The Missing Link: Why Linux Needs a Human Touch to Go Mainstream

As a Linux Mint user for five years, and used Ubuntu for other about eight years before, I have seen Linux getting better and more user friendly with time. While there are some distros like Arch, that require more technical know-how, there are distros like Linux Mint and Zorin OS that are great for people who are new to Linux, or just want an OS that doesn't need to get their hands into the technical side of managing their computer.

Yet, it is hard to make people that haven't used Linux Mint, or other distro like it, to see that it is quite an easy OS by anyone no mater how much technical knowledge they have. While there is some learning curve when jumping to from Windows, it isn't as big as many think. Because basically the mayor changes are some of the names of the apps that used to administrate the OS use. Installing apps, are least the most commonly used, can be used via the software manager which uses a graphical interface for the install, and uninstall, process.

Even if there is a need to use the terminal, there are easy to use guides to help out. But,those cases are becoming less common, since Linux distros that focus on being user friendly are working on making apps available on their software managers to be installed easy via a graphic interface. Which is important, because people coming from Windows to Linux are used doing so.

I feel what is also missing from more adoption, is making new users welcomed. Specially those who aren't technically savvy.  Without them, the adoption of Linux will be minimal since those are the most the of the user base. There is a need to create a way that makes the jump easier, by making them feel welcome and helping them along.

How do we help them? By pointing them to the tools they need to solve the problems that come up, and actually help them step-by-step when they need that help. Not everyone was the same level of knowledge, or has the time or want, to get that knowledge. 

By making it easy not only to make the jump, but to stay, the current user will benefit from having more people using a Linux distro. Because with more users, Linux will become a OS that more apps developers will target. Not only corporate, but also independent developers, since there will be people to support their apps. By creating a bigger market, and ecosystem, for users for apps on Linux the more will it become an option for more people.

I would also want to see physical places set up to help people out when they face a problem.. While online tools are available, and there are great, they still don't create the level of trust that having a person beside you helping, and teaching you, best practices and how to make the most out of your computer. From how to use certain apps the best ways, to how to create hem, there is lot of ways these places can help making Linux a trusted OS for more people. With this, more manufactures will have more motives to sell their computers with Linux preinstall. Maybe not all of them, but at least the more popular ones. Some might sell computers with no OS, allowing users install their own when they buy it. Another way physical places can help out people who choose to go that way.

At the end of the day, computers and software are tools used by people to do something. Either it is for work, or for leisure, the tool they choose has to work for them without getting in the way, or having to learn how to do everything to use it. Some just want to get the apps they need ready to be used, and the OS they run on doesn't get in the way.  Linux can be that, and still have a place for those who like to build their OS and computer from the ground up.

That is the power of Linux, it has the power to be the tool any user needs and can use. 

The OS-Agnostic Revolution: How Web Apps Make Switching Easy

With web apps becoming more common as time goes on, it makes ditching proprietary software possible for more people. Mainly because web apps just require a web browser to make use of them, making it easy not having to install the app itself on your computer to use it.

Since web standards are open, it means that people can access their any web app from their preferred web browser from any computer. Not only that, since most modern operating systems have a way to treat web apps as native apps, users should not notice any difference between them. You click on the icon on the desktop, or start menu, and the app opens as any other app.

This is extremely important for web apps becoming more widely used, and adopted by software developers, because it take most of the friction out of its use.

The downside of web apps having to have the computer to be online to be used is becoming less relevant, since data can be stored locally and synced once an Internet connection is made. This makes its just as useful as native apps, since they don't need to hace Internet access to be used, with the added benefit that the data the web app uses can be synced with several computers, or other devices, the user chooses to sync with.

Most importantly, web apps are OS agnostic. This mean, quite importantly, that web apps can be accessed via any web browser independent of which OS is used to run said browser. All that is needed is that the browser supports web standards, which most modern web browsers do. Which will push developers to implement open standards to target as many people as possible.

Another benefit of web apps, is that it could help making developers used to develop cross platform apps because they become used to develop with open standards. Which could mean that more native apps could be developed in a way that they could run on more operating systems without much problem. While this won't mean more people making the jump to Linux, or macOS, from Windows, it will make the jump much easier for those who choose to make it.

This benefits user, since it would make Microsoft to actually compete with Apple, and Linux distros, to keep users from jumping.

Web apps might be what open source software needs to become more widely use, by making users less dependent on native apps and by helping developers to become more confortable using open standards and developing cross platform apps. Also to help develop the tools, and estandarizase them, so cross platform software development becomes the norm.

Time will tell if this is the future we are looking for, but I'm quite hopeful it will be. 

The Open-Source "Genius Bar"

Since a couple of months ago, I've started to ask myself how to start an organization focused to educating and helping people to move to using open-source software. It is not enough talking, and giving examples, of open-source software with which proprietary software can be replaced with, it is just as important to teach people how to use it.

For example, you can convince people to make the jump to LibreOffice from Microsoft Office. Yet, since they don't work exactly the same, without help during the transition people will grow frustrated and move back. What makes things worse, is that they might go back believing that LibreOffice is bad, when it is a real alternative to Microsoft Office.

The same goes for every other app, and operating system, without proper support to help people make the best of them the transition will not happen. Which having a physical place where people can go for help is a barrier for the adoption of open-source software. Just having online resources is not enough, since not everyone has access to them or knows how to make use of them.

Having someone to help you solve problems, or just show you how to do something, in person makes the whole experience better, and easier. Not only that, it generates a level of trust that just reading a document does. Also having how-to videos is helpful, but it is a supplement. Nothing beats having people to help you with your doubts, or teach you what you need.

Not only that, having access to people that help you with whatever you needs helps to build community. That is something that the open-source software movement values, because at the end it is not just about the software itself. It is about creating a community of people to make open-source software better and be what it's users need. Not only developing it, but also giving feedback about what it needs to become better.

From bugs to features, without user feedback development won't go in the direction it needs to go. Seeing how the users actually make use of the software, makes it easier to understands things that just reading a report ever will. There are nuances that can't be related in writing easily, or are overlooked because they aren't considered important to be shared.

More importantly, if we want small and medium businesses, not say corporations, to adopt open-source software we need to get the people who make them up to start and be comfortable using it. If individuals aren't comfortable using it, it will be quite difficult to get businesses to make the jump, not to say imposible. Only after that, software developers that currently focus on proprietary software will even consider to make the jump to open-source development.

This is why I want to start a place where people can come to and have learn in physical place how to make the jump, and learn how to use their apps. Making it so, would also give them the chance to meet other people who use open-source software and see that they are just like them. At the end open-source software should give people the tools they need, without them having to be experts, or know how to code.

At the end, open-source software should be about the people who use it. 

 

Flexibility is the New Currency

Among the things I miss about working from home, is the time flexibility that it gave me. Even working within an office hours, I still had time to do other things before and after hours. If needed, my lunch hour was more than enough time to eat, and do an errand that had to be done when I had to do so.

Going to the bank, buying groceries, or even going out with friends was much easier to manage. All the while, being more productive, since I was better able to focus on work since I didn't have to worry about other errands knowing all could be done in time.

Other thing that I miss, is that focusing was a lot easier. At my home office I had a lot less distractions, and setting to be able to focus on work is a lot easier. Setting my office to my needs is a lot easier, and with less compromises that the on-site office. I can actually select the desk, chair, and stationery that I prefer using.

I don't mind going to the office, but I'd prefer to go just for a few hours a day a couple of days a week. The rest of the time, I'd rather work from home. While my ideal work would be fully remote, a hybrid model would also be nice to have. Mainly because it would allow me to change settings, and prevent me to get bored. Also, meeting with coworkers face to face for a few hours a week would help to team building.

For a hybrid setup, I'd prefer a coworking space rather than a dedicated office. Mainly because that would be a lot more flexible for to meet at an office space, while just paying for the amount of time we use it. Not only that, if being able to access an office space on different locations could be arranged, since some coworking spaces providers have different locations in some cities, and allow their users to access any them as needed. Even some offer office time on other cities where possible.

But, just being able to access an office space when needed for some hours a week is a big win for people like me that would like to have the option. Even being able to meet clients at an place like that is a big win. I do see coworking spaces become more common, since independent professionals, and small businesses, can benefit from not having to invest on renting office space long term if they don't need it.

Even big companies could stand to give some of their employees in cities they don't want to set their own offices, access to coworking spaces near their home to work from.

Personally, I'm looking to make the jump to be able to work from my home office completely, or at least a hybrid model. The advantages are simply to big to ignore.

From Freedom Came Elegance: My Journey to Linux Mint 22.3 Zena

Today I updated to Linux Mint 22.3 Zena, and the new Mint Menu applet is a great update to the aesthetic of the OS. After a few hours of use, the update feels solid and all works like it should.

As with every update, Linux Mint makes honor to the motto from freedom came elegance. It is one of most elegant OS I've used so far. Most importantly for me, it has been getting better with time. It is not perfect, not by a long shoot, but is one of the best OS out there.

It might not be bleeding edge, but is a modern and stable OS that respect the user while being easy to use and set up to the user wants. Most modern hardware works out of the box without problem, and the best thing is that it looks great doing so.

To be honest, I'm going to stick just recommending Linux Mint to new users, and users who want an stable OS who doesn't get in your way, and just works. Bonus points that now playing video games via Steam is something you can do, though some AAA titles don't run well because of the anti cheat systems they implement on the kernel level. Though I've playing Palia and Sword of Convallaria for over four months now without much trouble. I used to play Star Wars: The Old Republic, but I stop playing mainly because of personal reasons.

I used to recommend Ubuntu as well, but Linux Mint has earned to be my main recommendation as well my go to OS. Yet, Linux Mint has become such a solid OS that I feel that there is no reason to have Ubuntu as a second option. If a second option is asked for, I rather recommend Pop_OS! witch is another OS that is easy to use by beginner and advanced users.

I started my Linux journey on Ubuntu, and at the time I didn't imagined that over a decade later I'd moved on and that I recommend other Linux distros over it. Yet, here I am and I am happy to do so.

Charge Me Up, Pour Me a Cold One

As someone who uses a laptop for work, and play, because I like the mobility I'd like to see more options to be able to so outside my home and office. Specially places that offer outlets to connect to when my battery is running low, or just want to game a bit without worrying about the battery. Not to mention, a good and reliable WiFi connection.

While some coffee shops have some outlets, I personally find them lacking, they are too few, and are at tables that are on a dark corner. On this case, I would love to see the number of outlets increased and the number of tables where a couple of laptops could be used at the same time outside the meeting rooms some coffee shops have, since at time those places are just too big when just a couple of people come in just to work, study, or just whatever they need to do.

Personally, I do enjoy having a beer while playing a video game, writing a blog entry, doing some reading, or just browsing the web. Some coffee shops offer beers, but I rather go to a bar since the atmosphere feels a lot more chill and conducive to chill while playing a video game, or doing some light work in a more relaxed place. What would make it better, is to be able to do so while hanging out with a couple of friends.

To be honest, this bar would be the same one I'd come to even without my laptop, and the same could be said of a coffee shop that offer a similar concept. While coffee shops like La Flor de Córdoba come close to what I'd like to see, and on the bar side it would be Santas Alitas, they fall short on the outlets. And for the Santas Alitas side, they also don't offer WiFi or outlets, which is sad, since the atmosphere in the locations I've been to has been one of the best ones.

Other bar that comes close is Skygamers Sports Bar, but it only has on location in Guadalajara and it doesn't really checks all the boxes for me. It lacks the kind of atmosphere that is more conducive to bring your own laptop, and just chill out there either alone or with friends.

Another one that comes close, is Over Wings. While it has WiFi, the problem is that it doesn't have outlets near enough tables. Yet, along with Santas Alitas, it is one of the bars that come closest to be perfect.

What is more, I'd also would like to see a larger selection of draught beer of the beer of Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma along side the other presentations. While some of my favorite beets, like León and Victoria, are from Grupo Modelo, from time to time I do enjoy having an Indio, or a Bohemia, from Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma. Not to mention some of my friends don't want to go to bars where beers from their favorite brand aren't available. Personally, I do prefer having draught beer rather the bottled version of my favorite beers.

I'm sure that there are more people like me out there. People who like the social experience of going out to a bar, even if means sitting alone, to enjoy playing their favorite video game, or just doing some light work, while sipping their favorite beer. The same goes of being able to do so with friends.

Specially in groups of no more of four people, small enough not to take much space or be much trouble, but big enough that the value of their check makes them worthwhile. Personally, I'd put my own if I could to test my idea out.

From Nothing's Design to Pixel's Longevity: My Android Evolution

A few years ago, Nothing used to make the smartphones with design that spoke to me, and made them my top consideration. But, with the design changes they made the last couple of years, using Google Pixel 7a, and the Pixel phones being officially available by Google in Mexico on 2025, the Pixel line has become my personal smartphone line.

Personally, I prefer Android over iOS on my smartphone. And while Nothing OS is quite a good implementation of Android, the smartphones from the Nothing just don't talk to me. I still can recommend them wholeheartedly if you like them, but personally I prefer the Pixel phones, the combination of their hardware and vanilla Android is just better suited for what want and need on a smartphone.

Other thing that makes Pixel a better option for me, is that it offers seven years of Android updates, while Nothing offers five years. The only other Android smartphone OEM the offers something similar I know, is Samsung which I prefer not to get smartphones from.

To be honest, I had an eye on Pixel phones since they hit the market. The only reason I didn't consider them was the difficultly of getting them on Mexico for some time. Then, five years ago I saw that I could get them unofficially, and a couple of years ago I made the jump to a Pixel 7a, which was a great choice.

Now that Google has made the Pixel phones officially available in Mexico, it has made it hard for me to move to another OEM unless Google makes a choice which a disagree with.

All things considered, I Pixel phones might just become my go to smartphone for years to come. Hardware and software works quite nicely, and while the Tensor SoC might not be a powerhouse it ticks all the boxes for my needs.

At the end of the day this is why I prefer the Android ecosystem, there is an Android smartphone that fits your need closely.

Linux Mint, Meet Snapdragon: A Call for ARM Support and Superior Mobility

As someone who prefers using laptops because they offer the best mix of mobility and power, I've been seeing the efficiency gains that Apple has made for their laptops with the M series of SoC, and with some extent Windows with the Snapdragon SoC, with some interest.

Both SoC are ARM based architectures, which makes them great for mobile applications like laptops. They combine great power efficiency, with great CPU power for mobile applications like laptops. With the current Intel and AMD CPUs on Linux Mint I get from 4 to 6 hours from the battery, which is not bad, but using an ARM based CPU designed for use on laptops the battery life could be much better.

As such, I'd love to see Linux Mint, and other Linux distros, being capable of being used on laptops with ARM based CPUs as they are now able to run on laptops with AMD and Intel CPUs. That would be a huge win for user like me, who prefer laptops for both work and play. Apple has already proven that ARM based CPUs are viable for both desktops and laptops, and it is time for others to follow that lead.

I'd even like to see AMD, or Intel, to offer their own take on the ARM architecture. Personally, I'd prefer to see AMD move into it, or give a Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC a try. For what I've investigated, there is some work to do on the Linux kernel for this to happen. Yet, it is just a matter of ARM based CPUs becoming more common for the Linux kernel to be able to play nicely with them.

As everything stands, it is just a matter of time for work for Linux kernel support for ARM based SoC to start, and to make Linux viable on them. Specially with Microsoft following Apple's lead, and making Windows work on ARM based laptops. And with Microsoft throwing money on developers to make their apps work natively on ARM bases SoC, it will be easier for Linux counterparts of those apps to also become ARM compatible. Specially since some of them already are on Android, and iOS.

Though it is still early, I do hope that ARM based devices will become common place on laptops, and that Linux distros will support them. 

Form, Function, and Frustration: Why Developers Need to Find Balance

As someone that likes a balance between form and function, I find that in software developers tend to prioritize one over the other, which as a user tends to be quite infuriating at times.

On one hand, you get apps that are over designed. Yes, the look good but using is a drag because so much effort was put on the looks that usability goes down the drain. On the other hand, some apps are so focused are so set on being funcional, that while they are they look really bad.

Personally, I prefer when there is a balance. Not every app will look great at the end, but that doesn't mean that they the can't be made to look the best they can. The end use should be always be kept in mind, and be designed around it. The way it looks is just as important as the way it works, specially when people will interact with the app constantly during long periods of time. How the user feels when they use an app, is just as important as how they use the app.

In a way, the app should allow the user to work with as little friction from the app itself. While some apps might need to have features that lock certain users from doing certain thing, they should make it so in a way that the design itself doesn't allow them to do those functions. For example, if doing something requires a button, or a link, don't just grey it out simply don't show it to the users that don't require, or have permission, to use that function.

If possible, allow each user to set they app configuration to their liking. Things like color come to mind, no need to give user to much. Just enough to make the app more friendly to each user as possible. Modern programing languages come with what is needed to make it happen, use those tools to give the users a better experience using your app. Users have come to expect a level of customization to make almost every aspect of their computer, and apps, to fin the user needs.

I hope that the balance between form and function in apps comes sooner. 

A Week on Windows 11 Reaffirmed My Choice: Linux Mint.

After using Windows 11 on a daily basis for a week at work, I must say that aesthetically is better than Windows 10, but much else. I use Firefox as my main browser, and on Windows 11 seem to have some issues, which seem to be more on trying to make me to move to Edge than on Firefox itself, since Thunderbird works well.

Since I use my laptop, which runs Linux Mint, besides the desktop at work it makes it easy to see why staying on Linux Mint is by far the better choice for me. All the software I need for work is available on Linux Mint, and it works just as well. The only sour point at the moment is the printer, but because Linux Mint can't make use of the printers we have, but of implementation of the drivers the IT department choose to make. Not to mentions that the hardware specs of my laptop are quite better then the specs of the desktop the IT department issued me.

Not only that, I'm quite certain that if Linux Mint was installed on desktop, it would run a lot better that it does with Windows 11. And I mean installing the latest version of Linux Mint, which at the time of writing is Linux Mint 22.2 Zara.

And with more services, and apps, moving to the cloud, the OS you got installed becomes less relevant to run those services and apps. Installing and using web apps, meaning you just need a browser that supports the web app to use it. And since most the time it means using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, can be installed not only on Linux Mint, but most of the major Linux distros, jumping to Linux is easier.

On Linux Mint you can create web apps easily, so opening the you can enter directly to the web app without even having to open the browser it self. Web apps can be created to isolate the app from the onset, strengthening the security of the app.

As a Linux Mint user, I can say that moving away from Windows is becoming a real option. And Linux Mint is one of many distros to choose from.

El Rincón Cálido: (The Warm Corner) – Focuses on coziness and a dedicated workspace nook.

When I came across Maisy Leigh on YouTube, and her CozyLeigh Studios webpage, I must admit I got thinking about starting a similar studio in Guadalajara.

Though I would rather target Android devices, create wallpapers and icon sets for Linux Mint(and other Ubuntu based distros),  and a style targeting a more Latin American style. Still cozy, and relaxing, but that speaks a bit more to Latin tastes. I still see her, and family, style quite great. I do find them inspiring, yet I do so a space of a more Latin American interpretation of coziness and focused environment.

Besides, personally I find dark academia and mid-century modern design cues more cozy. I'd even get some minimalist cues in, just not to over saturate certain areas.

Using 3D printing seems to be the best way to start, a design studio that is both close to our target costumer base, and flexible enough to follow what those costumer want. I might look into mass production for some of the items, while other can stay on the relatively low production of 3D printers. Things like limited edition items, some made to order ones, or items that sell well enough but a mass production run doesn't make sense.

What makes this more tempting, is that most of decor and gadgets for home and work office feel either too formal or too gamer for me. Yes, I want items that allow me to feel more relaxed and focused, but not to the point that they seem somewhat out of place in an office.

Well, I better keep looking into  it. If you want to help create a design studio like that, get in touch with me.

Gaming on Linux Has Arrived: Sword of Convallaria and the Proton Revolution

I just finished playing Sword of Convallaria, and I really enjoyed the game. It is a turned based RPG. and it is quite good if you like this kind genre of video game, specially since it is free to play.

To be honest, I didn't expect it to be so good. The art, music, game play, all comes together in a game that is both challenging and fun to play. The art is what cached my eye the most, but the whole game is one of those games that is worth your time. Specially if you are a casual gamer, since the barrier to entry is low and it pays off quite well.

It has become one of my favorite games, and one great way to enter the gaming scene on Linux. The other game I would recommend to people starting their gaming journey, specially on Linux, would be Palia. Both games are great games, whether you want something casual, or something a bit more challenging.

Both games show that gaming on Linux has great potential. it might be the push for me to buy a couple of games I've been eyeing on Steam for some quite time now. Not only that, I can now say that gaming on Linux has arrived and actually promote Linux with fellow gamers.

In some ways, I feel vindicated for making the jump to Linux and holding as long as I have. I knew Steam was making progress with compatibility on Linux, but didn't expect it to be get so good. So much so, that I might actually go for a Steam Deck, or compatible handheld, since I want to be able to play games in not only on my laptop.

Life is getting better for gamers who use Linux. What more, is ever more welcoming for a bigger audience.

15 Years Strong: Why I'm Never Going Back to Windows (and Why You Don't Have To)

Since I made the jump to Linux about 15 years ago, I haven't looked back to using Windows. While I use Windows at work, the more I use it the more I prefer to use Linux.

To be honest, the only thing I had to give up when I started using Linux was gaming. At the time, gaming on Linux wasn't really an option. Yet, since about 2020 gaming on Linux has gotten better using Steam. It is not perfect, and not all games work on Linux. But, more of 80% of the Steam video game library is now playable on Linux, which makes Linux an option at least for casual gamers.

On the professional side off things, not all apps on Windows run on Linux. But, a growing number of apps getting a Linux option, or there is an alternative for apps that don't run Linux. Not all are perfect, but at least there are options to tryout if you are interested in making the jump. Personally, at work the app we use runs on a remote server, so using Remmina I can log in and work without much problem. Besides printing, which is not a problem of running a remote desktop, but more of a policy of our provider that does not allow to run printers on the server itself.

While I know not everyone can make the jump to Linux, it is a fact that most people can make the jump. The only two limiting factors are if your hardware can run Linux, and if all your apps are on Linux or have an option to jump to. And to be honest, most computers configs can run Linux.

The three Linux distros I recommend are Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Pop_OS. The three of them fit more use cases, and have the apps most people use out of the box. And if those apps aren't installed out of the box, they are easily installed using the app stores that come with them. Most importantly, the app stores make using the terminal optional for the most popular apps.

I do root for some Linux distros being more user friendly, they make the jump of more people to Linux possible. After that, some user will advance to more complex distros. But, for that to happen we need more people using Linux.

 

The New Third Place: Why Remote Workers Need Beer Bars (and Not Just Coffee Shops)

As someone who likes to work away from my desk at home, or at the office, just change pase and environment, coffee shops are a great option. Yet, from time to time I'd like to see beer bars as an option too, since there sometimes where I don't want to have caffeine, and low alcohol beers help me to wind down and relax.

There is also the fact that the atmosphere at both places are quite different, even if both place were geared toward letting people work. Working while enjoining a coffee is quite different from doing so with a beer. With the coffee you want to focus more, and work in a faster pase. While with a beer one wants to relax, and take a wider view of things.

In some ways, while both are a means to an end, how you get to that end is different. Personally, I do feel I prefer coffee shops when I want to focus more in a personal level, while in a beer bar I want to collaborate more or don't mind being interrupted. Yet I love to work at both places since they allow me to change perspectives. 

I'd love to see more beer bars that are more welcoming to workers that want to sip a beer, or two, while working. No matter if its office work, or creative work, the point is give us who want another option to find inspiration. Not everyone wants to go to coffee shops, and beer bars are quite the option we are looking for. We even see beer something to enjoy while collaborating  with others, while creating things.

Low alcohol, even 0% percent ones, are perfect when you just want to have a cold beverage while trying to figure things out. At least, I've found it works for me.

Yet, I haven't found the perfect one for me. I've some ideas of what I'd to see, like Wi-Fi, easy access to outlets for when you need to charge your laptop or smartphone, and tables and chair that are comfortable to work on for an hour or two. I'd even like to see places where small groups of people can sit down to collaborate.

People don't always want so go to bars to watch sports or celebrate, sometimes we just want to relax or to focus on things we want to solve.

The Admin Advantage: Productivity Hacks and Gear for Business Workflows

While I like watching every day carry and desktop setups, I've found that most tend setups tend to be geared to gaming, programmers, and creators. For someone who main job is an office one and it feels that finding things that would be more useful for my everyday life a bit hard

Not get me wrong, I've found some things that have proven useful, or I'd like to include in my desktop setup, or everyday carry. Things I found, have been a good mechanical keyboard, a mouse, mouse mat, and Bluetooth in-ear headphones. I wouldn't even started to look for them if I haven't seen them on a setup. And the Bluetooth in-ear headphones have been a game changer for my everyday carry.

Even I've gotten a good idea for the backpacks I use, since I got to see different sizes of backpacks and get a better idea of the one that better fits my needs.

The one thing I still want to incorporate, is a standing desk. Sitting down does a number on my knees, and standing helps me to focus, or to feel a bit calmer when I get restless. Going from sitting to standing, or vice versa, really helps me to change my mindset at the moment.

Yet, there are also things I don't really care about like a microphone, or camera sets. I don't have a need for them, and the camera on my smartphone is more that good enough for my needs. I don't that many remote meetings, and most of my work related communications are mainly made in person, email, Whats app, and via phone call from time to time.

As such, I'd like to see more set ups, and work flows, focused more on business office work. Things on how to better manage ERP software, file management, and other things on the administrative side of things.

I do believe that there is a lack of people sharing how they make their administrative work better, and share hacks and ideas with others. 

Two Worlds, One Life: Growing Up in the Analog-Digital Transition

I find it interesting, and mildly annoying, this generational divide of opinions about modern technology.

In one had, we have the so called boomers that love what the conviniese of modern tech while hating how it has changed how younger generations interact with each other because of it. It seems that they forget they started the development of said technologies, and were hopeful about what they promised to do.

While the generations who grew up not knowing life without the tech we have now, are getting a hard time from the generation who wanted people like them who were capable of using the tech telling them how wrong they are for using it proficiently.

Personally, being a 90's kid, I grew up in a transition world. I did all what the boomers did, and also what millennials became accustomed to. So, in a way I like the digital way of doing things while in other I prefer the analog way. Which is better? Well, all depends on what you are talking about.

I do see the benefit of taking notes on paper, while some other things are better served by the digital equivalent. I can see why the selection of an analog or a digital method of doing things can come to a personal preference.

I also agree that the business model, on which everything is going to everything is becoming a subscription, is in detriment of society at larger. People should be able to own what they buy outright, even if it is a digital copy. Subscriptions should not be the main business model out there.

People should be able to do what they want with the things they purchase. When someone purchase something, either in digital or physical form, they own said copy.

In many ways, the want of profit is overriding societal good. Yes, it is a good thing when people profit from their work, but not when that profit comes at the expense of others within the society or society itself.

Society has changed in ways 20 years ago no one saw coming. It is time to update the social contract. 

It Shouldn't Be This Hard: The Real Reason I Left Windows for Linux Mint.

With Windows 10 end on life coming on October 14, I go reminded of several reasons why I moved to Linux Mint for my personal laptops.

I use Windows 10 on my work computer, and while on technical terms is works rather well the fact that  it can't be upgraded to Windows 11 easily is something that throws me off. Specially since it is a five year old computer, with decent specs for the work I do.

There is also the fact that I get several ads a day telling that support is ending, and to either buy a license or a new computer with Windows 11 to keep getting support is something rather annoying. Specially since the computer isn't mine to begin with, so I can't do much about it.

While computer technically doesn't support Windows 11, I know that the IT guys can find a work around to install it. Which is something that shouldn't be happen, since is perfectly serviceable computer for at least three more years. It just lacks the Trusted Platform Module needed to run Windows 11, which feels like something that should happen since it should be posible to Microsoft to allow all Windows 10 computers to be upgrades to Windows 11.

I can see why it would be too much trouble, or impractical, to make it so for computers made at the time of Windows 8 or before. Yet, with the release cadence of Microsoft for each mayor release, it would stand that the hardware made for the current Windows should be able to be upgraded to the next one. If Apple does it for their hardware for about 8 years, Microsoft should be able to make it happen too.

The thing is that, it should not be this hard to upgrade a computer that runs a modern OS nicely to the next version. While OS developers need to stop support for old hardware at some point, five to eight year old hardware still has some life in it. 

The Computer Triad: Why Tablets Won't Replace Laptops and PCs.

With each new release of the iPad, and the iPadOS, I remember how tablets were suppose have replaced laptops and PCs by now. I admit that they have done so in some ways, like in design, I don't believe they will completely replace laptops or PCs. Specially with smartphones around, which are the far better option than a tablet for personal computing on the go.

Tablets have become the go to computer for many, but they won't replace other types of computers. Laptops and PCs are better suited for some work flows. while tablets and smartphones have their own strengths. Personally, I see most people making use of a smartphone and tablet, laptop, or PC. Our smartphones are fulfill our on the go computing, while the use of tablet, laptop, or PC will dictated by the kind of work each person does.

I don't see just one type of computer being able to do all work flow, or needing to do so. For me, what is much more important is making each type of computer to work better for the type of work they are used for. Stop trying to make a jack of all trades, master of none.

Instead, make computers that people actually can and want to use because they enable to do their best work on them. So far, the smartphone has proven to be one side of the equation for most. For some, it will be the only computer they need, while for others the best complement could be either a tablet, laptop, or PC. All depends on their needs, which they know best.

I see the laptop being the most popular type of computer, along with the smartphone. It gives a good balance of portability and power for most work flows. Then, would come tablets and PCs becoming much more niche devices.

In a way, do expect most people using a tablet or a laptop, all comes down what kind of work they do. PC will be still be around, but mostly on more niche uses. Portability has become much more an important factor, specially since computer power has become smaller and practical to bring with you.

And with much more jobs not being dependent to be tied to a single place, laptops and tablets give people that ability to do their job effectively from almost anywhere. In many ways, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, give people the best option to convine their digital and analog lives in the best way possible.

Last piece to make my dream office happen.

Over the last last few years I've been able to fine tune what goes on my desk to help me be more productive, feel more comfortable, and feel it works for me.

I've set on a dual monitor setup, one being my laptop's display, a wireless mechanical keyboard, and wireless mouse. Also a notebook for notes, some pens and highlighter in a pen holder. Instead of a mouse pad, I've gone with a desk mat for my keyboard and mouse. Also a good pair of headphones have become indispensable for when I want to focus on what I'm working on.

Some other things I like to have at hand at the desk, are a water bottle or mug of coffee. There is also place for some snacks when I feel low on energy, or need to munch on something. There are some figurines of my favorite shows to give some personalization to my desk.

Now, what I want to make my desk set up perfect, is the desk it self. The desks on my home and work offices are the normal sitting desk, and I've found out that I'd prefer to have standing desks on both places, since sitting down all day is something I don't enjoy since I like to move. I find myself standing up during the day, and not being able to have my desk at a level which allows me to work comfortably standing up is a drag. Besides, I find that for some things I focus better while I'm standing, while I prefer to sit when working on reports.

I'd prefer an L shaped standing desk, since I'd like to have one side to work with my laptop and the other to work on other things. Having a two distinct zones to work on different things on the same desk is something I've come to appreciate on my home office desk, since I don't have the same set up on my work office desk.

My preferred desk top material, would be dark brown wood or carbon fiber. I've come to like better dark desks, with some light accents given by what I use everyday to work. Some RGB lights would be nice, but not required. I'm partial to the gaming aesthetics, but somewhat subdued.

I've seen some options, but I don't expect to make the jump soon. The desktop I can change is my home office one, since is the one I've control over. At work, I could make it happen but it would take a lot of things to come together. As such, guess that the one I can make it my dream set up would be my home office, though in a perfect work I'd be able to make both happen.

A Year with Mechanical Keyboards: My Journey from Skeptic to Convert

After a year of using mechanical keyboards, I must say that from now on they are my go to keyboards when I'm at my desk.

While I use a laptop for my computer needs, I got myself a couple of them. I use a Machenike K500 PRO-94 at work, and a Machenike K500-B61 at my home office. Both are wireless, and have RGB, which have also become must have features on my future keyboards. Though RGB is not as important, being wireless connection is, since I prefer the cleaner look of not having wires gives my desk.

I had my doubts about making the jump, specially because most of the reviews I say were focused on Windows and macOS, so I wasn't sure which ones worked on Linux Mint. A year after, both keyboards work really well with Linux Mint on both laptops I've using them.

I connect them using Bluetooth, and even switching between them is easy. Both can be paired up to three devices, which is a great option when you want to use the keyboard with more than one device.

While still prefer keyboards with a numpad, the smaller size of the K500-B61 makes it an option to take it with me when I travel, or want to go work at a coffee shop. The only thing I would be looking for to do that, is a case to protect it while it is on my backpack.

Mechanical keyboard, specially wireless ones, have become my preferred keyboard.