I haven't read through the entire thread, but i wanted to address a couple of points that need a fundamental explanation
1. Linux is being recommended because it is the most usable OS that doesn't collect data. You don't have to install it to your hard drive or SSD, as Tails (as recommended by
@pes ) can run from a USB and securely erases traces of itself. Your privacy is harmed if you use Tails in a VM using mac or windows
Tails is also private by default, as are all included programs, meanwhile basically everything in the modern world is anti-private by default
Since many are worried about picture metadata, Tails also comes with a metadata removal tool
2. You should not use opera or chrome. These are browsers with a profit incentive
The world of actually private browsers is a game of "how much convenience do I feel like giving up in exchange for privacy?". Firefox doesn't mine user data, but it isn't very good out of the box. Tor browser (in a safer mode) is a fantastic privacy tool, but it's slow. You also have to use it properly: don't use tor to login to accounts you've accessed from your home, or have put your real name on. This gives those services the knowledge that you are a Tor user, which hurts your anonymity on this site
Also, don't use Tor with Brave. It is discouraged by the Tor Project
The Tor browser is designed to make you look like every other person using Tor. This feature doesn't work when you use Brave, since you have a starkly different
browser fingerprint. For the same reason, I personally recommend only using the Tor browser on desktop, but that's a decision that
you have to decide if its worth it. If you're on mobile, consider sticking to your favorite private messenger
When using Tor, you could be anyone, but you
should not be yourself
3. Using a VPN with Tor is a contentious topic. The Tor Project suggests not doing it
If you want to hide that you're using Tor from your isp, then that's what the Tor Project designed bridges for. They call it "censorship circumvention", but it works for this too. The Tor Project publishes all Tor related IP addresses. Bridges aren't listed
You also have to trust your VPN provider. If they're logging, the privacy benefits of Tor are nullified, even if it's encrypted thrice
4.
Metadata is bad. I'll subtly hint that Session is a metadata-less messenger, and Mullvad is a metadata-less VPN service (with unrivalled private payment methods)
That's just my opinion though, which I'm happy to give more of on this topic if you private message me