ungoogled-chromium

Let me tell you a secret: any linux distribution is a kernel + a set of pre-installed drivers and programs + their configs. Nothing more than that! Most distributions use the same kernel and roughly the same set of programs. The only differences are in the desktop environment and initial settings.

I would recommend Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) as a start choice. Do not trust those who say that if you choose a “beginner's distro” you won't have to get into the console or text configs. Your choice of distro will determine how often you'll do this.

As a regular user, I've used different distributions and always something didn't work. Many issues couldn't be solved via GUI, so I had to deep dive into both the console and all Linux services.

P.S. Arch Linux daily-driver.

Clive Barker’s Undying

We are together with you in favor of XMPP (I am with both hands)! You just “won’t sell” that kind of solution to very many people. We are already living in a zoo of messengers. We need to come up with at least two that will cover all the basic needs and offer sufficient privacy.

Matrix’s groups have an important difference from SimpleX. Even if the primary server is gone, the related servers will still have the copies.

This!

Seems that’s true. Text-only communication in Briar is built by design. I see this from its communication scheme. I don’t think any other message options will come up. So I am also on it in case of the Internet outage. Besides, you can chat properly only when you and your contact are both online. Not a very handy option for daily use.

So SimpleX.Chat for privacy and Matrix for public groups.

We recently discussed it in another thread. I recommend you read it, there are a lot of facts in the comments that will definitely help you make up your mind!

I'm surprised no one's posted about Skiff.