OK, so, I attempted to bring some clarity to this discussion that seems like it’s all over the place in terms of methodology and difficulty. Here is a breakdown as well as some instructions that should hopefully help OP out.

1. Running VPN on Router (suggested by ruplicant):

   • Veracity: Valid. Running a VPN on the router secures all devices on the network.
   • Complexity: High for a beginner. Requires a compatible router and understanding of router firmware.
   • Suitability for Beginners: Not ideal due to the technical complexity.

2. Setting Up Media Server on Raspberry Pi (suggested by ruplicant):

   • Veracity: Valid. Raspberry Pi can effectively run media servers like Plex or Jellyfin.
   • Complexity: Moderate. It requires some technical know-how for setup and maintenance.
   • Suitability for Beginners: Moderate. Good for those with some technical background.

3. Standard Computer Setup with Torrent Client and VLC (suggested by send_me_your_ink):

   • Veracity: Valid. This is a common method for downloading and viewing content.
   • Complexity: Low. Easy to set up and use.
   • Suitability for Beginners: High. Straightforward and less technically demanding.

4. Using Plex Over Jellyfin (suggested by Reverendender):

   • Veracity: Subjective. Both are valid, but Plex is often seen as more user-friendly.
   • Complexity: Low for Plex, moderate for Jellyfin.
   • Suitability for Beginners: Plex is more suitable due to its ease of use.

Based on this analysis, for a beginner user, the most straightforward and effective approach would be to use a standard computer setup with a VPN, a torrent client, and VLC media player for streaming. This setup minimizes technical complexity while providing a good balance of privacy and ease of use.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners:

1. Set Up a VPN on Your Computer:

• Choose a reputable VPN service (like Mullvad or ProtonVPN).
• Download and install the VPN software on your computer.
• Follow the software’s instructions to connect to a VPN server.

2. Install a Torrent Client:

• Download a user-friendly torrent client (e.g., qBittorrent, uTorrent).
• Install the torrent client on your computer.
• Configure the settings for privacy (like enabling a kill switch, if available).

3. Download and Install VLC Media Player:

• Download VLC from its official website.
• Install VLC, following the setup wizard.

4. Download Content:

• Use the torrent client to find and download content.
• Ensure your VPN is active whenever you are downloading.

5. Stream Content to Your TV:

• If your TV supports casting (like with Chromecast), use VLC’s streaming feature to cast content to your TV.
• Alternatively, connect your computer to the TV via HDMI for direct playback.

6. Practice Good Security Habits:

• Always keep your VPN active when downloading or streaming content.
• Regularly update your software (VPN, torrent client, VLC) for security.

7. Optional: Explore Advanced Configurations Later:

• As you become more comfortable, you might explore setting up a media server like Plex for a more integrated experience.

what “stuff” are you talking about?

if you want to do some pirating you need a decent VPN, like Mullvad or Proton, that you run on your system (Android/Linux/Windows/iOS), not some random leaky and dubious browser add-on

dunno why dafuq you’re mentioning configuring a webserver (with SWAG) to point the DNS records (A and CNAME). the VPN will act as a proxy for you. but maybe i’m just way out of my depth here…

it might help if first you tell us what exactly are tou trying to achieve

Thanks for asking, OP. I’m in a similar boat, except I don’t even have a computer to get started with yet, only an old phone if I wanted to use that (not trying to do things on my daily). Thinking of buying a raspberry pi and diving in but dunno where to start.

Have plex and someone kind enough to share their library with me, but it doesn’t have everything I want. Could be worse tho, I suppose.