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.