I like your logic here. Torrent index -> alternative platforms -> YT proper.

Assuming the torrent index becomes decentralized, there are really two categories where it makes sense to build this in:

1. The YouTube frontends, as you mention

2. The self-hosted downloaders that already exist, like Tube Archivist

I think the second category is where you get all the seeding traction. Sure, it would be great if the Android frontends also participate, but there are thousands of NAS devices that are already downloading YouTube videos for a single user. If there was an addon that allowed all of these users to share content automatically, I think there would be a lot of buy in / seeding.

I'll get hate for referencing a solution that involves AI, but this looks promising: https://github.com/...

No. It's for IPTV channels that already exist. It lets you organize them and then make them available in Plex or Jellyfin.

If you're looking to make your own channel from content you already downloaded, that's what ErsatzTV and dizqueTV do.

If you're looking to stream torrents without downloading them first, I'm pretty sure that can be done with Streamio and plugins, but I haven't tried it.

I've tried Dispatcharr and was pleased.

Thanks. I was struggling to find WireGuard configuration instructions on their website.

Are you referring to their app or their website?

Jumping on the bandwagon here.

This thread basically illustrates the challenges for a beginner, such as myself.

I've been locked into the Google ecosystem for nearly two decades and am now trying to free myself.

I'd like to migrate to a hybrid solution that involves self-hosted NextCloud synchronized with a cloud provider that I can trust more than Google.

However:

Proton apparently makes false, or at least misleading, marketing claims and doesn't fight a vast majority of its inbound government requests.

Tuta has been publicly accused by a member of the intelligence community of being a honeypot.

The rest of the email providers seem to implement even fewer protections, relative to these two.

So, what's a guy to do?

Now, to be clear, I'm not saying that either of these companies are bad or that I believe that they're actually honeypots. I'm just trying to illustrate the challenges faced by newcomers (and probably all of us).

While I'd prefer to absolutely maximize privacy and security on all fronts, given that my first goal is de-googling, I will probably start with Proton and NextCloud and re-evaluate from there, but I'm open to suggestions.

Thank you all -- I really appreciate this community.

I share this concern.

I'm new at this, but the biggest reason I'm not going with Tuta is that I want encryption that is interoperable with other providers that offer encryption.

Exactly. We can just fork it, if the need ever arrives.

There's no reason for is to suffer through a more clunky solution when this is all open source.

Here you go. (Disclaimer: I used AI)

This video by Hardware Haven, titled "6 Tips for Finding Good Deals on PC Hardware," provides actionable strategies for finding cheap and heavily discounted used computer components, servers, and office PCs.

Here is a breakdown of the six main tips covered in the video:

• Find local ITAD (IT Asset Disposition) businesses [01:40] These companies wipe, recycle, and resell old equipment decommissioned by businesses. Since they deal in bulk, you can often score incredible deals on enterprise or office hardware. If they don't have a public storefront, you can sometimes find them by searching for local eBay sellers dealing in bulk office PCs.
• Use eBay local pickup [04:27] For large or heavy items like servers and tower systems, sellers bake the high cost of shipping directly into their asking price. By filtering for "local pickup only," you avoid those shipping costs and can often secure a much lower base price.
• Get creative with the platforms you use [07:46] Don't rely exclusively on eBay. Check out niche component sites like jawa.gg, local thrift stores, university surplus auctions, or GovDeals. When using Facebook Marketplace, browse generic local buy/sell groups rather than PC-specific ones—you are more likely to find sellers who don't know the exact value of their hardware.
• Use unconventional search terms [11:04] Instead of searching for highly sought-after product lines, search for the specific, less-common processors inside them. You can also find steep discounts by intentionally searching for minor cosmetic defects using words like "missing," "cracked," or "damaged." For local marketplaces, try generic, non-technical terms like "CPU tower" or "good computer."
• Put in more effort than other buyers [13:46] You can find extreme discounts if you're willing to buy hardware that requires a bit of troubleshooting. This includes buying locked systems and clearing the BIOS, flashing custom firmware onto cheap Chrome boxes, or taking a calculated risk on "for parts" listings that might just need something as simple as a new CMOS battery.
• Be patient [18:03] Used enterprise gear hits the secondary market in massive waves when companies do their hardware refresh cycles. If a particular component is overpriced right now, don't overpay—wait for the next wave of surplus gear to flood the market and drive prices back down.

Thanks. Here's a comparison, for anyone else who might be interested:

Feature matrix

Repos: AppVerifier · Verified Apps · AppVerifier BG. From each README as of June 2026; stars/releases change over time.

Thank you for sharing, but is this the third version of AppVerifier? I'm having a little trouble following all of them and their differences.

I'm certainly not suggesting that email providers should resist lawful orders, but if Proton complies with 89% of requests while Tuta complies with 25%, it suggests a difference in methodology, no?

It could, of course, be the case that the Swiss are just much more skilled at sending lawful requests relative to the Germans, but that seems unlikely.

That is not accurate. My AI query used far less energy than the average gamer uses in a minute of gameplay.

I'm not a gamer, but I'm curious -- do you hold the same attitude towards video games?

I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty sure that Proton Docs, Collabora, and OnlyOffice all support auto-save, version history, and real-time collaboration.

Yes, to organize some of it, and it's a static site. So you can literally click "View Source" in your browser.

4th vote for IronFox, but with the caveat that I have Cromite installed as a backup, for the rare occasion in which a site doesn't render properly in Fox.

Yes, I know and agree that the mail providers can read unencrypted email. I'd just rather use a provider that probably isn't intentionally using it to build profiles about myself and others.

https://gizmodo.com/...

And again, I'm not saying that I believe this. I have no idea what to think. My original point was that it's all very confusing to beginners.