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. 

The Math of Mass Transit: How Integrated Fares Save More Than Just Time

The more I use mass transit, like the light train or bus rapid transit, in Guadalajara metropolitan area and compare it to using a car for everyday commute, the more I'm convinced that we need a larger integrated system.

Today I had some errands to run, and had to transfer between both systems to get where I had to be. If I had to use the normal bus, I´d have to pay four fares to get where I was going and would have taken at least half an hour longer since on normal bus it shares the road with private transport. Which means that it runs slower overall.

Using the Macro Periférico rapid bus line and the Línea 3 of the light train system it took an hour and 20 minutes, even accoutring for waiting time for the bus and train to arrive both ways, since they have their own right of way. Not only that, the transfer cost half the price of the fare, which means that for the round trip I paid the price of three fares, instead of the four it would had cost me using the bus. For one trip it doesn't mean much, but for those who make the trip for work between five and six times a week, or those who have to make it daily, it adds up quickly.

While the Macro Periférico is getting extended, and the another Macros Bus is getting done to get to the airport, and a fourth light rail line has been completed early this year, there is room to expand both systems. For example the Línea 2 of the light rail could be extended to at least the Periférico from where it ends now, and more light rail or rapid bus lines need to be added in mayor avenues like Mariano Otero and Lopez Mateos, where options to cars are badly needed.

Mass transit in not a luxury, or nice things to have, on metropolitan areas like Guadalajara. They are must haves, that make commuting within the city not only easier, but much faster. Just having a few lines is not enough, they must be complete systems that allow people to move around the city, and with the same payment system to allow seamless transition between them. The same goes for the normal bus system, adding that they should also accept the transfer discount when taking near the stations of the light train, and rapid bus systems.

Public transport should be seen as system, not as independent services. Taxis, and shared ride apps, could be seen as exceptions, but light rail, rapid  bus, buses, and trolleybus should be considered as part of the system and integrated as such. And should be made so that everyone living in the metropolitan area should be within a 15 minute walking distance of a bus stop, trolley bus stop, light rail, or rapid bus station. Not only that, transferring between them should be seamless when needed. Not only that, it should be cheap enough for most of the population to pay, even free in some cases.

Public transport should so good that most people can consider it as the first option for their daily commute, with private transport being primary mode of transport for as little as possible. It is not about taking freedom of choice away, is that the making the choice of public transport easier to make for a larger portion of the people living in cities.

Public transport makes building cities for the people who live in them much easier, it is time to make cities for people not for cars.

Security vs. Usability: The Case for OS-Agnostic Remote Work

After a while of using a work issued small form desktop at work than ran Windows 11 for almost 6 months, and then coming back to using my Linux Mint laptop, I got reminded why I preferred using Linux Mint at work.

For my work, I had to access a remote desktop. As such, the OS that my computer runs locally doesn't really matters while there is app available to access the remote desktop without issues from any place with an Internet connection. Which I was able to do for more than a couple of years, until a boss decided that the only way we could connect to the remote desktop and print, was only to be done on a Windows computer at the local network.

Which has come to bite us several times over the last year and a half, specially since only a couple of accounts can make the invoices needed to send our clients orders and at times only one of us was at the office and could not invoice and print them.

The main reason cited for the change was network security, which for us was a non issue since to login to the remote desktop the IT department has to issue a hardened account with password to each user, and the permission to the account to be able to access the printer.  As such, the access to the printer is not only secure, but also restricted to only those who actually need to be able to print. Those who can't, have to ask someone who can by policy.

Not only that, some of us who use the system and need to print have more capable computers than the ones that the company can issue us. And the server, and software we use, require that each computer to be added to the whitelist to be able to connect to the server. Which means that someone leaves the company, and used his own computer to work, that machine can taken off the white list, and be denied access even if they for some reason still have their individual  user and password on their machine afterwards.

Personally, taking away the chance of each employee to connect to the server with the computer they already bring with them when is safe to do so, is something that doesn't make sense. Doing so, is denying people doing their best work with the tool that allows them to do so. If people can do their work bringing their own devices, they should be allowed to do so. Specially on post that you know they can be trusted to do it in the best way possible, and there are ways to set restrictions in such a way they can only access what they need to do their job.

Not only that, when they bring a laptop or tablet, that allows them to do their job from wherever they are at any given time. is a change to offer flexibility to that employee and/or have some insurance that they would be able to continue do the job if they can make it to the office sometimes.

Even if by company policy, employees need to come in to the office, being able to work remotely if there is the need means that work won't come to a stop if something unforeseen happens. It give everyone involved the certainty that things can be done even if the unexpected happen.

It is sad to see companies not allowing their employees do their best work because they don't use the tech at hand to its full potential. In a way, they are leaving money at the table, because their employees can't solve problems or find ways to work focused to giving the best they can. If employees aren't allowed to use their tools to their full potential in a way that lets their creativity to solve problems for the costumer the company loses.

Tech should be at the service of the employees, so they can actually do their best for the benefit of the consumer that will use the services of the company more often in a recurring way. People make businesses great, but only if given the best tools possible. 

Why Linux Mint is My Daily Driver for Home, Work, and Everything in Between

I've keep using Linux Mint on the laptops I use every day, because its focus on ease of use, stability, and that it can be set to look and feel as each user wants to set it up. Which means instead of getting in the users way, each user can actually focus on doing what they want to do on their computer.

Either you use it for work, or play, Linux Mint has proven to be a solid choice for beginner and advanced user that want to set their computer once, and forget about it. And while there are other Linux distros with a focus on packaging the most bleeding edge software, or more advanced users, I've found that Linux Mint is the right balances of being stable and user friendly, with adding new tech and software only when is ready.

That is why I see Linux Mint as one of the best options for home users, and professionals, that need an OS that is stable, easy to use, and modern. These three things are vital for end users, since it allows them to either use new computers, or give longer use to older ones, according to their needs.

With time, more apps are coming to Linux in general, and Linux Mint benefits from this being based on Ubuntu, with a Debian based option available. Ubuntu, and Debian, are two of the most popular Linux distros, which means that developers taken them into account when bringing their apps to Linux. It is also important, that Linux Mint is also on the top ten most popular distros, making it also important to consider.

It also means that what works for Ubuntu, or Debian, also works for Linux Mint in most cases. Which makes the resources pool even bigger in terms of software, and support, the user gets when needed. Also that Linux Mint supports Flatpak, a software deployment and package management utility for Linux, out of the box is an advantage since is becoming a popular way with app developers to publish their apps on Linux. Mainly because the more people develop, and use, Flatpak apps, more Linux distros will use them to serve software to their users.

Linux Mint is a solid base for the computer needs of home users, professional users, and small businesses that need a stable and easy to use OS that work for, and with, them. This is why is the Linux distro I recommend, and want to help people to learn how to use to the best of their abilities to do their best work, and live their best digital life.

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.