In case you cannot access the linked video,

https://clip.place/w/63NPuSryvkHt98GQpiDzFS

Screenshots here

https://ibb.co/N4c4b9Z

https://ibb.co/GvYG7m2C

I used:

• polybar for the “taskbar” at the top
• opensymbol font to create the icons, which are in fact symbols copy pasted inside polybar config, module label specifically
• rofi as window switcher and for the power off script
• scrot for taking screenshots
• simplescreenrecorder for recording the video

Wallpaper https://ibb.co/cKnNQxFJ

“*Edit: I have figured out how to use BTRFS and enable what it calls “transparent file compression”, and I’m going to use that on most of my old storage devices.”

If the old data is meant to be archived then maybe do not mess with it that way and if you want it compressed use 7zip and other similar programs that are known and well tested. Also they should be stored on HDDs instead of SSDs, longer shelf life. If you have issues on your personal PC that is and lacking context, this question could be more advanced for NAS or servers which generally people do not know much about.