A combination of:
- I was very curious about computing and trying different applications
- I liked customizing and tinkering with my setup: Launcher, window manager, icons, etc.
- I was a poor teenager
On the windows side, there were neat apps like Stardock Windowblinds, for the most part, everything was paid and expensive for someone with no disposable income.
Mind was blown when I realized everything I wanted was available for free! My first install was actually from a CD that came with a book I checked out from the public library
I highly recommend watching The Territory: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16378164/
Its a documentary following one of these indigenous tribes and the shit they have to go through in keeping their autonomy. Like its one thing for the government to say a certain land is theirs, but what are they supposed to do if a logging company starts cutting down their trees and the local law enforcement doesn’t care?