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.

Linux Is for Everyone—It’s Time Our Setups Show It

As a Linux Mint user, I find it a bit disappointing that there aren't more videos on YouTube or images on Pinterest showcasing Linux users' desk setups or the apps they use for work and play.

Most of the time, when I come across such content, it's made by Apple or Windows users. Not that it's a bad thing, as those videos have given me great ideas on improving my desk setup, like organizing better and using items such as headphone stands. 

However, these videos aren't very helpful when it comes to apps. Not all the apps they use are compatible with Linux or have direct replacements. This isn't usually a big issue for me since the apps they use often aren't relevant to my work, and I'm more of a casual gamer.

Where these videos could be more useful is in highlighting compatible hardware—like laptops, mice, and keyboards—that works seamlessly with Linux. While websites and forums can be helpful, YouTube videos would be a great starting point for those just beginning to explore Linux or looking for hardware recommendations.

Honestly, I'd love to see more people who use Linux daily sharing how they set it up and use it productively or for leisure. I believe that showcasing how Linux can be used beyond programming and technical work could attract more users. 

It would also help break the stereotype that using Linux means having a cluttered, tech-heavy setup. Seeing aesthetic, practical setups comparable to those of Apple and Windows users could show that Linux is for everyone, regardless of taste or technical expertise. It could demonstrate that you don't need to be a computer enthusiast to benefit from Linux in your work or daily life. One can dream, but I know...

ARM based laptops support on Linux Mint.

As an avid laptop user, when Apple introduced its ARM based M1 chip and I saw the improvement on battery life, I started to wish other CPU and SoC targeted for laptops. Then Qualcomm and Microsoft introduced Snapdragon SoC for the Surface 7 laptops.

That opened the door for more manufactures to offer laptops with ARM based SoC, which would mean that the architecture would become a bigger target for more of the software I personally used.

Personally, since I use Linux Mint, the idea of it offering a version targeted to ARM is not that far fetched. The Linux kernel already has some level of support for it, so if ARM based laptops become mainstream there would be case for a version of Linux Mint to be offered with relative ease. Specially if Debian or Ubuntu also do, since Linux Mint is based on them.

ARM based laptops would be a great options for those that like to keep mobile, like me. They offer a better balance between performance and battery life than Intel and AMD. Though Intel and AMD have been getting better, ARM still has the lead.

All I can do for now, is wait and see.

It is not streaming versus buying media.

If you watch YouTube videos about streaming media services, often you'll hear about how they are the vain of media content because users don't own the media on the service. It is true, users are renting the content, and the owners of the service can take away any media they want. They even can take any account they want at any time with no warning, and by any reason they have.

Some argue that people should buy the media they consume, being music, movies, or whichever they consume. A bit drastic, and is something that not everyone can do because of the expense and might not even want to do it.

For me, I see streaming media and buying it as complementary. Both are valid ways to discover and consume your favorite media. 

While I've no doubt there a people who only buy their media, while others only use streaming services, I see most people somewhere in between. Buying the media they love the most, while using streaming services when is more practical for them to do.

For me, buying books, CDs, DVDs, or MP3s, is something I do for the media I like the most. The media I want to have access at home without having to connect to the Internet.

While Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube I use when I want to listen or watch new content or content I like but not enough to buy a copy of it.

The plus for me, is that in both ways the creators get pay. There is another debate if the amount they get is fair. There is also the question of restrictions based on location of the user to the content.

Yet, I don't see one as being more valid than the other. At the end, it comes down to each person needs and wants.