I mean, exactly how invasive are default operating systems? (Like Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Android, iOS) Do they log your keystrokes, log passwords, capture screen, upload your photos, videos, or audio? (Assuming you aren’t a target of government) Is it even possible for the average person who doesn’t feel comfortable messing with installing operating systems to have any privacy?
There are mitigations you can do, but its easier to resolve root causes by not touching risky software in the first place. I recommend people start with the easy stuff first. Messaging systems is probably the lowest hanging fruit. Mobile operating systems is a bit more messy, depending on your hardware. But installing Linux is easier than you think. Zorin is great if you’re super used to windows and don’t want to learn new paradigms at all. MX Linux has slightly more learning curve than other beginner friendly choices, but its still doable. It will also help you revive old hardware and avoid adding ewaste to the oceans. Debian is a bit more jumping into the deep end, but it still does a reasonable job of holding your hand as you get started. It will also give you a ton of flexibility to just install default programs and use those programs documentation to resolve issues rather than trying to figure out what strange customizations your chosen distro applied.
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There are mitigations you can do, but its easier to resolve root causes by not touching risky software in the first place. I recommend people start with the easy stuff first. Messaging systems is probably the lowest hanging fruit. Mobile operating systems is a bit more messy, depending on your hardware. But installing Linux is easier than you think. Zorin is great if you’re super used to windows and don’t want to learn new paradigms at all. MX Linux has slightly more learning curve than other beginner friendly choices, but its still doable. It will also help you revive old hardware and avoid adding ewaste to the oceans. Debian is a bit more jumping into the deep end, but it still does a reasonable job of holding your hand as you get started. It will also give you a ton of flexibility to just install default programs and use those programs documentation to resolve issues rather than trying to figure out what strange customizations your chosen distro applied.