May I suggest Tracker Control, allows per-app network access and even restricts certain tracking requests. Only downside is it takes the VPN slot. Very much worth it though I believe

Sounds like you need to check out Org-roam (if you use emacs) or some other zettelkasten style note taking software

Another lube, like krytox or whatever. I’m sure it’s not 100% optimal to have them mix but it’s probably fine

I always just lube over it as if there wasn’t lube there to begin with

Used to use Niagara launcher, but moved to kvaesitso since it’s FOSS. Both are very very good.

Anyone got good options for ebooks? Currently got calibre setup but only sourcing my books from libgen. Tried using jackett + readarr but the indexers didnt seem great… is it worth paying for indexers? Which ones?