Why slow rotating physical storage ? It not like the AI models generate anything worth retaining in the long term. I assume they are in just running out of ssds so will buy any old drive

Open shell is a helpful solution that replaces some of the problems in the windows UI at least for the start menu.

OpenShell github

It’s pretty easy to customize most elements for the style you prefer and no adverts.

I expect that paying for a VPN would be a risk too if you live in a country where your bank reports on your purchases to your Govt. True anonymity is challenging.