Methodology

Some very common questions are “How do you decide what tools to use?” “Is ‘X’ safe/private/secure?” “Is ‘X’ better than ‘Y’?”

Tool selection is a skill all its own, which you will hone over time. You will almost certainly grow opinions or preferences that lead you to use tools that are not strictly recommended here. You will also likely discover tools we don’t know about (please share!). All this is to say that we can share the Neuromancy Methodology, which has served us well for decades, and make no claim that it is perfect.

Some suggestions are offered in this section, but please join the discussion in our community channels for the latest sentiment from the team and your peers.

General Guidance

Start where you are. It is more important to act with an imperfect tool than to not act. It is easy to get paralyzed by the limitless options, so make a quick decision based on:

1. Is it purpose-built as a solution for your problem?
2. Reputation of the creator and their tool - are other people already solving your problem with this?
3. Monetary cost and purchase options (can you pay privately - cash, crypto, etc?)
4. Cost in Time - what will it take to get the tool working? If significant, is it worth the investment?

If the decision was the wrong one, at least you can rapidly pivot. Adaptability is a crucial skill. Get used to the idea that your first choice may not be the best, and something that has worked for years, may not be the best choice for the future.

Check out the website of a tool’s creator. Read the About page. Do they have a Mission? Check out any auxillary material, such as social media feeds, reviews, etc. What tools do others in our communities use to solve the same/similar problems?

Selecting Hardware

In the mid-2020s, hardware, from a Freedom perspective, is generally unacceptable. We have to make do with what is available, and be grateful for the currently expanding Open Source hardware ecosystem.

Buying New

When buying new, we want to “vote with our money” and support companies that are mission-aligned. Your funds are going directly to a company, so this is a vital decision. Below are a few options.

• Star Labs - Linux-first Tablets, Laptops, and MiniPCs.
• Framework - Modular, upgradeable laptops and desktops. Bring your own OS.
• System76 - Linux laptops, desktops, mini PCs, servers, and more.
• Mark37 (reseller) - Privacy-focused laptops and mini PCs.
• Privacy Academy (reseller) - Privacy-focused laptops and mobile devices.
• GL-iNet - Plug’n’play routers running OpenWRT with a proprietary GUI.
• Protectli - Mini PCs for routers, etc. Must bring your own OS.

Buying Used & Refurbished

When buying used gear, you gain some risk and potentially lose some lifespan in exchange for drastically reduced prices. Refurbished means that a used device has been refreshed in some way, ideally with new parts. This term may mean something different across sellers, so be sure you understand what you are buying. Below are a few options.

• Local is great, buying from a known being is ideal. Reach out in your communities or organize a market yourself.
• Swappa - Market for used electronics sellers. Seller reputations are from a review system.
• BackMarket - Market for refurbished electronics, including home appliances.

Selecting Software

Almost all software is bad. You have probably experienced this. After a few more courses, you may realize the current situation is quite gross, especially with popular ‘Big Tech’ products. Some software is very good. Like most things, it boils down to the Care, Time, and Attention the creator puts into it.

In the vast majority of cases, the tools we use will be free/donation-based. This really drops the barrier to entry. Our biggest concern becomes the potential drain on Time and Attention if a tool ends up being the wrong one for the job. This will also allow you the opportunity to discover which tools truly benefit you, so that you can donate some value back to those projects. Donations can really mean a lot to a creator.