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Recently, I’ve been changing distros about once a year. These are the things I install every time:
- hdparm - I use this to disable APM on my HDD which makes annoying sounds when it’s enabled. (Yes, my computer is old and still uses an HDD as the system drive.)
- KeePassXC - My preferred password manager.
- VeraCrypt - My external drives are encrypted with this.
- Joplin - I store my setup notes in here.
- Lutris/Steam/Wine - I’m a gamer.
As for the config files, I always start fresh.
APM is Advanced Power Management. I’m having trouble finding an official explanation for it, but it basically allows the hard drive to park the head when the OS thinks it’s idle. My hard drive makes a loud “click” every time that happens. APM is too aggressive, so my hard drive is constantly clicking unless I disable APM.