I’ve been using Linux for years, but as the proprietary alternatives get more aggressive with telemetry and adverts, I wanted to document the choices that actually keep my desktop predictable.
This isn’t a manual, but a practical overview of my setup. From why I’ve settled on CachyOS and KDE Plasma for my main rig, to the reality of dealing with proprietary software and app compatibility in 2026. It’s just an honest look at the transition and why I’m done with the corporate defaults.
I’ve had discussions with my friends about using Linux full time. I got one of them to move their mom’s old All-in-one to Mint since it couldnt move to Win11. Most of them worry about anti-cheat and such, but I tell them consistently “the games we play all work, how do you think I play with y’all?”
I’ve started moving everything I do to FOSS, or at least respectful, alternatives. My whole world has become more intentional and free the more detached from the “convenience” of big tech solutions.