Yep. I’ve been there.

I sorta agree with @darcy. The quality of FOSS (nowadays) is pretty damn good. If I need something I look at FOSS first, dig in github, and then finally look around for a paid program.

Edit to say "paid" program.

This is one of the single most important pieces of advice. Unless you have access to topsites, then this is about as close to the source as you are going to get, except for FitGirl repacks that can be DDLd from her site.

Yep. The approach that Denuvo utilizes has been discussed forever, but games didn't really have the extra CPU cycles to run around and validate the integrity of each and every function. Most games are balls to the wall and using every CPU cycle it can. Point is, games that require heavy performance suffer under Denuvo unless your system is bleeding edge. This means the vast majority of their customer base suffer. There are all sorts of ways to prevent piracy for games.. but most companies can't utilize these approaches due to the very nature of disorganized game development.

I don't really use Windows except for playing games, so someone else may have a better answer.

For me, I want 3 types of protection, priority order.

1. Rootkit and ransomware protection. Lock down and protect system files.

2. Firewall. Stop software from calling home (and possibly invalidating my forged license) and to stop malware from reaching out to command and control systems.

3. Malware scanning and suspect execution detection. Most antivirus software detections will be in only one of a couple categories: keygen, generic trojan, or obfuscated executable. If I encounter this, I go to VirusTotal.com and drop the offending file(s) for it to scan. If I'm still concerned I will use an online sandbox execution recorder that tells you what the exe does such as outbound comms, file modifications, registry read/writes, etc.

Windows Defender accomplishes these requirements. Although it is a bit clunky and other mainstream antivirus (paid or free) accomplish the same in a much cleaner interface.

I cannot stress enough the importance of downloading pirated software from a trusted source.

Many do provide some form of checksum.

It does have a needless booby shot.

And there needs to be a WFH policy that states reasonable responsiveness. If on a break, set you chat status as such.

Of course there are workarounds, like just carrying you phone with chat app.

Then it really does boil down to people management.

Hahaha. Copper top.

I think that what AI may do, for a long time, is enhance our hobbies.

Those who can, do. Those who can’t, AI.

Just like early cryptocurrency, there will be value in work done. Seeing an artist create will be just as valuable as the resulting artwork.

Thanks for doing the work.

Consideration for readers. Remember not everyone lives where you do and has the same access and infrastructure that you do.

Some US states are pushing for EV but do not have the power production needed to support it at scale. Maybe another 10 or 20 years when everyone has a nuclear reactor in their backyard.

I’m all for EV for those that it makes sense. For many, especially the impoverished, it’s just another barrier to overcome.

2e. We like the role playing more than rolling dice to simulate a pen and paper MMO.