this post was submitted on 01 Apr 2025
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Privacy

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Ive just startee getting into privacy, but i had a few questions.

  1. I havent switched operating system yet due to fear of losing my data. I have a lot of pictures, contacts and messages i dont want to go missing. I have a one plus and i really love it. I do not want a pixel phone. Is there a way i can maintain privacy without changing phones?
  2. If i delete google play services, will my phone not work correctly?
  3. I have been replacing my apps with open source apps, is that helpful?
  4. What vpn should i use? I have malewarebytes.
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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

told me to never let the computer update

probably beause sometimes, they sneak in stuff we may not want with updates. totally understand where hes coming from.

graphene and lineage

every few months, every few days, or every other day. depends on device.

updating every few months or so is good enough for most people. alternative, open source software wont really come with garbage anyway, so no big deal.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

Yep thats why my windows taskbar doesnt hide anymore. They messed it up on one of the updates. So frustrating.

Makes sense. I do want to try the open source software! People say graphene is the best but im not buying a pixel when i love my one plus. And the way people say the battery life is digusting🤣🤣 Linegage ive heard good things about. But they dont have one for my oneplus device. And im afraid of not having my shit backed up. I just want to try degoogling without resetting my device!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 14 hours ago* (last edited 14 hours ago) (1 children)

you can start by replacing the apps you already use. don't need to overwhelm yourself and do it all at once.

replacing chrome for firefox is a good place to start. or using aurora and fdroid instead of google play. or heliboard instead of google board. start small.

it will depend on what you are using and how. some things are hard to replace, some has multiple better alternatives.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 13 hours ago (1 children)

Yepp! Firefox was an easy change. I use it on my computer! I love the helioboard. But i feel like im making a bunch of spelling mistakes with it😅 Thats truu. I do not like sms alternatives, any recomendations? Im currently using quik and i dont like how clunky it is. It looks weird.

Yeah i need to take it easy i just want to change everything all at once🤣 I changed my notes app, calendar app, keyboard, clock app and sms all on the same day🤣🤣

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 hours ago* (last edited 2 hours ago) (1 children)

i dont use sms a lot, so i dont have a good rec here. i just need one that can block the spam, and any will do for me.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 27 minutes ago

Makes sense! Thanks so much!