I’ve been writing a lot about technology and technology tools in the past several years on this blog, but this week I’ve spent time reviewing what I wrote twenty years ago when I started blogging. I started blogging after a major health event. Up to that time, I had never kept a journal or shared my thoughts with others in a more open medium. Over time I’ve found it enjoyable and some folks have benefitted from those things I’ve shared. Lately I’ve been in a bit of a writing slump at least when it comes to writing about the technology tools that I’m using. I use Linux everyday and other open source tools that are part of my workflow.
My desktop is a System76 Meerkat running Linux Mint Cinnamon. It’s where I do most of the reading and exploring that makes up a good part of my day. I’m glad I bought the Meerkat last year, before hardware prices rose. I saw today that Microsoft’s new Surface laptop with the latest AI-ready processor retails for over $5000. I won’t be buying one of them anytime soon. I’m grateful for Linux because I can use older and less powerful computers to get my work done without being a slave to needless upgrades.
Earlier today I used LibreOffice, my go-to desktop productivity package, and, unlike its proprietary competition, it’s free of artificial intelligence. I’m not against using AI. I find it useful for some things, but it’s nice to avoid it when it’s not necessary.
I get a weekly email from It’s Foss, and I look at LinuxLinks. I look forward to listening to Late Night Linux every Monday night. I read All Things Open every morning and check David Both’s blog for new content.
I’m grateful for all the blessings of belonging and contributing to the open source ecosystem.