I switched a few years ago. I’ve been using windows for over 30 years. They changed a bunch of random shit I had used in the past. I figured I’d give it a shot.

I never went back. I’m not a coder. I don’t even like tech very much. I’ve been really happy with Ubuntu for years.

I wanted something that just worked. It has.

I use Lemmy and like it, but I still have no idea what the fediverse is. Lemmy seems to work fine for me without this knowledge.

Tbh, I don’t think federation is a good selling point. It’s difficult to explain and understand for a general audience

Many leftists are armed already.

Personally, I’m not currently. I struggle with suicidal ideation and have been concerned about having access to guns.

With the rise of fascism, I think it’s time.

I feel the same way about gun ownership. I’ve avoided it as I have depression. Previously, it was a pretty easy decision.

The rise of fascism has changed the calculus for me. It may be time to arm myself.

Any reprehensible behavior — for example “no mercy” — is justified as long as there’s a fascist around right?

Yes

That probably works well for people who are able to self host.

I use cloud password storage. I don’t have the knowledge, time, or inclination to self host.

For me, the most surprising thing about him has been how bad he is with the media.

I knew he was going to be a fascist piece of shit. I’m shocked at how incompetent a public speaker he is.

He’s a fucking Senator and can’t answer the most softball possible question.

Personally, it’s because I don’t code

speakers and amplifiers, technologies that existed for decades

This is why I buy used audio gear. The basic guts of the stuff hasn’t changed much in the past several decades.

I bought a nice used head unit and speakers 10 years ago. They’re 30+ years old now and still work perfectly well.

See if you can find used audio equipment.

About 10 years ago, I was looking for a decent 2.1 system. I had a budget of about $1000usd. On a friend’s advice, I went to a used audio shop.

I was able to get an older NAD receiver and nice Boston Acustics speakers for about $750. I found a new Polk sub for $250.

I’ve been using my system almost daily for 10 years now. It’s fantastic and I feel no need to upgrade.

See if you can find a store that sells used audio equipment near you