My PC automatically connects to the VPN, which I need.
Example of programs that automatically start, run all the time, and download updates via Tor (torsocks): an open source RSS/Atom feed reader.
I often also use the Tor browser, except when I have to log in on some website with my identity. I don’t have to fear being persecuted for political/religious opinions or for my sexuality and I’m not even a journalist: I use Tor solely for privacy reasons.
The VPN server (wireguard) is under my control and it is installed on a Raspberry Pi, behind the router firewall. I have a firewall on the Raspberry too. I update this server constantly. Dynamic IP here…At my house I have a static IP and reverse-DNS instead.