OriginalSize

bitcoin

Introduction

In an era of rapid change and evolving challenges, the Efficient State Movement emerges as a beacon of transformative reform, seeking to redefine the role of the state in society. Committed to fostering a government that is lean, efficient, and transparent, we aim to forge a path towards a more responsive, accountable, and people-centric governance model.

Founding Principles

Efficiency through Streamlining:
We believe in a government that operates with optimal efficiency, eliminating bureaucratic redundancies and streamlining processes. By embracing technology and modern management practices, we can reduce unnecessary layers of administration, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to address the needs of the people.

Transparent Governance:
Transparency is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. We advocate for open and accessible government, where information is readily available to the public. By fostering a culture of accountability, we aim to rebuild trust between the state and its citizens.

Empowering Local Communities:
Recognizing the diversity of our society, we champion the devolution of power to local communities. Empowering citizens and local authorities enables more responsive governance tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of each community.

Fiscal Responsibility:
We commit to prudent fiscal management, ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely and responsibly. By eliminating wasteful spending, we can redirect resources towards critical public services, infrastructure, and social programs that benefit all.

Key Reforms

Digital Transformation:
Embrace technology to digitize government processes, improving service delivery and reducing bureaucratic delays. This will enhance the overall efficiency of government operations, making it more responsive to the needs of citizens.

Merit-Based Employment:
Advocate for a meritocratic approach to public service recruitment and promotion. This ensures that the most qualified individuals serve in key positions, fostering a culture of competence, innovation, and dedication within the public sector.

Decentralized Decision-Making:
Delegate decision-making powers to local authorities, allowing them to address the unique challenges of their communities. This decentralization enhances responsiveness, fosters innovation, and promotes a sense of ownership among citizens.

Open Data Initiatives:
Implement open data initiatives to provide citizens with access to government data, fostering accountability and enabling informed decision-making. Open data enhances public scrutiny, ensuring that government actions are subject to public oversight.

Transformative Education:

Central to the vision of the Efficient State Movement is the reform of our education system, recognizing that an enlightened and empowered citizenry is the bedrock of a thriving society. We aspire to cultivate a culture where educators for the younger generation are revered as the most respected figures in society. By elevating the status of teachers, we acknowledge their pivotal role in shaping the minds and values of the next generation.

Our commitment to educational reform involves investing in professional development for teachers, ensuring they are equipped with the latest pedagogical tools and techniques. Adequate remuneration and recognition will be provided to reflect the critical role they play in molding the future of our nation. Additionally, we propose a curriculum overhaul that not only imparts essential knowledge but also instills critical thinking, creativity, and ethical values.

Through these measures, we aim to create an education system where teachers are not only educators but also mentors and guides, fostering a sense of responsibility, curiosity, and civic engagement in the students they inspire. By placing educators at the forefront of societal respect, we envision a society where the pursuit of knowledge is cherished, and the impact of educators resonates across generations, laying the foundation for a more enlightened and harmonious future.

Empowering Citizens through Financial Transparency:

As advocates for efficiency and transparency, the Efficient State Movement recognizes the transformative potential of integrating Bitcoin technology into the public financial system. By leveraging blockchain technology, we aim to revolutionize the way public spending is monitored and recorded, ensuring an unprecedented level of transparency. The decentralized and immutable nature of blockchain not only enhances the security of financial transactions but also enables real-time tracking of public funds.

Through the integration of Bitcoin or similar technologies, every citizen will have access to a transparent and auditable ledger of government expenditures. This newfound financial clarity will empower citizens to actively participate in monitoring how their tax contributions are utilized, fostering a culture of accountability and trust between the state and its people.

Furthermore, embracing Bitcoin facilitates greater financial inclusivity, allowing citizens to interact freely with the global economic market. This decentralized form of currency provides individuals with more control over their financial assets, reducing dependence on traditional banking systems. The Efficient State Movement envisions a future where citizens can engage in international trade and investment seamlessly, contributing to economic growth and expanding opportunities for all.

By embracing these technological advancements, we not only enhance the efficiency and transparency of the state but also empower every citizen to actively participate in and benefit from the global economic landscape. This integration represents a significant step towards a more inclusive, transparent, and technologically advanced governance model, aligning with the principles of the Efficient State Movement.

Championing Fundamental Rights:

The Efficient State Movement staunchly upholds the principles of freedom of speech and the right to privacy as foundational pillars of a just and democratic society. We believe in fostering an environment where individuals can express their thoughts, opinions, and ideas without fear of censorship or reprisal. Our commitment to freedom of speech extends to protecting the diversity of voices, ensuring that every citizen has the right to participate in public discourse, contributing to a vibrant marketplace of ideas that enriches our society.

Simultaneously, we recognize the critical importance of safeguarding the right to privacy. In the digital age, where information flows rapidly, we advocate for robust measures to protect citizens' personal data from unwarranted surveillance. The Efficient State Movement envisions a future where citizens can freely engage in political, social, and cultural activities without compromising their right to privacy. We commit to implementing comprehensive legal frameworks that strike a balance between national security concerns and the preservation of individual liberties, ensuring that citizens are protected from undue intrusion into their private lives.

By championing freedom of speech and the right to privacy, the Efficient State Movement seeks to fortify the democratic values that underpin a progressive and inclusive society. It is through the protection of these fundamental rights that we can build a nation where citizens feel secure in expressing their views and confident in the preservation of their personal privacy, fostering a society that thrives on the principles of justice, openness, and individual autonomy.

Rethinking Intellectual Property Laws:

The Efficient State Movement recognizes the evolving landscape of the digital era and the need for a balanced approach to intellectual property rights. In alignment with the demands of the Pirate Party movement, we advocate for a fundamental reevaluation of copyright and patent laws to foster innovation, creativity, and open access to knowledge.

Our vision involves striking a delicate balance between protecting the rights of creators and encouraging the dissemination of ideas for the greater public good. We propose reforms that prioritize fair use, remix culture, and the democratization of knowledge. By embracing a more flexible approach to copyright, we aim to empower artists, creators, and innovators to build upon existing works, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Similarly, patent laws must be restructured to prevent the abuse of monopolies that stifle competition and hinder progress. The Efficient State Movement supports a patent system that rewards genuine innovation while ensuring that essential medicines, technologies, and ideas remain accessible to the broader public. Our commitment is to create a legal framework that stimulates creativity, incentivizes invention, and promotes the free exchange of ideas, aligning with the principles of the Pirate Party movement for a more open and collaborative intellectual property ecosystem.

Call for Global Citizen Alignment:

In concluding this manifesto, the Efficient State Movement extends a call to all citizens of the world who share our vision for a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive government. The challenges we face are not confined by borders, and the solutions we seek require a collective effort from a global community of forward-thinking individuals.

We invite you to join us in transforming this movement into a political force that reshapes the future. Let us unite under a banner that champions efficiency, transparency, and the empowerment of every individual. As we aspire to bring this movement to life as a political party, we recognize the potential for influencing not just national policies but also contributing to a positive change on the world stage.

By aligning with the Efficient State Movement, you become part of a global initiative that seeks to redefine governance, protect fundamental rights, and foster innovation. Together, we can shape a world where governments work efficiently for the people, where freedom of speech and privacy are sacred, and where intellectual property laws stimulate creativity rather than hinder it.

The time has come for a new era of governance, and with your support, the Efficient State Movement can be a driving force for positive change. Join us in this endeavor, and together, let us pave the way for a future that reflects the shared values and aspirations of a united global citizenry. The journey towards a better world begins with us – united, empowered, and committed to building a more efficient and just future for all.

Manifesto of the Efficient State Movement

kangu

What are your go-to stores / company's for bitcoin merch?

ncryppt

I've not bought from any of these (so **buyer beware**), but sharing the sites.  Not all are bitcoin-only, so if you are easily triggered, ... my apologies. :-)

- https://fomo21.com
- https://hipptee.com (Psycho shirt)
- https://gunsnbitcoin.com
- https://www.cryptocloaks.com/product-category/clothing
- https://bitcoinhatguy.com
- https://lightning.store
- https://www.libertymugs.com
- https://bitcoinmanor.com/product-category/shirts/
- https://21million.co
- https://wearsmyliberty.com
- https://hodl.rodeo
- https://bitko.cc
- https://quinsolo.com
- https://www.etsy.com/shop/WavesWorld
- https://www.bitcointunnels.com
- https://www.mtsocks.com
- https://shop.bitcoinmaximalist.net
- https://cryptocove.io
- https://www.gobrrr.me
- https://btcwardrobe.com
- https://bitcoinspot.gr/shop
- https://btcpins.com
- https://bitcoinshirt.co
- https://store.bitcoinmagazine.com
- https://www.cryptoquilts.org
- https://orangecoingoods.com
- https://mfmerch.com
- https://bitmountain.ch
- https://bittshirts.com/product-category/crypto/bitcoin
- https://www.bitcoin-gear.com
- https://theblockgear.com
- https://bitcoinmerch.com/collections/frontpage
- https://clockworkcrypto.com
- https://cryptoshirt.io
- https://alwayshodl.com
- https://blackbulltradingpost.com/product-category/cryptoswag
- https://www.pantiesforbitcoin.com
- https://btcpay.btc.aw/apps/4HoaBMEywHSj3Y71S6zpvreyTkTG/pos/
- https://ungovernablemisfits.com/shop
- https://shop.realbedford.com
- https://store.blockstream.com/shop
- https://www.excellion.com
- https://bitcoin-lightning.de/?post_type=product
- https://lndlife.com/product/hodler-self-defense-pen
- https://hodlskateboards.com (coming soon)

ClubAlpaca

nostr


I hate centralized social media apps. It's so annoying that Zuck and Elon are selling my data. I thought that NOSTR’s efforts to create a decentralized social media app would offer a great social media experience. However, after using NOSTR for a few months, here is why I think NOSTR is not going to generate the proper network effect needed to even come close to competing with traditional social media.  
1.	NOSTR is difficult to get into. Sure, after 15-20 minutes of messing around, I was able to create a NOSTR account and log in to various apps. But for the average non-bitcoin maxi the effort needed to get a fugazi Twitter experience would just not be worth it. If NOSTR wants to get everyone onboard then it needs to have an easier, more intuitive onboarding experience. Normies don’t have the time to sign up with NOSTR. They are perfectly fine living their lives through a fake Instagram lens. 
2.	The post quality on NOSTR sucks. Unfortunately, bitcoiners, including me, have horrible taste. Beyond the endless bitcoin echo chamber, all I found were memes that were stale in 2013 and thirst accounts trying to attract the male gaze. Put yourself in the shoes of a non-bitcoiner who just spent 15 minutes onboarding themselves onto NOSTR. Is this the content we want to greet them with?
3.	Let’s suppose some NOSTR app is able to solve all of these problems AND the onboarding process is simplified. What now? Great, we have a go-to NOSTR app now. Unfortunately, such an experience necessitates centralization. All NOSTR users would now flock to this miracle app. 
4.	In hopes of monetizing the miracle app, the developers implement a feature that users don’t like. NOSTR allows users to migrate to another platform. This new platform blatantly rips off the miracle app. That’s the magic of NOSTR after all. But think about the developers who spent all their time trying to create the original NOSTR experience. They are left with a dead platform and ungrateful users.  
5.	I believe that the profit incentive structure is going to be the biggest hurdle NOSTR has to overcome. Profitable features aren’t liked by users. We all know this. But developers need to be recompensated for their hard work.
6.	 Operating on grants is not a sustainable incentive mechanism for developers. Developers need to be able to generate income from the NOSTR app they build. However, their users will simply flock to another application every time developers try monetizing an experience. NOSTR-maxis need to realize that empathy alone is not going to build the next best social media experience.
7.	And perhaps the final most devastating blow to NOSTR is that the best social media approaches have already been figured out. Despite how much we hate certain platforms, there is no denying that Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter have figured it out. If NOSTR is going to be building amazing clones of pre-existing websites with diminishing returns and worse network effects, perhaps we need to go back to the drawing board.
TLDR: Neat idea that had me hyped; centralization inevitable; wrong profit structure; lacking user experience. 




NOSTR is not going to fix anything :(

hydroflask

tech

[graphene](https://imgprxy.stacker.news/r-YThSK1L0ockcxnQdJjKtS82CcDuig7ej8SksQaeyA/rs:fit:600:500:0/g:no/aHR0cHM6Ly91cGxvYWQud2lraW1lZGlhLm9yZy93aWtpcGVkaWEvY29tbW9ucy9iL2IyL0dvb2dsZV9QaXhlbF9XaGl0ZV8wMS5qcGc)

As many of you know from my prior [post](https://stacker.news/items/200175), I have switched over to graphene OS for my mobile device. This article is an update on my progress so far, and I will provide a few tips along the way.

First I want to explain my situation, since your circumstances may cause you to choose different options. 

I am a semi-retired boomer. I am not very adept technically, but I might have more time on my hands than you do. I also enjoy the process of figuring stuff out and trying workarounds. You may not have the time or the inclination to do that. Still, I do need my device for work related tasks, so convenience is an issue. I kept my old android around to ease the transition. I have learned from prior experience that  going “cold turkey” on a change increases the odds of me throwing in the towel and going back to the easy solutions.

In my first article I toyed with the idea of going full stealth with a data only SIM card and a VPN dongle, but in the end convenience won out over more privacy. I think it’s a great idea, but it would be a little too radical for me.  If you’re interested, check out @03365d6a53 and @final ‘s information in my prior post and their comments, and good luck with your brave experiment. Since I chickened out, I just switched my old Verizon Wireless sim card from my Galaxy S-10 to the Pixel 7.  There were no issues, which surprised me a little. Verizon Wireless tends to interact with phones in a funky way, from what I’ve been told.  Remember not to install any proprietary sim (especially Verizon Wireless) in a Pixel 7 before loading graphene and relocking the bootloader. You may never get it unlocked.

### **A Perfect Fit** 

I was anticipating a big tradeoff in quality and smooth operation switching to a Graphene OS Pixel 7. I was completely wrong. The Pixel 7 has a very solid build quality, and seems perfectly matched to the operating system. I guess it makes sense, since Graphene is built for this device. You don’t get all those mismatch issues you get with many android phones.  The complete lack of bloatware definitely improves performance. The device seems snappy and responsive to me, though reviews I’ve read of the carrier loaded device describe it as a little “laggy”. I can’t believe how long a battery charge lasts. That was an unexpected huge benefit. I read that this is a result of losing all that bloatware. This was even more impressive when I discovered that the Pixel 7 with a standard carrier android setup is considered to have mediocre battery life.

The device is reasonably priced for what you get. That’s important, since you won’t find those promotional discounts or financing terms you would get buying a “carrier phone”.  I bought mine straight from Google, and you probably should [too](https://stacker.news/items/200175). Read this [review](https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/google-pixel-7) if you’re interested in learning about the hardware specs. The phone has a photo editing tool called “Photo Unblur”, which I used to sharpen a blurry photo of my daughter and I taken at her recent college graduation with a new Iphone. THAT was an unexpected benefit of switching to Graphene.

I also noticed an immediate improvement when using a VPN. I live in an area with spotty cell coverage. Every previous android device I have used disconnected my VPN every time I lost service. I have yet to have my VPN disconnect on the Pixel. I have no idea why, but I’m not complaining.

The operating system is set for “gestures” by default, rather than the standard android three button navigation. I gave it a try and decided to keep it. It is smooth and intuitive. Updates have been non events so far. I have had two; they were installed quickly and without any issues.

As I explained in my original post, Graphene comes pre-installed with a fully sandboxed Google Play Store. If you intend to continue using your Google apps and the play store, your switch to Graphene should be essentially painless. There will not be a huge learning curve, nor will you be making any major compromises. Apparently your apps may function differently once in a while, but from what I have read it is nothing major. 

I would recommend that you consider setting up a second “user” where you can further isolate your Google apps in a sandboxed profile. In settings, go to “system, then go to “multiple users.” You can then toggle “allow multiple users.” This [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20C0FD7mGDY) explains the process in detail.

### **No Google For Me**

I am stubborn, and as of now I have kept my vow to de google my life. I have decided not to use the Play Store, even if it is sandboxed. So far I’m surviving, and I am learning a lot, but it would have been easier to just get sucked back into Googleworld. I began searching for alternatives. One obvious issue I needed to consider was security. No more Play Protect.  You may find this [article](https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/safe-android-apk-downloads/) useful. 

When I began disentangling my life from google a few years ago, I signed up for Proton Unlimited. As a result, I use these Proton apps:

### **Proton Apps**

- **Protonmail**

- **Proton Drive**

- **Proton VPN**

- **Proton Calendar**

I also use Proton Contacts, which is contained within the email app. Proton recently released Proton Pass, a new password manager. I will probably start using it rather than my old password manager.

I should mention that I got used to banking on my phone. I will no longer have access to my bank apps. This is an adjustment, but I can always log in to the web sites if need be. I see this as a good opportunity to head further down the road towards being unbanked.  I  gave up Paypal (and Venmo) a while back when they began censoring transactions and closing accounts they didn’t like. As I’m writing this I just learned that they closed the Graphene donation account. I never used Zelle. I do use CashApp, but only for bitcoin recurring buys, and only on a device without a cellular connection. If I’m out with my friends, I offer to split the bill in cash or with a lightning payment from my Phoenix Wallet App. So far, no takers. They laugh at me and I tell them they won’t be laughing when bitcoin breaks 100K.  I will consider it a milestone when someone accepts a lightning payment to split the check.

### **My Other Non Google Apps**

I download my FOSS apps from F-Droid repositories, and I download most of my other apk’s from APK Mirror. This site has a good reputation for safety, but there are no guarantees. 

Here are the alternative apps I am currently using:

- **Amethyst** 

- **Mull browser**

Mull Browser is forked from Fenix (Firefox). It’s open source and privacy hardened. It enables features from the [Tor uplift project](https://wiki.mozilla.org/Security/Tor_Uplift) and uses [Arkenfox](https://share.privacyguides.org/tools/arkenfox/)  preferences. I had no idea what these projects were, so I have linked to sites where you can learn more. It is also a deblobbed browser. I won’t pretend that I fully understand what that means, but it removes proprietary blobs. I have learned that a blob is a “Binary Large Object”. These closed source objects are large and can place demands on storage systems and network bandwith. They can also contain malicious code.

The browser allows extensions, and I added the recommended uBlock Origin extension, a “wide spectrum content blocker” that blocks ads, trackers, and popups. 

- **OpenBoard keyboard**

The default keyboard didn’t work for me at all. My old fat fingers were mistyping keys at an alarming rate. I tried FlorisBoard, which was a little better, but its spell check suggestions were awful or non-existent. OpenBoard has worked very well for me. I can type accurately and the suggestions are excellent. It’s FOSS based on AOSP, with no Google binary dependencies.

- **LibreTube**

Libre Tube is an alternative front end for Youtube. It uses the [Piped API](https://piped-docs.kavin.rocks/).  This app was inspired by NewPipe and Invidious, while solving problems inherent in both those apps. It’s FOSS, lightweight, ad free and privacy friendly. You connect to a Piped proxy, not a Google server. Your IP address is not exposed, and you can evade geographic content restrictions. You can choose from eight different proxies. I happen to be using whatever.social right now with no connection problems, but it’s probably wise to experiment. 

- **Hypatia**

I installed this app since I’m downloading APK’s from sketchy sources. It may be unnecessary, but it makes me feel better. It’s a FOSS realtime malware scanner. It uses ClamAV style signature databases. It has negligible battery impact and is memory efficient. You can select and update databases. 

- **Open Note Scanner**

Excellent scanning app that actually worked better for me than the old app I had been using from Google Play Store. Just remember you need to also install OpenCV Manager for it to work. I also discovered that in order to immediately email scanned documents you need the protonmail APK, not the PWA. I got a little PWA crazy when setting up my Pixel. There are limitations. On the other hand, it’s more work to keep APK’s updated, which is not an issue for PWA’s.

- **Organic Maps**

FOSS Google Maps alternative. No ads or tracking. It utilizes Open Street Map. It contains cycling routes, hiking trails, and walking paths. I have only used car navigation, which is still deemed experimental. Nevertheless, it has worked very well for me once I downloaded the map for my region. It does have voice navigation, although I have not used it. In the future they plan to implement Android Auto. I drive a 2006 Toyota, so that’s not an issue for me. I am learning about [OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.us/), which is a great project. Here’s a link to the United States organization. 

- **Stacker News PWA**

- **Fountain**

- **Podverse**

- **Note Everything**

This is a really old, primitive app that I have used for years for taking notes. You cannot sync the notes to other devices without an extensive workaround and additional apps. I consider that a feature, not a bug. The notes live on my device, and each one can be easily encrypted. With the Pro paid app, you can encrypt your notes. I’m sure it’s not high end encryption, but I use it for privacy. I would not store any really private stuff on this app, like your keys, bank info, etc, but it gives you a little privacy.

### **Next Steps**

Switching to the Google Pixel 7 has been painless for the most part. I get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I am no longer supporting google in any way. I am also learning a lot about the functions and operations of a cell phone. It has been sort of like the way I felt switching from Windows to Linux. I learned so much more about how a computer works than I ever would have known had I not taken the leap. It is a big commitment, but not nearly as difficult or disruptive as I expected. I encourage everyone who wants to break away from big tech to give it a try.

I see this as a step towards my long term goal of controlling my own digital information. I intend to research equipment and begin moving to sovereign computing. I’m deciding between Start9, Umbrel, Sovran Systems, and Federated Computer.

I really like this quote from the Start 9 Web Site:

> What is needed is a revolution in personal computing away from the current, hosted, custodial model that breeds dependency and corruption, towards a decentralized model, where individuals have absolute control over their data and communications. 


Sound familiar?

My Graphene OS Journey So Far

siggy47

SN release: trust algo v4, reward changes, pwa enhancements

k00b


![pix](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Google_Pixel_7_Pro_back_%28Hazel%29.svg)

### What is Graphene?  

Graphene is an operating system (OS) based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Graphene improves the security of AOSP code by improving sandboxing and exploit mitigations, while providing  more extensive permission options than stock open source android.  It is probably a good idea to do your homework before switching to Graphene, since there is a lot to learn, and the user experience is not as smooth and intuitive as you would find on a typical android phone. 

For me, the security and privacy was reason enough to switch, but it is also a way to help free me from big tech. 

### Getting Ready

I have been gradually de-googling my life for a few years now, so I was somewhat prepared to switch to graphene. I replaced gmail, google drive, google calendar, and google contacts with protonmail equivalents. I replaced the google search engine with duck duck go, and replaced google chrome with a bunch of different browsers. I have set for myself the ambitous goal of never using the Google Play Store again. This will be difficult, and I may have to abandon this notion. We'll see.

You may not have started the process of weaning yourself off of Google and or Apple. If that's the case, your transition may be harder.

You may also intend to use google apps and use the Google Play Store. Graphene has a sandboxed mirror of the Google Play Store in its app repository. I will explain what this means and the best way to use it later.

### Choosing A Phone

I call this section "Choosing A Phone", but there is really not much choice. You need to get yourself an unlocked Google Pixel. If you're buying a new device, I advise that you buy it directly from Google. I made the mistake of getting an "unlocked" phone from a retailer. What they meant was "carrier unlocked", which means you can choose any wireless service. I struggled for a while with this type phone before realizing my phone was not really unlocked.  The phone needs the ability to have its bootloader unlocked. 
Why does Graphene only support Google Pixel phones? Well, one reason is that the factory phone permits its bootloader to be unlocked. Most other major manufacturers have locked down their devices. Also, the Pixel has hardware-backed keystores, verified boot, attestation, and input-output memory management units (IOMMUs). What this means, in plain english, is that the phone is capable of sandboxing components like the GPU and radios.

### Preparing your Phone

I chose a Pixel 7. Since it's new, I figured that it would get updates for many years. I also like the sturdy build quality.
From here on, you should refer to this excellent [guide]( https://grapheneos.org/install/web), which will help you unlock your bootloader and flash the Graphene OS. Just keep these few points in mind:
- When you follow the directions to enable developer options, be sure to enable usb debugging AND OEM unlocking.
- After struggling for a very long time attempting to unlock my bootloader on both a Ubuntu laptop and a Windows 11 laptop, I easily was able to use the web installer to unlock on a Macbook. I link [here](https://stacker.news/items/194904) to a discussion thread I started on *Stacker News* which documents my struggles and the help I received. @03365d6a53 was particularly generous with his time and suggestions. If using Ubuntu, avoid the Flatpak installs of browsers, because the sandboxing will likely prevent a USB connection. 
Also, if attempting to unlock the bootloader using Ubuntu, you may need to install  `sudo apt install adb` in addition to following the other instructions you find on the page. 
- Overall, I found the Ubuntu installation to be simpler than Windows 11, but many people claim to have had more success using Windows than any linux distro.

Once you have unlocked the bootloader, the rest of the process is a breeze. The windows installer makes it easy. You can also choose the CLI install option. Instructions are available on the page I linked. 

### Graphene OS First Impressions

Coming from a Samsung Galaxy, I immediately noticed the spare, functional look of the home screen. I appreciated the absence of any bloatware. In my case, I do not have wireless service set up yet.  I am still considering my options.  
Since I’m heavily immersed in the ProtonMail ecosystem right now, the first thing I did after creating my pin and setting up wifi was grab the ProtonMail PWA by using the default Vanadium browser. Next, I installed the Fdroid app. From there, I downloaded the Proton VPN.
Next I downloaded the Stacker News PWA, of course. 
Graphene has its own apps. These are the apps in the native repository:

- **Auditor**

	According to its description, the Auditor App “uses hardware-based security features to validate the identity of a device along with authenticity and integrity of the operating system. It will verify that the device is running the stock operating system with the bootloader locked and that no tampering with the operating system has occurred." This can be done because Pixel phones allow this “attestation”, which I talked about earlier.
- **Camera**
	The Graphene Camera App is designed for privacy and security. It is called “Secure Camera” in the Google Play Store. It has security features like a dedicated QR scanning mode without Network and Media/Storage permissions, and the optional stripping of EXIF metadata from photos and videos.
- **PDF Viewer**
	The PDF Viewer allows the viewing of pdfs in a sandbox that requires no permissions. 	
- **Vanadium Browser**
	The Vanadium Browser is basically a stripped down chromium browser with added security enhancements.
- **Mirrored Google Play Services**
	The Google Play Services Mirror App is a sandboxed version of the Play store, which removes permissions. I describe this function in greater detail elsewhere.

I was using Vanadium as my browser, which seemed fine at first.  I quickly realized that I had gotten used to Brave’s natural ad blocking, so I hunted around for a browser alternative. I downloaded Mull from Fdroid. That seemed okay. I intend to try Mullvad VPN with its browser, and see how that goes. I will likely go back to Brave eventually. 

Keep in mind that there is an alternative to Fdroid if you’re looking to download open source apps. It’s called Obtanium, and this [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFz57zNR_M0) explains it.
As for me, I’m going the tedious route of downloading apps directly from github. The first app I added in this way was the Phoenix wallet.

### What About Google Apps?
As I said earlier, I’m going to try to avoid using Google Apps from this point forward. If you decide that you want to continue to use Google Apps, Graphene allows you to do this in a safe, fully sandboxed way.  When android ships in a typical phone, all the Google apps are given special privileged status right from the start.  This allows them to bypass the default android sandbox, which prevents apps from interacting with each other without permission. Google Apps are free to interact and collect data. In essence, they are spy apps. 

Graphene gives Google apps no special privileges. You can use them on Graphene through the mirror, but those apps are sandboxed. 

Graphene also allows the setting up of multiple users on the phone. These users have their own environments, cut off from each other. You could create a profile called something like “Google User” who has normal play store access.  This [video](
https://youtu.be/20C0FD7mGDY) gives you all the information you need. 

### Help From The Stacker News Community

I received a tremendous amount of help on Stacker News when getting started, so I’m just going to include some of the tips and insights and link to the user, in case you want to show your appreciation:
 1.@03365d6a53 provided some great ideas for those not wanting to use the device to make cellular phone calls. I learned from him that if you have airplane mode on, Graphene does not ping your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) and location to nearby cell towers. He recommends putting an anonymous data sim in a VPN dongle, such as the Mudi GL 750 with Blue Merle software. @final provides a more in depth explanation [here](https://stacker.news/items/198353/r/siggy47) @final is also an expert in this area. You would be well advised to ask them for advice. @final may also be posting a guide soon which will provide much more in depth information than the basic stuff I have included here.
 
2. @03365d6a53 also provided a list of apps that he likes:
- Simplex Chat
- Mullvad VPN
- Amethyst Nostr client (I use this app too, and it’s working great on Graphene)
- K9 Mail
- Element
- Obtanium
- Aurora (I don’t intend to go this route)
- BitWarden
- Organic Maps
- BTC Maps

3. I was not enjoying the stock keyboard, so @final recommended FlorisBoard, which is available on Fdroid. I like it a lot so far, but one suggeston: Turn off the sound. The loud click each time you press a key will drive you and everyone around you crazy.  
4. @039a43f343 recommended this [link](https://gitlab.com/fdroid/wiki/-/wikis/List-of-F-Droid-repositories),  which is a directory of Fdroid repositories.

### Conclusion. 
I am very new to Graphene.  I have a lot to learn. Getting my Pixel set up as a daily driver is going to take some work. Still, I am optimistic. I’m not going to rush it. I am keeping my old Galaxy around too, so my transition will be gradual.
If you decide to make the change, I hope this short guide is useful.



A Basic Guide To Making The Switch To  Graphene OS

We're looking for some new summer reading recommendations, so we figured it would be fun to collect all of your best recommendations in this thread. So without further ado, a few questions for all the readers out there:

- What are your favorite books (any topic) of all-time?
- What are the essential Bitcoiner books that all stackers should read?
- What are your favorite blogs or newsletters?
- Do you regularly read any newspapers or journals?

Reading Recommendations - A Weekend Discussion

Pseudonymity: An FAQ for Bitcoiners

Modus

When I'm Bored I Feed Chickens With Lightning - Love is Bitcoin

saoulidisg

More cool stuff switch with sats here:

⚡ https://pollofeed.com/ - pay sats to feed chickens, live

⚡ https://www.twitch.tv/tanglesheep - feed some sheep with sats on LN, Livestream

⚡ https://lightningcats.org/ - Send sats to switch feeding for cats

⚡ https://satoshkey.com/ - pay sats and a toy train it start moving

⚡ https://www.rebelmoney.art/day-1/ - pay sats to turn on a song and lights by Rebel Money

Full list of cool thing LN here
https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/lightning-network-is-awesome

DarthCoin

Looking to learn of more website where I can spend my satoshis, let’s get the bitcoin economy going! 

Please post links to shops where I can spend sats

Gjoni

Hi all, this is Burak. Feel free to ask me anything about Ark. Ark is a new privacy-preserving Bitcoin layer-two idea for those unfamiliar. I would love to address all of your questions or concerns you might have. Stupid questions are welcome :)

Ark AMA

brqgoo

Are there any resources available for someone like me who can't walk 5 steps without checking my phone, has SN tabs open on every device, and is constantly thinking, "should I post this on Nostr?"

Stacking sats is one thing but this is starting to affect my work and normie social life. What do?

Nostr and SN Addiction

Just now from Damus developer Will:

> Damus will be removed from the app store in 14 days, apple says zaps are not allowed on their platform because they *could* be used by content creators to sell digital content. This is right before I’m about to give my talk at the oslo freedom forum on how decentralized social networks with lightning integration are bringing financial freedom to the masses... pretty sus… 😕

> This would be a watershed moment: If people can’t transact freely p2p on their platform, this has huge implications for the entire ecosystem of apps with lightning integration and v4v. https://nostr.build/i/a0b028e5b90ae3ae9fb89284425278f4a229accc6e33ddc62b9bf79b3d106a89.jpg https://nostr.build/i/2376418037dec06d83076b6a5c804c5366a8583d935d321ab0ed177771d40192.jpg 

Damus may be pulled from Apple's app store

***NOSTR LEARNING & ONBOARDING RESOURCES***

Apps/Clients:
 -  Apple devices: 
     - Damus (TestFlight full, releasing to app store soon)
 -  Android
     - A few in development, not ready yet
 -   Web:   
    - https://astral.ninja
    - https://nostr.rocks/
    - https://notes.blockcore.net/ - Blockcore Notes
    - https://iris.to 
    - https://damus.io/ - Need an M1 chip on a Mac to use the site right now


Curated lists of Nostr Apps, Projects & Resources:
https://github.com/aljazceru/awesome-nostr or https://www.nostr.net/
https://nostr.com/
https://nostr-fzf.netlify.app/ - search verified users and channels

Basic Intro:
https://usenostr.org/
https://wiki.wellorder.net/post/nostr-intro/

Get NIP-05 verified:
https://nostrplebs.com/

Dergigi's Nostr Tips & Tricks:
https://gist.github.com/dergigi/1ee8dc7e3da4b6572ed785ab24bc9907

Nostr relay status:
https://nostr.watch/

Nostr network stats:
https://nostr.io/stats

Fiatjaf's tools for developing Nostr clients:
https://github.com/fiatjaf/nostr-tools#readme

Find your Twitter follows on Nostr
https://nostr.directory/

Bitcoiners on Nostr:
https://bitcoinnostr.com

Nostr image uploader (free):
https://nostr.build/

Nostr Specs (Technical stuff):
https://github.com/nostr-protocol

https://github.com/rot13maxi/key-convertr - to safely convert a hex-encoded key to a bech32-encoded key - techy but not out of control techy

NOSTR Resources 

beefbutterbaconeggsbitcoin

Alright folks. Our friend  @Wenze gave me the idea that despite there being amazing Bitcoin resources out there, there isn't really a consensus place to send an absolute newbie who just got their first sats to walk them through the stages of what the fuck is bitcoin/sats, what do I do with it and on through to the depths of the rabbit hole. 

So many bitcoiners have done amazing work creating educational resources. I think we should utilize what exists, distill it, curate it, and create an absolute newbie friendly tutorial/resource and I think it should be called "So, you got some Bitcoin- What now?" (or maybe now what). 

Wanted to reach out to the SN community to get ideas to help create this or you can all tell me it's a really stupid idea, a waste of time, what we have is good enough, etc. Regardless, if you like the idea and want to be involved in the development of such a resource, let's start with the framework of what to cover and what sequence to cover it. Leave your thoughts below. 

Cheers,
GR