- Explore the different apps that you can access in F-Droid and other repositories.
- If you have Android, check Obtainium.
- For YouTube, check out things like Newpipe and Grayjay.
- Try to explore options for installing Linux. If possible, install Linux in a secondary or old computer, just as a way to try it.
For more advanced tips, please subscribe to Pluralistic, Cory Doctorowś phenomenal blog, and check his article on how to deal with dick-overs.