I used to have an account on ProAudioTorrents where I'd grab my VSTs and sample banks from, but not sure if that's still around. If anyone knows a new place to pirate them, holler!

I use a Linux distro built specifically for audio production, Ubuntu Studio. It comes pre-loaded with everything you need. My workflow is pretty atypical, most of my sound sculpting is done outside the box using outboard gear, I generally only use the computer for recording and editing audio.

Usually off the plugin companies’ sites. I’ve had issues with the general plugin web shops taking forever to get me the activation key.

One I’ll highlight in particular is Melda Production has a free bundle of 38 plugins. I’m always using the spectral analysis tool to evaluate patches/stems and the mix, the oscilloscope is useful for synths and can be used as a tuner, and I really like the character the saturator gives.

I've found some good stuff on VSTorrent

Check out Freakshow Industry plguins. They're neat if you're trying to make really weird sounds. Plus the official site allows you to steal them!

My favorite free ones are from Valhalla, TAL, and Noise Engineering. Melda has a ton of free utility plugins that are useful for all kinds of things - not flashy but lots of useful effects and some utilities like an oscilloscope and audio analyzer.

Also, sign up for mailing lists for the plugins you want but cost too much $$. If you can wait a lot of them offer steep discount sales around holidays and various other times. Two other plugins that I use a ton, decapitator and TAL DubX, I got at like 90% off.