WilliamA

The easiest way to identify software is through its license, so I would advise to learn that. For learning that and everything free software check out the book "Free software: free society. Selected essays by Richard Stallman" For browsers tor is considered free duck duck go no + controversy. Linux is a part of the os called the kernel GNU is everything else. Happy to help

Throughout this post, by free, I mean free as in freedom. For more information check out fsf.org

"anything on there I should know about or check out first?" I meant to send you the link of gnu.org mb, but fsf is also a good recourse for more modern happenings. I encourage subscribing to their mailing list as well as gnu.org's. https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.en.html

"Anyway, I already use firefox browser and ublock origin, and have ad-free apks on my phone, and for music I use the VLC app with mp3s I download with programs like yt-dlp." Firefox isn't really a free browser in the sense of freedom, but for now, it's alright in the sense better than something like google just make sure to not stick to it. Also, you might now this, but the fact you mentioned ublock origin and ad-free apk makes me feel like you don't. Ad-free =! private.

"I’ve considered switching to Linux, but it seems kinda redundant unless ur a full-on programmer." It's GNU+Linux . Jokes aside, it's really not at all. There are different GNU+Linux distros, so while something like gentoo will be considered hard, something like debian has a very easy process of downloading it on a flash drive, flashing it, proceeding through a very simple gui start up, and there you go.

"I also use mainly pirated websites to watch and/or download movies and shows cuz fuck having 10 thousand $20 a month subscriptions lol." Have you tried torrenting? It's also very easy to do with a free torrenting software. Plus, you can actually give back to the people by seeding. The benefits are amazing in my opinion.

"I was just wondering tho, is there a plugin or extension I can install to make lemmygrad look more like the “new reddit” layout? With like bigger pictures and titles, etc. I kinda find that style more appealing tbh." You can customize in settings.

As much as it sucks, this is actually a good thing. Instead of using a capitalist for-profit company that sells your data, now you're a part of a community of radical MLs in a platform where no one is selling your data. I also advise slowly switching to more platforms/operating systems like this one where the user is the top priority instead of money. For starting out, I advise checking out fsf.org. Next, you can slowly move on towards a more liberated life, not just digitally, but also physically. Free from the constant surveillance, the profit motive, and greedy corporations. Welcome to lemmy!