A
algo brain The state of having your attention and behavior shaped by algorithmic feeds — scrolling without intent, clicking bait, opening apps reflexively.
arch linux An advanced Linux distribution known for its simplicity (in design, not setup) and rolling-release model. PewDiePie uses it on his laptop and Steam Deck. B
bootable usb A USB drive configured to start (boot) a computer into a different operating system. Used to install Linux. C
cli Command Line Interface. A text-based way of interacting with your computer using typed commands instead of clicking. Looks like hacking in movies. D
daily driver The device or software you use every day for real work, not just testing.
de-google The process of systematically replacing Google services with privacy-respecting alternatives.
desktop environment The graphical interface of a Linux system — the taskbar, file manager, settings, etc. Examples: GNOME, KDE, Cinnamon.
distro Short for 'distribution.' A version of Linux packaged with specific software and design choices. Like flavors of ice cream — same base, different experience.
dns blocker Software that blocks ads and trackers at the network level by intercepting domain name requests. Pi-Hole is the most popular one.
docker A tool that runs applications in isolated containers. Makes self-hosting much easier — each service runs in its own box.
dotfiles Configuration files (usually starting with a dot, like .bashrc) that control how your Linux system looks and behaves. Sharing dotfiles is part of ricing culture.
dual-boot Running two operating systems on one computer. You choose which one to start when you turn on the machine. E
eww ElKowar's Wacky Widgets. A custom widget system used in Linux desktop ricing for creating custom UI elements. F
f-droid An app store for Android that only hosts free and open-source software. The Google Play Store alternative for privacy-focused phone users.
filtering One of the Two Pillars. Removing noise and unwanted content from your digital life — through self-hosting, extensions, DNS blocking, or unfollowing.
friction One of the Two Pillars. Adding intentional delays to break automatic behavior — like a 5-second profile switch on your phone to stop reflexive app-opening. G
grapheneos A privacy and security-focused mobile operating system based on Android. Only works on Google Pixel phones. PewDiePie uses it on his Pixel 9. H
hyprland A dynamic tiling Wayland compositor (window manager). Known for smooth animations and heavy customization. PewDiePie's window manager of choice. L
linux mint A beginner-friendly Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. PewDiePie's recommendation for first-time Linux users and his daily driver on his main desktop.
local llm A Large Language Model running on your own hardware instead of a cloud service. Your prompts and data never leave your machine. N
nextcloud Self-hosted cloud storage and collaboration platform. Replaces Google Drive, Calendar, Contacts, and more. O
ollama A tool that makes running local AI models as easy as running a Docker container. The easiest entry point for local AI. P
package manager Software that installs, updates, and removes programs on Linux. apt (Debian/Ubuntu/Mint), pacman (Arch), dnf (Fedora).
pi-hole A DNS-level ad and tracker blocker that runs on a Raspberry Pi (or any Linux machine). Blocks ads for every device on your network. R
raspberry pi A small, cheap single-board computer. The Raspberry Pi 5 is popular for self-hosting. PewDiePie runs his server stack on one.
ricing Customizing the visual appearance of your Linux desktop. Named after the car modding culture term. Deep rabbit hole. You've been warned.
rofi An application launcher for Linux. Type a few letters, hit enter, and your app opens. Replaces the Start menu / app dock concept. S
self-hosting Running your own server to provide services (email, cloud storage, passwords) instead of relying on a company's servers. T
tech fencing The practice of building deliberate barriers between yourself and technology designed to exploit your attention and data. Coined by PewDiePie in his 'I Fixed YouTube!' video.
tiling window manager A window manager that automatically arranges windows like tiles instead of stacking them. No overlapping. Keyboard-driven. Examples: Hyprland, i3, Sway. U
unhook A browser extension that removes the YouTube homepage feed, recommendations, and Shorts. A key friction/filtering tool in the tech fencing toolkit. V
vaultwarden A self-hosted, open-source password manager compatible with Bitwarden clients. PewDiePie self-hosts his on a Raspberry Pi (setup took 2 days).
vllm A fast, memory-efficient inference engine for large language models. PewDiePie runs it on his 10-GPU rig for local AI.
vps Virtual Private Server. A server you rent from a hosting company instead of running hardware at home. Alternative to Raspberry Pi for self-hosting. W
waybar A customizable status bar for Wayland compositors. Shows system info, workspaces, clock, etc. Part of the ricing toolkit.