You’re Allowed to Be Human: Why Hiding Your Pain Is Killing You

Something worse than feeling burned out, is the feeling that you got no one to turn to that won't make you feel like you are you blowing things out of proportion, that you are weak for feeling like that, or that you better get used to that because life is hard.

What makes it worse is the feeling that when you reach out to at least be listen to, you hit a wall of that make you feel like you aren't living to your potential. There is no way you can feel tired, angry, or frustrated, because you aren't doing enough to even begin to feel like that. And no matter what you do, you aren't doing enough to begin to feel like that.

Not only that, you are not entitled to feel any negative emotions. You are to feel happy, and show only positive emotions all the time and to everyone around you. There isn't even a good reason to say that something that happened, or someone did, made you feel anything negative, even if you controlled that negative emotion and didn't show it at the moment.

It only makes you feel worse, like you failed for feeling anything else than positive emotions.

What's worse, you start hiding or bottling negative emotions because if you even mention them the backlash only makes you feel worse about it. Even when all you want is someone to understand or listen to you, what you get is anything but support. All you get is the feeling of failing, or not being good enough.

The feeling of having to be perfect, or having not being able to feel anything else but happiness and positive things, pulls you down and makes you feel even more tired and burned out. The feeling that you have to always be positive, no matter how bad things around you are, only makes everything worse.

Not only that, that other people won't let you even mention that you felt anything negative makes you keep your guard up even among the people with who you are supposed to be able to relax and be free to at least say what makes you feel angry, sad, or tired without the accusation of being a bad person for feeling like that.

Life is though enough as it is, and not being able to at least talk about what make you feel anything negative to at least be a able to let it out make it even worse.

Having those negative feelings doesn't make you a bad person, or a less deserving one. It makes you human, you deserve to able to talk about them and to work them out.

The Best of Both Worlds: My Hybrid Laptop and Dual-Monitor Workflow

While I prefer the laptop and smartphone combo since I like to be mobile, I've come to realize that when at my home or work office I do prefer a dual monitor setup. Mainly because my workflow at the desk benefits from the dual monitor setup, while if I am on the road my laptop is what I need.

The work I do at my home, or work, offices benefits of dual monitor setups since I need to compare information or check the info on different apps often. Meanwhile on the road, I'm just doing stuff than a single monitor is enough. Besides, my ideal dual monitor setup is my laptop monitor along side a 27" monitor as my primary one while I'm my offices desk.

For my ideal laptop monitor size, it would be the 15.6" one. It gives me the balance between screen size and portability I seek on a laptop. I tried a 13" laptop once, and I found it to be to small for my use, and larger screens on laptops make them to bulky for to carry around on daily basis.

On my desk, a 24" or 27" monitor gives the display real state I prefer on my primary display, while the 15.6" inch of my laptop is the perfect second display for my perfect dual monitor setup. I prefer having a smaller display for referencing, while I work on the larger display. Though, I could happy work with both displays being 15.6".

It has been about 4 years since I starting working with a dual monitor setup at my desks, and I've found that this setup is the best for my workflow. I prefer to have one app per display, so a wide aspect display doesn't seem to be a good option for me, but I still got to try it out. 

Two Offices, One Flow: Setting Up Desks for Hybrid Work

Ever since I moved jobs in May, I've come to realize that my every day carry has become quite minimalist. Other than my laptop, a bag with esencial cables, an umbrella, notepad, pens, daily planner, sun glasses and headphones on my backpack. In my pockets I just carry keys, wallet, smartphone, earphones, keys and my smartwatch. Other than that, I don't anything else on daily basis.

 Any other of the things I need for work, are at my desk at home or work desks. And even on the desks, I try to just keep what I need to do on daily basis on both desk. What's on both desks is a bit different, but on both is a keyboard, mouse, desk mat, pens and pencils on a dedicated holder, and some notebooks at the desktop. On drawers cables, other things, that I need to use from time to time, but not often like a stapler, cables, and chargers.

My desk at work is still lacking somethings, like a lamp and plant. I'd like to add a second monitor but is not mandatory. To be honest, the administrative work area is still a work in progress. But this time, I've more of a say on how that desk is going to be set. We are still working on my schedule, so how many hours I'd be working from my home office, and how many I'd be working at the work office are fluid. Though having a well set up desk for administrative work will benefit everyone, since we are a couple of people that need to use on regular basis.

I've several ideas on how to improve both desks, but we'll see what and how those ideas can be implemented. The most important thing, is to make both desk places that are easy to work in, and help bring out the best work. 

The SteamOS Effect: How Valve Turned Linux Into a Legitimate Gaming Platform

As a Linux Mint user, that enjoys playing video games, that Valve decided to create SteamOS has been a blessing. Mainly because it means the video games are coming to the Linux desktops, when a few years ago being able to play video games on Linux was constrained due to the lack of people using Linux.

That Valve making its own Linux distro with SteamOS, Linux becomes a legitimate platform for video game distributions. Specially because Valve put a lot of work in Proton to bring video games playable on Windows to Linux via Steam. And while some titles on Steam have been developed for Linux, Proton expands the number of titles playable on Linux by orders of magnitude.

Personally, gaming was the only thing that could have made considered to dual boot Linux Mint and Windows, or having a dedicated PC gaming. Yet, now that Steam OS development has come, and made the need for that redundant.

While Linux might not become as mainstream as Windows or macOS, the fact that Steam OS has made gaming a thing on Linux makes me hopeful about the adoption of Linux. 

Why My Backpack Has Over-Ears and My Pocket Has In-Ears

Turns out that although I do love Bluetooth headphones, the form factor I prefer to use depends on what and where I'm going to be while using the headphones.

While I'm walking, at work on-site, or commuting, I prefer in-ear headphones. I prefer in-ear headphones while doing so, mainly because they are light, the sound quality is good enough, and more comfortable to wear while while I'm on the move.

Meanwhile, when I'm at my home office, café, or bar, I go for over-ear headphones. Mainly because they are better at isolating me for ambient noise, and thus help be better concentrate on what I'm doing, or just better shield myself from the ambient noise.

Currently I own a pair of in-ear and a pair of over-ear headphones. One pair of over-ear headphones is stationed at my home office, while the other comes with me in my backpack when I go on the road or just want to work somewhere outside other than my home office, or my desk at work.

When working at my desk at work, I've a pair of in-ear headphones living there for when I want to focus on a certain task or just not listen to the chatter of the clients or coworkers talking among themselves while not cutting myself from them if I'm needed. Another pair lives at my pocket, so it always comes with me on my walks or commute. Specially because, when on my way to, or from work, or walking, is when I've time to listen to the podcasts I like, or I just put some relaxing music.

At the end of the day, Bluetooth headphone have won me over.

Mugs and Mugs: A Grown-Up’s Guide to the Third Place

With age, I've come to realize that the third place that work for me are actually two places.  One would be the café, and the other the bar. Since I find that coffee and beer have become my go-to beverages when I want to relax. meet friends, do some writing, or just take my mind off whatever is bringing me down at the moment.

That is why I tend to prefer small-to-medium places, that play music that blends with the background when I'm there with friends, or just want to put on my headphones to listen to some of my favorite music. That it has WiFi is a big bonus, specially since I like to blog, stream music at times, or just watch some YouTube. Yet, consideres a bit of an option since I can use my smartphone as a hotspot, or I don't need it when I'm with friends or with coworkers.

My favorite cafés, and bars, tend to lend themselves to be places I can socialize or work in a more relaxed manner. Cozy in a way that helps to relaxed, and create a more friendly atmosphere depending on the situation.

The choice of going to a café, or a bar, is more dependent on if I'm going alone or with a friends, the time of the day, and my mood at the moment. As I said, coffee and beer are both my favorite drinks for some time off, do some work, and everything in-between. The weather may come into play, but more so when is hot. When is raining or a bit cold, either drink does a great job hitting the right spot when I need them to.

For now I can recommend Tierra Café, Magma Café, and La Flor de Cordoba. The first two are small cafés with a single location, while La Flor de Cordoba is more a mall chain that has managed to makes its locations feel friendly and cozy.

On the bar side of things, the one I can recommend and go regularly is Santas Alitas. They follow the franchise model, but they do well in making each location fit its surroundings. While all the locations feel cozy and relaxed, the main difference you find in each one it the music they play, and how the waiters serve. All are quite friendly, there are some minor difference depending on the main clientèle they serve at each location.

Other bars I also like, but stop going on regular basis because of the distance and opening hours is Over Wings and Games Bar, but are bars that I'd happily return if I have the chance. The same goes for DrünkenTap de Paseos del Sol, which is more of a craft beer spot, for those who like that type of beer.

At the end of the day, each will choose the third place that better suits their personal preferences. 

Finding the Perfect Remote Desktop Fit: Why RustDesk Beats AnyDesk for Me

After using AnyDesk for a couple of weeks, it didn't fit my needs. The license for the features I need is just to expensive. So, after a some research I moved to RustDesk, and it got all I need.

RustDesk is easy to use, and with a cleaner user interface that allows me to use it effectively. The best thing, is that my use of RustDesk means I don't have to buy a license since I don't need the features that come with it. As such, in both pricing and feature set RustDesk is a far better fit.

After a week of using RustDesk daily, I can say it is quite a good option. For me, the fact that it is open-source software, and it works on Linux Mint, RustDesk the more attractive option. Specially since I prefer to avoid proprietary software when there is an open-source option that works at least as well.

Honestly, RustDesk and Remmina have become my remote desktop apps of choice.  While their use cases are a bit different, I would choose any of them depending on what I need to do. In the case of RustDesk, that is works on Windows and macOS too gives it an edge for me over the apps of the competition. 

The Cozy Side of Linux: How Steam and Linux Mint Brought Back My Gaming Hobby

If you told me five years ago I'd be playing video games via Steam on Linux Mint, on the daily basis I wouldn't have believed you.

Currently I play Palia, and from time to time I also play Sword of Convallaria. Both run rather smoothly on Linux Mint, so much so that Palia has become my cozy place to relax, and just forget about the world for a while. While there has been some hip cups along the way, the experience has been mostly positive, and getting better with each update of Steam on Linux.

So much so, that there have been days when I've lost track of time while playing. Honestly, if I could do anything to improve the gaming experience I have, it would be to add more RAM to my laptop just to give myself a wider margin in RAM usage during my gaming sessions while playing Palia, since is the game that seems to need a bigger RAM overhead.

As such, there are a lot of games on Steam than 16 GB of RAM would be more than enough, just as they would need on Windows. So, at the end comes to what each gamer actually needs to run the games they want without issues.

I didn't need much more reasons to stay on Linux Mint, but now that gaming on Linux Mint is actually doable easily is makes staying that much easier.

The Linux Mint development team has made strides on making the OS better with time, and now that they have made the choice take a longer development time to actually release an update with all the updates they want to make in a polished manner, makes for a better choice for an OS for more users.

Linux Mint is truly an user focused Linux distro. 

Locked In: The Frustration of Limited Data Export in Laundromat Management

One of the most helpful features that out current ERP(enterprise resource planning) system lacks, is the possibility to export anything other that the sales out of the system to a be able to work with the info with other software. Even the features to work with the info within the system is limited to basic things like adding, editing, or erasing data from the builtin databases.

Which limits its usefulness, since you can't use the data in the system to do things like calculate costs, or work with pricing, easily. Coming from ERP systems that had these features, this feels quite limiting.

Not that is makes it a bad system per se, it just feels that it still has more potential to give to make laundromat management a lot easier. A good thing it has for example, is that as admin I can be working on the databases changing, or adding, items without getting in the way of our operations team by having them change users every time something like that needs to be work on. Though it would be better, if could do it by being able to access just the database remotely without having to access the computer directly via a remote desktop application.

Using our system when you only have one location, is a solid 8/10 since it has almost all what one needs to manage a laundromat. It lacks some features that would greatly improve the ease of management, but as it is a set forward of having to do it by hand, or apps that aren't meant for the task.

Yet, since we have plans to expand our to other locations it time, it starts to became less useful for such management. 

Software Is No Longer an "Afterthought" in Traditional Brick-and-Mortar

I've noticed that the people who should at least understand how software licenses work, and how that impacts the they own or distribute, don't understand how it works or impacts their business.

Currently, I'm in the process of setting up a laundromat, and as part of the set up the people who are setting it up bundle the app that helps running it. As such, a member of the management team wanted to know if could install the app on as many computers of the management team as we wanted, or if the license of the app had any restrictions on it. To which the person doing the setup didn't know, or had an answer.

Which is important, because we have plans to expand to other locations around the city in time. And knowing if we could just keep using the app without paying for each install come into play, since the license isn't all that cheap. Which is not a problem, since it works, and it seems that we could work with the developer to add functionalities to the app to better work with how we want it to work for us. Like being able to connect remotely  without the use of remote access tools like TeamViewer, and add more reports to help with other the administration of the laundromat.

With the app being such an import aspect to the administration of the laundromat they sell their service to setup, it would seem that knowing how the licensing works on the app the bundle it would be a lot more important for them. I can understand that they wouldn't have deep know how on the development side of it, but at least they should know details like if you could install it on more computers as needed.

It could be argued that not that many people who are setting laundromats know, or care, about how the app is licensed. Yet, with such apps becoming much more important to help owners manage their laundromat, and the chance for expansion, such knowledge is becoming far more important.

To be honest, I'm seeing a business opportunity for an app that simplifies not only the laundromat operation, but also it's management in the same app for owners, or managers, who run only one to a dozen. Specially with the younger ones who are already used to using computers, and smartphones, to help them do so.

For know, I'll be focusing on first making the laundromat work. After that,  developing the app along side the needs of the laundromat, or the expansion to more locations, would be more interesting.

The Case for the "Micro-ERP": Why Small Businesses Need Better Integration.

Finding apps that cover all aspects of the administrations of micro, and small, businesses, is something that proves to be hard and expensive to do. Shopping around apps for a laundromat has revealed that apps that are affordable focus to much on the operational side of things, and leave out the administrative side.

Most give allow to manage sales, and what is in stock, but when you want to know how the stock is used or accounting for the period directly from the app it can’t be done. Managing the operation is easy, but managing the administration is something that the apps can’t help you with. Which is strange, since that is something businesses of all sizes need to do, and being able to do so from the app you use on daily basis would make it more easy to manage.

The worst part, is that the ones that have the option are far too expensive for a micro, or small, business to pay. While doing the administration on other apps is doable, using the same app for all the needs of the business would make the app a lot more useful and effective.

What I wonder now, is why I don’t see such integration. The two main reasons I see, are that micro and small businesses aren’t asking for it, or what developers need to add those features isn’t there. Or it could be a mix of both, that in some sectors users aren’t asking for those features, so developers don’t look into them.

Coming from being on the administrative side of thing on a medium size business, I might have different expectations on the tools that these kind of apps need to have to help businesses reach their goals. Yet, I’m sure that development of these features for micro, and small, businesses is doable. Not only that, is something that would make those kind of businesses more resilient.

Another feature I’d like to see on those apps for micro,and small businesses, is the ability of users to use the app remotely and without interfering with the day to day operations. The way most developers expect remote access is not one that helps with this.

To be honest, that these apps are available for micro, and small businesses, is a huge step forward. Yet, there is still a lot of development room to make those apps even more useful, and valuable, for those businesses.

Escaping Google’s Influence: A Review of the Zen Browser

I've been using the Zen browser for a couple of months now, and it is quite a great web browser. Before using Zen, I used Firefox for well over a decade and never imagined that I'd make the jump to other browser in that time.

Specially since I prefer open source apps, and most browsers out there are proprietary or heavily based on Chrome tech. While I used Android, Gmail, and Google Maps, I prefer my browser to be out of Google's influence. So, Zen being based on Firefox made it a good choice for me to at least give it a try.

To be honest, it took a really short time to make Zen my favorite web browser. Mainly because of two things, it is easy to easy to use, and I can use my Mozilla account with it. After a decade using Firefox, being able to use my Mozilla account made it a lot easier to make the jump, since all my history of use and other things came along to Zen without a problem. So much so, that I've been using Zen as I'd use Firefox from day one, with some minor adjustments that actually have made my web browsing that much easier.

So much so, that the only two web browsers I'd recommend are Zen and Firefox. Both work great on Windows and Linux, so they are some of the few apps I can recommend for users who use any of those OSes. I've personally used them on both, and they work the same, making them a no brainier to recommend.

If you are a Firefox user that is frustrated where it is going, or want a web browser that feels more modern that uses the same core tech, Zen is what you are looking for. The same if you want a modern web browser that uses none of Google's stuff under the hood.

At long last, there is and option to Google's dominance on the web browser arena- 

The Case for Minimalist AI: Only Where We Want It

There is no doubt that AI(Artificial Intelligence) is a useful tool in a variety of ways, from prompting ideas to analyzing data for patterns, but it doesn't need to be at the center of every action that a user makes with a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It shouldn't be integrated to every app either, the user should be the one who decide which apps should come with AI integrated to it, how and when to use it.

The push to integrate AI to everything by tech companies, is making what should be the next big thing in computing is being oversold to consumers and making many of them resistant to even learn to use it to their advantage. AI is a great tool to have in many ways, but it shouldn't on every app, and should a opt in when it is shipped with an app.

AI development has had several problems, one of the main ones when facing user is that companies don't seem to know how implement it and it has felt somewhat half baked at times. No only that, at times since companies don't seem to have a concrete idea what to with it, the users have done things that are questionable with AI tools Things like deep fakes of adult content with quite questionable themes.

Another thing, is pushing it on every product they have no matter if their users even want it or not. Some apps could have waited a bit longer, while others have no place of AI. One big example is Microsoft integrating Copilot directly on Windows by default. Copilot should be an app that has to be given permissions to what it has access and how much of it. Not every users needs to Copilot to make their computer useful to them, much to give it access to their whole computer.

At the end, AI to be most useful need to be in places where the user actually wants it to be and access only to what it needs to be useful at that task. What has put off users from AI is not that it exists, is that it companies have made misuse of it and tried to make users make use of no matter what they want.

To be honest, in time most people will end up using AI in some way because it is a great tool. But, now its adoption will take longer because companies made people distrust AI because of their actions. 

The Incentive of Care: Why Local Owners Work Harder for You

As life goes by, I've noticed that I prefer going to small shops and businesses. Mainly because, whit the right people, small shops and businesses attention tends to feel a lot more personal.

This kind of places tend to do so, because they tend to serve a smaller number of clients and that gives them the chance to actually create personal connections with the people they serve. As such, their service feels more tailored and personal to those who use their services or buy their products. Not only that, the owners of these businesses have a better chance to react to the wants or needs of their clients, making the whole experience feel even more personal.

While the offerings of small shops and business can compete on the number of products or services they can offer, they can compete on offering a more tailored offering to people they serves, making them a better option at times even when they can be a bit more expensive.

Most often than not, also the service that comes along with the experience, or product, you get from them make it worth while since you know that who is at the other side of the counter has an incentive to give you a better deal to keep you coming back. Not only that, when you become a regular the incentive to better serve your needs becomes even greater since your good will and word become the best advertisement they can have. In many ways, the incentive to create a sense of community around them is quite bigger, since that community is what will support them in the long run.

for them, treating their costumers like people is far stronger. Specially since the owners, and employees, tend to make roots at the community they serve because they know they people who live in it because they are their costumers and friends.  While this can be a double edge sword, if it is well managed it can be their biggest strength since it means that their costumers are far more loyal to them since they feel like the business is part of the community and it serves them in some level.

The biggest problem for this businesses if their reluctance to adopt new technologies that could better help them to stay relevant in their communities, like the web, smartphones, and the like. Those who are able to integrate new tech that their clients adopt too, are the ones who become even stronger.

To be honest, the ones I like the most are those small shops and business that adopt those new techs that don't lose that human touch. 

From Dongles to Bluetooth: My Two-Decade Wireless Journey

I've always used wireless tech whenever possible since the early 2000s, when at the time it meant using a dongle to connect your mouse or keyboard wireless to your computer or laptop. On the headphone side of things, I didn't use Bluetooth one since the ones I like were to expensive until about 5 years ago.

But, since I started using Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, and headphone about 4 years ago, they have become my favorite way to connect this kind of peripherals  to my my laptop when I'm use them at the office or home office. When on the go, I mainly bring with me Bluetooth headphone and mouse, the mouse is something I don't always use when I'm at the coffee shop, or bar, working or just browsing the web.

To be honest, Bluetooth peripherals are more than good enough for working, casual gaming, browsing the web, or things along those lines. Specially if you don't like looking at wires on your desk, and want a cleaner desk setup, it makes sense having any of these peripherals, specially since they have come down in price as the Bluetooth has matured, and more people use keyboards, mice, and headphones on their setups.

I don't see them becoming as cheap as their wired counterparts, but with time the price difference won't be that big, and more people will be able to get a workable Bluetooth keyboard or mouse that will be more than good enough for most use cases. Specially on the headphone and mouse category, since most people who use a laptop as their daily driver won't need to have a Bluetooth keyboard at hand, unless they want on for their office, or home office setup. Personally, that is my case, I've a Bluetooth for my hone office and my office, but when I'm any where else I just bring my Bluetooth mouse and headphone with me.

Even if I got a desktop for my any of my offices, I would look for them to have Bluetooth. I don't really want to go back to use dongles, since they take a port away and I rather have those ports available to use for other things, like USB sticks, external hard drives, charge my laptop, or monitors.

As time goes by, I see mobile tech becoming better. Which means that people will be better able to set their setups to their specific needs. Even portable monitors are becoming better and cheaper as time goes by, which is greet for those who like to work with a couple of monitors, or want to connect their smartphone to a bigger display when the task calls for it.

As someone who has rooted for mobile tech to get better, I'm somewhat happy where it is now and hopeful for its future. 

The Hustle Culture Trap

The problem with the hustle culture is that it makes work not just a part of your life , not just a part of it. It is unhealthy to focus just on the hustle, as it is not giving any importance at all.

Yet, it is important to keep a balance between work, rest, and doing other things just because you enjoy doing them. While you can enjoy, even love, what you do to be productive, you can also feel the same way about you do just because you enjoy them just for the sake of doing them.

Jobs are just part of your life, and they are just jobs. The rest of your life outside work is just as important, and worthy of being enjoyed as much as you do your job.

Most importantly , modern tech has made possible to have a better balance. We can be more productive at work, and enjoy our free time more giving us access to find more things that enrich our lives outside it. Sadly, it has been used to try to blur the line between the two. Just because we have always have access to a laptop, or a smartphones, it doesn't mean our time is available to work all the time.

Life is not about the hustle, hustle is just a part of your life. Hustle doesn't mean anything much if you don't give yourself the chance to enjoy what happens outside it. 

From Bluetooth to DaVinci Resolve: Living a Frictionless Life on Linux

Linux distros like Linux Mint, Ubuntu, and Pop OS! are getting better as an alternative for Windows and macOS, but they lag behind mainly because the average user don't see them. Even when they do, they get the idea they are hard to use and they requiere them a level of expertise that it isn't actually required.

I'm aware that they are several more Linux distros that are user friendly, but my daily driver is Linux Mint and I've hands on experience with Ubuntu and Pop OS!. The main reason I use Linux Mint, and can recommend Ubuntu or Pop OS! to beginners is that they are easy to use with a low learning curve coming from either Windows or macOS. Not only that, apps like Chrome, Firefox, and Spotify, run without problems on them. Even da Vinci resolve is available on Linux distros.

Hardware wise, unless the user has an usual setup Linux will run almost on every hardware out there. Most consumer hardware is supported out of the box, but testing before installing a distro is highly recommended. Personally, I've yet to find a laptop and printer that doesn't work on Linux.

All Bluetooth mice, keyboards, and headphones I've used work out of the box on Linux Mint. The only complain I've, is that not all of them show their battery status, but they work as expected. Currently I've to laptops running Linux Mint 22.3, and the Bluetooth keyboard I use at my home office connects with both without issue when I ask the keyboard to do so. I'm sure the mouse I use would do the same, but I do use different ones.

There are still some rough edges, but in general Linux Mint and Pop OS! are great options for those  who a Linux distro that just work, or want to get into Linux. I can't recommend Ubuntu as much, but is a good option too. At the end of the day, the best and what works for you is a personal choice.

At the end of the day, Linux distros have come a long way. And Linux Mint and Pop OS! are a couple of Linux distros that focus on ease of use and being user friendly. 

Why I’m Not Surprised Tablets Haven’t Replaced My Laptop

The idea that the iPad, or any other tablet, becoming a laptop replacement for everyone is as misplaces as wanting to laptops to become a replacement for a desktop for everyone. To be honest tablets are the best option for some workflows, they aren't the best option for every workflow.

As laptops didn't completely replace desktops, tablet won't completely replace laptops or desktops. While tablets have proven to be more than capable in some instances, for others it isn't that that good of an option. Tablets have carved their niche, and they won't go anywhere anytime soon. I'd say that tablets are here to stay, because they have proven to quite useful for graphic designers, artists, and as point of sale, among many other things. But, it also have proven that it can't completely replace laptops, or desktops, in other areas where their form factors are better suited.

Laptops are more than portable enough for the people who use them for they work, while the tablet don't really bring any killer advantage. Their laptop can do everything they need better than a tablet, and then some. Not to say that tablets do the same for some people, but at the end this comes down to what each person wants from their device.

All comes down to the needs of each individual. With mobile chips getting better each year,  soon laptops will have SoC that will give them more computing power, while having as good battery life as tablets. Thus making the choice of which to get more dependent on which device better fits the use you are going to give it.

I'm not surprised that tablets have become the main computer for some, but they won't be the main device for everyone. 

The Office as a Hub, Not a Cage

The more I think about it, the more I realize the best compromise for administrative, programmers, and employees like that, is they hybrid work model. Bringing them in to the office according to whats needed, giving those the employees a more flexible schedule.

To be honest, these employees don't need to be all the time at the office to be effective. Depending on the individual, they can be more effective working remotely most of the time, just coming to the office for meetings or to talk face to face when needed. While others, might prefer to come to the office more often because they prefer to work there just using the remote mode from time to time. Most would fall somewhere in the middle, even splitting their work day between the office and remote work.

While some would like to work from a home office, others would prefer to work from a coffee shop or some where similar, for some hours a day, just to change their setting from the office. The office would become the place where to meet and iron things out, and then each go out to their preferred work setting where they can do their best work.

Even those who prefer to work at the office can benefit from the flexibility of being able to work remotely when required, knowing they'd be able to do when need without problem when they need to do so. Minimum time at the office could be set for all, to use as they see fit.

Personally, I'd split my days between working from home office and the office, with just a couple of full days working remotely and at the office. That way, I'd get to talk with my boss and set things for the week and have a better time management. Specially since at work we access a remote desktop to do our work, which means that i don't have to be at the office to do my work. Most importantly, that would give my boss and me more than enough time to talk things over on what needs to be done, while giving both of us the flexibility to work where we are most effective.

As important, is that we can change the schedule as needed. We could change things day to day if needed, since we both have the flexibility to come in and out the office to work as needed, which is something that makes the hybrid model even more effective and plausible for both of us.

Being able to work in a hybrid model is something that would make employees more effective, and committed. Specially because when needed, meeting could be held outside the office to boots moral when needed. The office could become the place where people come together when needed, or to meet to set things up, and work from where they are most effective the rest of the time.

In essence, the office would be the place where employees come to set targets, and their remote work place where they make things happen.

Solving the RDP Printer Redirection Nightmare: A Case Study in Linux vs. Windows

One of the aspects where Remmina as remote desktop client, running on Linux Mint, has proven better than the option we have on Windows 11 at work, is that it respect the printer settings.

To save on paper cost, the invoices we send to our clients are printed on both sides of the paper. On Windows 10 and 11, it is a hit or miss option. It does respects it a few times, mostly ignoring it. While on Remmina, we set it once when the printer is added and we can count that it will print on both sides of the paper,

We have test it on at least three brands of printers, like HP and Bother. While on Remmina it works consistently on every printer,  on Windows it consistently fails to work. One would think that running a Windows remote desktop on a Windows computer would be easy to set it up, it has proven not to be. While doing so on 3 different laptops running Linux Mint has worked every time.

To be honest, setting printing on both sides should be something that just works.  That it doesn't work on Windows not matter the printer, or the computer you use,  is something that baffles me. Specially since is something that is easy to do, and works consistently on several computers running Linux Mint.

For my department, is has been a long standing problem. For some five years, I've the only one that could print double sides print outs directly from the remote desktop. My boss, and coworker, had to send the document to their local desktop to be able to do so, which is not that bad if it something we do sparingly. Yet, we need to do it several times a day, then it becomes a problem.

Something so simple doesn't have a simple fix, and it seems that it is something that won't be fixed anytime soon. Which is a shame and frustrating.