I have not any prior experience with installing custom ROMs, but after trying it out (and getting stuck, and googling and finding answers) I successfully did it. Below is my home screen if anybody is curious:

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I use OpenBoard for my keyboard. Unfortunately I am still dependent on Play Store since some of the apps I need can only be found there. Sometimes it feels meaningless committing to this whole thing because I'm not perfectly private; then I think this is better than using a regular iPhone or Android phone.

So far I'm liking it. I am naturally inclined to feel hesitant about using this as my main phone and plugging in a SIM since it's custom, but I'm slowly making the transition.

Feel free to share any beginners advice or your own experience using GOS for the first time. Cheers!

    • IDew@lemm.ee
      ·
      5 months ago

      It gets me wondering, I have never use a search bar widget in my life and I find them rather setting in the way.. My search bar is just 1 tap away inside Firefox, which is also on the desktop... I've not seen many people around me use it

      Do people really use it?

      • Rogue1633@discuss.tchncs.de
        ·
        5 months ago

        Well I used to use it when I was still using normal Android. When I open Vanadium I get greeted with the last page I visited and I get distracted from that, so a search widget helps me.

        • IDew@lemm.ee
          ·
          5 months ago

          Makes sense. Whenever I open Firefox, of opens on the (empty) homescreen where I can start typing in the URL bar right away. But everyone has got their own ways!