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. 

Finding My "Me Time" on Linux, Thanks to Palia

After about a month of playing Palia on Steam on Linux Mint, I can say that gaming is finally an option on Linux.

I've totally played almost 30 hours so far, and it has been quite a good experience. What I like the most about Palia, is that it's a game that I can play casually at my own pace. And that is something I look on video games at the moment, a form of relaxing and just enjoy a me time.

I do look playing Palia, to relax and to explore a world outside my everyday life. In a way, is a place where I can forget about the troubles of the real world, and just explore a new world. It remained me why I love playing video games.

It has given me a place to relax, and remained my where my interest for computers, and technology, started.

Why It's Easier Than Ever to Switch to Linux.

As a Linux Mint user, the increase in the number of articles and YouTube videos showing that making the jump is easy is something I appreciate. Thanks to them, I feel vindicated.

I feel vindicated, not only because they also show why making the jump is easy, but also because they go into reasons I didn't know or see. The more people give their reasons, the more people will find a reason to make the switch. This is especially true since the more people share why switching was good for them, the more likely someone who is on the fence will find that a Linux distribution fits their use case.

Not only that, they will be more likely to find the Linux distribution that fits them best from the get-go. With the number of options out there, it can be overwhelming and could more likely lead to getting a distro that doesn't fit the user's needs. For example, if you're a content creator and find out that a certain distro is the most used by content creators, it will most likely work for you, too. The same goes for all other user needs; finding the distro that works for your needs out of the box makes the transition much easier.

Linux is far from the difficult-to-set-up-and-use OS of old. It has come a long way, with distros like Ubuntu and Linux Mint that target beginners, while others like Red Hat and SUSE are aimed at corporations. As such, there's a distro that fits your needs, and the best part is that most modern distros are easy to install, with graphical installers that guide you through the entire process.

Most importantly, most distros have made using the terminal something you don't have to do unless you want to learn. All everyday tasks, like installing or updating software, can be done with a graphical interface. Software can be found, installed, or removed via the software store that many distros now offer out of the box. This makes the whole experience easier and less intimidating, making it easier to recommend Linux and for many current users to manage their computers more easier.

Using a Desktop as a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Server: A Cost-Effective and Secure Alternative for Business

Speaking about the costs of servers to the run remote desktop  protocol we use at work, made me question if you need an actual server to be able to use or if a desktop computer could be an option.

It turns out that a desktop computer can be an option, and it could be a better fit for the needs of the business. The cost of acquisition of a computer that fits our needs is a lot cheaper, and it would be under the direct control of our IT department. The second point is important, since it means that the security of the computer could be done according to the business needs and verified continuously to ensure the integrity of the system internally.

Since the computer could be hosted on premises, it means that securing the network used to connect to it would be easier. It could be set to only accept connections only from authorized devices and limit the privileges of each user. The main risks to the system security for the computer are who can connect to it, and what the users do when they are in the system.

Getting a server would be an over kill, and renting it is too expensive. So, setting a top end desktop is the best option. It gives the best value, and since it could be hosted on premise it would be more secure. it isn't a negligible investment, but is one that make more sense for our needs.

Escaping into Palia: A Casual Gamer’s Linux Journey.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post about how Steam is making gaming on Linux as easy as it is on Windows or macOS. While I had the Steam storefront installed on my Linux Mint laptop, I mostly used it for browsing. However, the buzz about gaming on Linux through Steam kept my interest alive.

The number of playable games has been growing, and many run well. Some work right out of the box, while others need a bit of tweaking. If you're curious about game compatibility or searching for specific titles, ProtonDB is a fantastic resource.

I do miss playing video games, so last week, I decided to try a free-to-play game I could casually enjoy. I chose Palia, an open-world fantasy life sim.

Over the past week, I've played about five hours, and it's been a fantastic experience. If you like open-world fantasy games, Palia might be worth checking out, especially if you're a casual gamer looking for something budget-friendly. Like other games, it offers in-game purchases for those who want to enhance their experience.

For me, Palia has been a perfect way to unwind and escape. I've also started playing Star Wars: The Old Republic, though I need to spend more time with it. As a big Star Wars fan, being able to play these games on Linux brings me a lot of joy.

This has shifted my perspective, and I might consider buying games in the future. For reference, I'm gaming on a Machenike Machcreator 15N, which is an entry-level gaming laptop.

I've always appreciated Linux Mint for tasks like office work, school, and media consumption. With gaming now being a viable option, it broadens its appeal to even more users. Of course, there are still some limitations, such as when you need an app that isn't compatible and lacks a direct replacement, or if your workplace doesn't allow personal computers or changes to the issued OS.

Steam's push to reduce dependence on Microsoft has made Linux a more attractive option for many. For those of us who prefer Linux, it feels validating to see it recognized as more than just an OS for servers or tech enthusiasts.

Life on Linux has undeniably improved because of these changes.

My Five-Year Journey with Linux Mint.

I've been using Linux Mint as my daily driver for almost five years now, and I've seen it improve leaps and bounds over that time.

So far, I've used it on three laptops with no problems. If anything, one had a really old battery and lousy battery life, but that was more of the battery itself rather than of Linux Mint. In all of them, everything worked out of the box at the moment of installation. To be honest, none of the laptops have had the latest hardware or any unusual configurations.

The only thing I haven't tested, and don't really care about, is a fingerprint reader.

Personally, there have been several improvements that the Linux Mint developers have made over time that have benefited me. One has been the battery life, which has been getting better with each release. I've seen it go up by an hour or two, depending on usage. A couple of years ago, I could get four hours at most; now I'm seeing between four and five hours with the same usage.

Another improvement is the Software Manager. It has become easier to use and has more apps included. This is more noticeable with Flatpak apps being made available. What I like most about this is that in some cases, you can choose to install an app as a system package or as a Flatpak.

Additionally, all the apps I use are available on Linux Mint. Apps like Spotify, Firefox, and Thunderbird can be installed from the Software Manager without needing the terminal. This makes it easier to do, and with just a few clicks, you are up and running.

 

Cinnamon has become a mature desktop environment, and it keeps getting better with time. More applets and customization option are becoming available with time. The jump to Wayland is coming in the next couple of years, and it seems to promise to make Cinnamon even better.

 

So far, Linux Mint has become my go to Linux distro, and one I can recommend to new comers and people who already use Linux. Linux Mint is a distro for those who want a OS that doesn't get in your way, and it just works.

Why Forcing Full-Time Office Work Is a Strategic Misstep

Not offering hybrid work options to employees capable of remote work is a significant mistake for employers. The ability to work remotely, when feasible, adds value to working at a company that supports this flexibility.

Requiring employees to be in the office full-time is often unnecessary. While there are occasions where in-person collaboration is beneficial, most tasks do not require constant office presence. Even allowing employees to work remotely for part of the day can boost productivity, particularly when their tasks do not depend on being in the office.

Providing remote work options when needed, or when it suits the employee best, fosters motivation and loyalty more effectively than events like office parties. Allowing flexibility helps employees recharge and perform better, leading to greater contributions and attention to detail in their work.

Although some employees may prefer fully remote work, most favor a hybrid model—spending a few days in the office and the rest working remotely. Even splitting time between remote and in-office work within a single day can significantly enhance both individual performance and overall workforce efficiency.

It is evident that remote work is viable and does not diminish productivity. Therefore, it should remain a standard practice moving forward.