Recently, a friend who was getting started with Python asked me to check some code she had been working with. She was building a tool to assess the impact of artificial intelligence on small businesses in a particular geographic area. She was using AI to teach herself Python. I love learning, and my friend’s request … Read more
In the early days of Linux, installing software applications was much more difficult. Most software was not distributed in easy-to-install packages. I frequently had to download source code, which usually came as a ‘tar’ file that had to be extracted and then compiled to run on the system. There was usually a four-step process which … Read more
I have done a lot of distro hopping and continue to experiment with different Linux distributions. I started with Linux before Fedora or Ubuntu existed. The first distribution I really explored was Red Hat 6.1, back in 1999. At that time, it used the LILO bootloader, and the distribution was available on CD-ROM. I installed … Read more
When I think of open source web browsers, I typically think of Chromium and Firefox. I have used both extensively, and they’re both exemplary. Chromium is the open-source base for the Chrome browser and Microsoft Edge, and was originally released in 2008. Firefox’s origins are with Mozilla and were originally released in 2004. This year, … Read more
One of the questions I often receive from people I talk to is, “Why should I use Linux?” Let’s be honest—most department stores and online retailers are selling Windows machines from various vendors. Most of our neighbors use Windows, and while many people have Android phones, which run Linux in their pockets, very few use … Read more
In 2026, privacy isn’t a niche concern — it’s a daily negotiation. Every device, every app, every operating system wants a piece of your data. Windows and macOS increasingly tie core features to cloud accounts, telemetry, and background analytics. Linux stands out because it flips that relationship: instead of your computer watching you, you decide … Read more
Desktop Linux has been prematurely declared “dead” more times than can be counted. The operating system continues to evolve, adapting to the changing technological landscape and meeting user needs. With a diverse range of distributions and a passionate community behind it, Desktop Linux remains a vital option for many individuals and organizations seeking flexibility, customization, … Read more
Recently, I had my first Waymo ride. A friend suggested I try it while I’m on a short vacation in the Phoenix, AZ area. I saw dozens of Waymo vehicles whizzing by. Initially, I felt some trepidation, but after visiting their website and getting some encouragement from a close friend, I decided to give this … Read more
I just finished volunteering at the local library, where five Dell Optiplex All-in-One computers were replaced by several newer All-in-One PCs running Windows 11. The library’s tech support does not support Linux, so the older PCs, which have i5 CPUs and 8 GB of RAM, were deemed obsolete. These Dell computers were manufactured in January … Read more
I was volunteering at the local public library, where I find myself frequently these days. The library has some older Dell OptiPlex All-in-One desktops that have been in service for over 10 years. They came to the library as Windows 8 machines. The computers were delivered to the library in January 2015, and they have … Read more
