Use a network that obscures individual IPs, like CGNAT. Many users share the same public IP, making basic tracking less precise.
Dont use any hosting services like vps that gives true privacy, they may still comply with legal requests/ they will tell enforcers to you.
Use linux distros is just a "reddit user advice", just use a os or distros that suit you and that dosen't track you.
Free software? use https://fmhy.net/ "The largest collection of free stuff on the internet!" its safe. Media, software, games, tools, learning tutorials and etc.