diff --git a/dzgui/api/mods.py b/dzgui/api/mods.py
index f8a9814..722e3dc 100644
--- a/dzgui/api/mods.py
+++ b/dzgui/api/mods.py
@@ -24,14 +24,6 @@ from typing import Any
 logger = logging.getLogger(APP_NAME)
 
 
-@dataclass
-class ModMeta:
-    protocol: str
-    published_id: str
-    name: str
-    timestamp: str
-
-
 def get_local_mod_ids(steam_path: Path) -> list[int]:
     workshop_path = get_local_mod_path(steam_path)
     mods = get_local_mods(workshop_path)
diff --git a/dzgui/app_init.py b/dzgui/app_init.py
index 1a942ab..4903b20 100644
--- a/dzgui/app_init.py
+++ b/dzgui/app_init.py
@@ -22,7 +22,6 @@ from dzgui.init.migrate import (
     copy_state_files,
     migrate_cols_file,
 )
-from dzgui.init.flock import lock_acquire
 from dzgui.init.prereqs import has_flatpak_client, has_steam_client
 from dzgui.strings import boot
 
@@ -122,8 +121,6 @@ def load_steam_icon() -> None:
 
 
 def build_gui(version: str, is_debug: bool) -> App | None:
-    lock = lock_acquire()  # noqa
-
     set_locale()
     # NOTE: consider aborting this check if steam deck
     xdg_paths = get_xdg_paths()
@@ -158,9 +155,6 @@ def build_gui(version: str, is_debug: bool) -> App | None:
         f.truncate(0)
 
     if _is_steam_deck is False:
-        # TODO: sudo escalation dialog
-        # count = get_map_count()
-        # TODO: move into module
         if FLATPAK_ROOT_PATH in lookup(XDG.config, Preferences.DEFAULT):
             has_client = has_flatpak_client()
         else:
diff --git a/dzgui/main.py b/dzgui/main.py
index 5e660cf..a32d021 100644
--- a/dzgui/main.py
+++ b/dzgui/main.py
@@ -43,6 +43,9 @@ def main() -> None:
 
     # NOTE: only import ligbirepository modules after the above check
     from dzgui.app_init import build_gui
+    from dzgui.init.flock import lock_acquire
+
+    lock = lock_acquire()  # noqa
 
     app = build_gui(version, args.debug)
     if app is None:
diff --git a/dzgui/managers/connection.py b/dzgui/managers/connection.py
index c246d31..a57a421 100644
--- a/dzgui/managers/connection.py
+++ b/dzgui/managers/connection.py
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ from dzgui.strings.dialogs import (
     waiting_for_directories,
 )
 from dzgui.strings import kb
-from dzgui.strings.server_mods import checkmark, resync
+from dzgui.strings.server_mods import checkmark, resync, invalid_mod
 from dzgui.util.format import format_exception, format_mib
 from dzgui.util.strings import dialog, server_timeout
 from dzgui.util.symlink import rebuild_symlinks
@@ -192,9 +192,8 @@ class ConnectionManager:
 
         is_last = self.is_last_server()
 
-        # TODO: strings
         invalid_mods = [
-            (mod[0], mod[1]) for mod in remote_mods if mod[2] == "Invalid mod"
+            (mod[0], mod[1]) for mod in remote_mods if mod[2] == invalid_mod
         ]
 
         prereqs = Prerequisites(
@@ -272,8 +271,7 @@ class ConnectionManager:
         for mod in alpha_mods:
             # NOTE: if the mod is neither synched or out of date, it is a malformed mod
             if mod[2] == "":
-                # TODO: strings
-                mod[2] = "Invalid mod"
+                mod[2] = invalid_mod
 
         return alpha_mods, missing_mods
 
diff --git a/dzgui/managers/filter.py b/dzgui/managers/filter.py
index 357318f..5204d35 100644
--- a/dzgui/managers/filter.py
+++ b/dzgui/managers/filter.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
 
 from dzgui.model.model_factory import ModelFactory
 from dzgui.util import strings
-from dzgui.util.strings import all_maps
+from dzgui.strings.filters import all_maps
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from dzgui.model.model_factory import FastInsertListStore
@@ -105,17 +105,11 @@ class FilterManager:
 
         self.reinit_map_store()
         maps.sort()
-        for m in maps:
-            # TODO: strings
-            if m == "All maps":
-                continue
+        clean = [m for m in maps if m != all_maps]
+        for m in clean:
             self.append_map([m])
 
-    # TODO: currently unused
-    def get_unique_maps(self) -> list[str]:
-        return [row[0] for row in self.map_store if row[0] != "All maps"]
-
-    def get_all_filters(self) -> tuple[str, ...]:
+    def get_all_filters(self) -> tuple:
         map_name = self.get_active_map_name()
         enabled = self.get_filters()
         kw = self.get_active_keyword()
diff --git a/dzgui/model/proxy_model.py b/dzgui/model/proxy_model.py
index 023da66..5cb3d97 100644
--- a/dzgui/model/proxy_model.py
+++ b/dzgui/model/proxy_model.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from typing import Any, TYPE_CHECKING, Union
 from dzgui.const.enum import FilterMode
 from dzgui.model.model_factory import ModelFactory
 from dzgui.util import strings
+from dzgui.strings import filters as str_filters
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from dzgui.managers.filter import FilterManager
@@ -188,7 +189,7 @@ class ProxyModelManager:
         rows = self.filtered
         sel_map = self.filter_man.get_active_map_name()
 
-        if sel_map == strings.all_maps:
+        if sel_map == str_filters.all_maps:
             return rows
 
         rows = [row for row in rows if row[1] == sel_map]
diff --git a/dzgui/strings/buttons.py b/dzgui/strings/buttons.py
index faa00a0..539b7a0 100644
--- a/dzgui/strings/buttons.py
+++ b/dzgui/strings/buttons.py
@@ -1,2 +1,16 @@
+clipboard_button = "Copy to clipboard"
+clipboard_ip_button = "Copy IP to clipboard"
+
+dock_button_collapse = "Collapse the connection panel"
+dock_button_expand = "Expand the connection panel"
+
 workshop = "Steam Workshop"
 workshop_tooltip = "Open your Workshop subscriptions"
+
+version_notifier = "Copied!"
+version_tooltip = "Click to copy to clipboard"
+
+update_button = "Updates available"
+
+unset_button_label = "Unset"
+unset_button_tooltip = "Unset this server as favorite"
diff --git a/dzgui/strings/dialogs.py b/dzgui/strings/dialogs.py
index b895ba0..b31f58a 100644
--- a/dzgui/strings/dialogs.py
+++ b/dzgui/strings/dialogs.py
@@ -29,3 +29,5 @@ toggle_calc = "Toggle calculator"
 
 server_details = "Server details"
 server_message = "Server message"
+
+caught_cancel_signal = "Caught cancel signal, cleaning up"
diff --git a/dzgui/strings/filters.py b/dzgui/strings/filters.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b6e6bc6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dzgui/strings/filters.py
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+all_maps = "All maps"
+filters_heading = "Filters"
+keyword_placeholder = "Filter by keyword"
+map_placeholder = "Filter by map"
diff --git a/dzgui/strings/generic.py b/dzgui/strings/generic.py
index 1aff78a..68b9cd9 100644
--- a/dzgui/strings/generic.py
+++ b/dzgui/strings/generic.py
@@ -1 +1,2 @@
+tab_changed_label = "*"
 selectable_tree = "Ctrl-click to select multiple; Shift-click to select a range."
diff --git a/dzgui/strings/notes.py b/dzgui/strings/notes.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..77d53da
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dzgui/strings/notes.py
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+dialog_title = "Add a short note/reminder"
+dialog_subtitle = "Limit 30 chars"
+delete_button = "Delete note"
+ok_button = "Update note"
+current_note = "Current note: '{0}'"
diff --git a/dzgui/strings/options.py b/dzgui/strings/options.py
index a105f07..fd505f2 100644
--- a/dzgui/strings/options.py
+++ b/dzgui/strings/options.py
@@ -16,7 +16,9 @@ lan_combo = "LAN"
 fullscreen_eventbox = "This option is not available on Steam Deck."
 save_button = "Save"
 
+api_placeholder = "Enter API key"
 api_failed = "API validation failed"
+api_validate = "Validate"
 
 flatpak_label = "Flatpak client"
 flatpak_standard = "Standard"
diff --git a/dzgui/strings/server_mods.py b/dzgui/strings/server_mods.py
index c41b443..d5a2e42 100644
--- a/dzgui/strings/server_mods.py
+++ b/dzgui/strings/server_mods.py
@@ -3,4 +3,5 @@ mod_id = "ID"
 up_to_date = "Up to date"
 modlist = "Modlist"
 checkmark = "✓"
-resync="⟳"
+resync = "⟳"
+invalid_mod = "Invalid mod"
diff --git a/dzgui/util/strings.py b/dzgui/util/strings.py
index 931ca88..095d49a 100644
--- a/dzgui/util/strings.py
+++ b/dzgui/util/strings.py
@@ -159,9 +159,6 @@ filter_unofficial = "Unofficial"
 filter_modded = "Modded"
 filter_unmodded = "Unmodded"
 
-# maps
-all_maps = "All maps"
-
 # state
 unknown = "Unknown"
 none_provided = "None provided"
diff --git a/dzgui/views/components/buttons.py b/dzgui/views/components/buttons.py
index 0120462..33165cc 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/components/buttons.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/components/buttons.py
@@ -104,8 +104,7 @@ class ClipboardButton(IconTextButton):
         self.controller = controller
         self.connect("clicked", self._on_button_clicked, func)
 
-        # TODO: strings
-        self.set_tooltip_text("Copy to clipboard")
+        self.set_tooltip_text(buttons.clipboard_button)
 
     def _on_button_clicked(self, button: Self, func: Callable[[], str]) -> None:
         def revert() -> Literal[False]:
@@ -122,16 +121,14 @@ class CopyIpButton(ClipboardButton):
     def __init__(self, func: Callable[[], str]) -> None:
         super().__init__(func)
 
-        # TODO: strings
-        self.set_tooltip_text("Copy IP to clipboard")
+        self.set_tooltip_text(buttons.clipboard_ip_button)
 
 
 class CloseButton(IconTextButton):
     def __init__(self, label: str) -> None:
         super().__init__(icon=ICON_CLOSE, label=label)
 
-        # TODO: strings
-        self.set_tooltip_text("Unset this server as favorite")
+        self.set_tooltip_text(buttons.unset_button_tooltip)
 
 
 class WebButton(IconTextButton):
diff --git a/dzgui/views/components/connect_panel.py b/dzgui/views/components/connect_panel.py
index 28d9724..7ea9a34 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/components/connect_panel.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/components/connect_panel.py
@@ -4,6 +4,11 @@ from dzgui.const.icons import ICON_CARET_DOWN, ICON_CARET_UP
 from dzgui.const.constants import UDP_PORT
 from dzgui.model.servers import ServerModelManager
 from dzgui.strings import connect_panel
+from dzgui.strings.buttons import (
+    dock_button_collapse,
+    dock_button_expand,
+    unset_button_label,
+)
 from dzgui.util.keys import is_ctrl_mask
 from dzgui.views.components.buttons import (
     AddButton,
@@ -37,21 +42,18 @@ class DockButton(IconButton):
         self.child = child
         self.connect("clicked", self._on_click)
 
-        self.collapse_text = "Collapse the connection panel"
-        self.expand_text = "Expand the connection panel"
-
         self.set_margin_top(10)
-        self.set_tooltip_text(self.collapse_text)
+        self.set_tooltip_text(dock_button_collapse)
 
     def collapse(self) -> None:
         self.set_image(Icon(ICON_CARET_UP))
         self.child.hide()
-        self.set_tooltip_text(self.expand_text)
+        self.set_tooltip_text(dock_button_expand)
 
     def expand(self) -> None:
         self.set_image(Icon(ICON_CARET_DOWN))
         self.child.show()
-        self.set_tooltip_text(self.collapse_text)
+        self.set_tooltip_text(dock_button_collapse)
 
     def _on_click(self, button: Self) -> None:
         if self.expanded:
@@ -82,7 +84,6 @@ class LanPanel(Gtk.Frame):
         self.scan = Gtk.Button(label=connect_panel.lan_scan_button)
         self.scan.connect("clicked", self._on_scan_clicked)
 
-        # TODO: strings
         self.early_abort = Gtk.CheckButton(label=connect_panel.lan_checkbox)
         self.early_abort.set_active(True)
         self.early_abort.set_tooltip_text(connect_panel.lan_abort_tooltip)
@@ -190,8 +191,7 @@ class FavPanel(Gtk.Frame):
         self.fav_button.connect("clicked", self._on_connect_clicked)
         self.copy_button = CopyIpButton(self.get_fav_ip)
 
-        # TODO: strings
-        self.unset_button = CloseButton("Unset")
+        self.unset_button = CloseButton(unset_button_label)
         self.unset_button.connect("clicked", self._on_unset_clicked)
 
         if favorite is None:
diff --git a/dzgui/views/components/entry.py b/dzgui/views/components/entry.py
index adc3ea0..db3fb94 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/components/entry.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/components/entry.py
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ from dzgui.api.servers import validate_ip
 from dzgui.const.icons import ICON_VIEW_CONCEAL, ICON_VIEW_REVEAL
 from dzgui.util.css import add_class, remove_class
 from dzgui.strings import connect_panel
+from dzgui.strings.options import api_placeholder, api_validate
 from dzgui.strings.errors import api_popover
 
 import gi
@@ -142,9 +143,8 @@ class APIEntry(Gtk.Box):
 
         self.func: Callable[[str], None] | None = None
 
-        # TODO: strings
         self.entry = Gtk.Entry(
-            width_chars=60, hexpand=True, placeholder_text="Enter API key"
+            width_chars=60, hexpand=True, placeholder_text=api_placeholder
         )
         self.entry.set_icon_from_icon_name(Gtk.EntryIconPosition.SECONDARY, ICON_VIEW_REVEAL)
         self.entry.set_icon_activatable(Gtk.EntryIconPosition.SECONDARY, True)
@@ -153,8 +153,7 @@ class APIEntry(Gtk.Box):
         self.entry.connect("icon-release", self._on_icon_release)
         self.entry.connect("activate", self._on_field_activated)
 
-        # TODO: strings
-        self.submit = Gtk.Button(label="Validate")
+        self.submit = Gtk.Button(label=api_validate)
         self.submit.set_sensitive(False)
         self.submit.connect("clicked", self._on_submit)
 
diff --git a/dzgui/views/components/filter_panel.py b/dzgui/views/components/filter_panel.py
index 0fe8aa8..b3bc584 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/components/filter_panel.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/components/filter_panel.py
@@ -6,7 +6,12 @@ from dzgui.const.constants import (
 )
 from dzgui.const.icons import ICON_SEARCH
 from dzgui.util.format import format_exception
-from dzgui.util.strings import all_maps
+from dzgui.strings.filters import (
+    all_maps,
+    filters_heading,
+    keyword_placeholder,
+    map_placeholder,
+)
 from dzgui.views.components.maps_combo import MapsCombo
 from dzgui.views.components.labels import BoldLabel
 
@@ -98,8 +103,7 @@ class ButtonGrid(Gtk.Grid):
 
 class KeywordEntry(Gtk.Entry):
     def __init__(self, controller: "Controller") -> None:
-        # TODO :strings
-        super().__init__(placeholder_text="Filter by keyword")
+        super().__init__(placeholder_text=keyword_placeholder)
 
         self.keyword = ""
         self.controller = controller
@@ -173,8 +177,7 @@ class FilterPanel(Gtk.Box):
         self.keyword_entry = KeywordEntry(self.controller)
         self.button_grid = ButtonGrid(self.controller, defaults, tooltips)
 
-        # TODO: strings
-        self.filters_label = BoldLabel("Filters")
+        self.filters_label = BoldLabel(filters_heading)
 
         self.emitter.connect(
             "request_keyword_focus", lambda _: self.keyword_entry.grab_focus()
@@ -194,8 +197,7 @@ class FilterPanel(Gtk.Box):
 
         self.maps_entry: Gtk.Entry = self.maps_combo.get_child()  # type: ignore
         self.maps_entry.set_completion(completion)
-        # TODO: strings
-        self.maps_entry.set_placeholder_text("Filter by map")
+        self.maps_entry.set_placeholder_text(map_placeholder)
         self.maps_entry.connect("changed", self._on_map_completion, True)
         self.maps_entry.connect("key-press-event", self._on_map_entry_keypress)
         self.maps_entry.connect("activate", self._on_maps_activated)
diff --git a/dzgui/views/components/right_panel.py b/dzgui/views/components/right_panel.py
index d91bd7c..c04bba7 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/components/right_panel.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/components/right_panel.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from dzgui.const.constants import (
 )
 from dzgui.const.enum import ServerTab
 from dzgui.managers.update import UpdateManager
+from dzgui.strings.buttons import update_button, version_notifier, version_tooltip
 from dzgui.util.clip import copy_clipboard
 from dzgui.util.file import is_writeable
 from dzgui.views.components.buttonbox import ButtonBox
@@ -61,8 +62,7 @@ class RightPanel(Gtk.Box):
             vexpand=True,
             halign=Gtk.Align.END,
             valign=Gtk.Align.END,
-            # TODO: strings
-            tooltip_text="Click to copy to clipboard",
+            tooltip_text=version_tooltip,
         )
         eb = Gtk.EventBox(halign=Gtk.Align.END, valign=Gtk.Align.END)
         eb.add(self.version_label)
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ class RightPanel(Gtk.Box):
         self.pack_start(self.sel_panel, expand=False, fill=False, padding=0)
 
         self.update_button = IconTextButton(
-            "dialog-information-symbolic", label="Updates available"
+            "dialog-information-symbolic", label=update_button
         )
 
         self.gutter_box = Gtk.Box(
@@ -127,7 +127,6 @@ class RightPanel(Gtk.Box):
             return
         self.copying = True
         version = self.version_label.get_text()
-        # TODO: strings
-        self.version_label.set_text("Copied!")
+        self.version_label.set_text(version_notifier)
         copy_clipboard(version)
         GLib.timeout_add_seconds(1, revert)
diff --git a/dzgui/views/dialogs/generic.py b/dzgui/views/dialogs/generic.py
index cd04c9d..da46346 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/dialogs/generic.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/dialogs/generic.py
@@ -139,8 +139,7 @@ class WaitDialog(GenericDialog):
         self.cur_job += 1
 
     def _on_cancel_clicked(self, button: Gtk.Button) -> None:
-        # TODO: strings
-        GLib.idle_add(self.update_text, "Caught cancel signal, cleaning up")
+        GLib.idle_add(self.update_text, dialogs.caught_cancel_signal)
         self.controller.set_cancel_event()
 
     def show_cancel(self, state: bool) -> None:
diff --git a/dzgui/views/dialogs/note.py b/dzgui/views/dialogs/note.py
index a1cf7fb..362f1d8 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/dialogs/note.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/dialogs/note.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 from typing import Self, TYPE_CHECKING
 
+from dzgui.strings import notes
 from dzgui.views.components.entry import ValidatedEntry
 from dzgui.views.dialogs.generic import GenericDialog
 
@@ -14,23 +15,20 @@ if TYPE_CHECKING:
 
 class NoteDialog(GenericDialog):
     def __init__(self, controller: "Controller"):
-        # TODO: add to strings
-        title = "Add a short note/reminder."
-        secondary = "Limit 30 chars"
         super().__init__(
             controller=controller,
-            text=title,
+            text=notes.dialog_title,
             buttons=Gtk.ButtonsType.NONE,
             mtype=Gtk.MessageType.INFO,
-            secondary=secondary,
+            secondary=notes.dialog_subtitle,
         )
 
         self.controller = controller
 
-        delete_button = Gtk.Button(label="Delete note")
+        delete_button = Gtk.Button(label=notes.delete_button)
         delete_button.set_sensitive(False)
         self.add_action_widget(delete_button, Gtk.ResponseType.CANCEL)
-        self.ok = self.add_button("Update note", Gtk.ResponseType.OK)
+        self.ok = self.add_button(notes.ok_button, Gtk.ResponseType.OK)
         self.ok.grab_default()
 
         self.entry = ValidatedEntry(controller, self.validate)
@@ -42,7 +40,7 @@ class NoteDialog(GenericDialog):
         self.entry.set_text(note)
         if len(note) > 0:
             delete_button.set_sensitive(True)
-            self.format_secondary_text(f"Current note: '{note}'")
+            self.format_secondary_text(notes.current_note.format(note))
         elif len(note) == 0:
             self.ok.set_sensitive(False)
 
@@ -55,9 +53,6 @@ class NoteDialog(GenericDialog):
         self.entry.connect("changed", self._on_text_changed)
 
     def _on_text_changed(self, entry: Gtk.Entry) -> None:
-        """
-        Called in conjunction with signal callback in the parent class
-        """
         if len(entry.get_text()) == 0:
             self.ok.set_sensitive(False)
 
@@ -71,14 +66,11 @@ class NoteDialog(GenericDialog):
 
     def _on_response(self, dialog: Self, response: Gtk.ResponseType) -> None:
         match response:
-            case Gtk.ResponseType.DELETE_EVENT:
-                self.destroy()
             case Gtk.ResponseType.OK:
                 note = self.entry.get_text()
                 self.controller.add_note(note)
-                self.destroy()
             case Gtk.ResponseType.CANCEL:
                 self.controller.delete_note()
-                self.destroy()
-            case Gtk.ResponseType.CANCEL | Gtk.ResponseType.CLOSE:
-                self.destroy()
+            case _:
+                pass
+        self.destroy()
diff --git a/dzgui/views/pages/servers.py b/dzgui/views/pages/servers.py
index 61e333b..92090ba 100644
--- a/dzgui/views/pages/servers.py
+++ b/dzgui/views/pages/servers.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from typing import Self, TYPE_CHECKING
 from dzgui.const.constants import APP_NAME
 from dzgui.const.enum import ContextMenuGroup, ServerTab
 from dzgui.views.trees.tree_servers import ServerTreeView
+from dzgui.strings.generic import tab_changed_label
 from dzgui.util.strings import server_labels
 
 import gi
@@ -147,8 +148,7 @@ class ServerNotebook(Gtk.ScrolledWindow):
 
         label = self.notebook.get_tab_label_text(child)
         if label is not None:
-            # TODO: strings
-            text = label.strip("*")
+            text = label.strip(tab_changed_label)
             self.notebook.set_tab_label_text(child, text)
 
         tree = child.get_tree()
diff --git a/tests/test_paused_downloads.py b/tests/test_paused_downloads.py
index 86bbb70..1c45ca2 100644
--- a/tests/test_paused_downloads.py
+++ b/tests/test_paused_downloads.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ from dzgui.api.steam import is_dayz_downloading
         (["state_221100_1111"], False),
     ],
 )
-def test_dayz_patch_pending(monkeypatch, file_list, expect) -> None:
+def test_dayz_patch_pending(monkeypatch, file_list: list[str], expect: bool) -> None:
     def mock_get_pending_downloads(steam_path: Path, appid: int) -> None:
         files = [Path(file) for file in file_list]
         return files