NutWrench

A VPN is the quickest, easiest way for me to avoid having my data sucked up by my ISP and Google. I’m using Thunderbird for email instead of Google. I use DuckDuckGo for searches, and it allows you to block search results on a per-site basis. I mostly use that feature to block AI-generated search result sites.

The RAM prices will come down when “AI” finally implodes and the tech bros have finished extracting every last bit of venture capital from idiots.

Software that reads facial expressions could potentially make way for a hands-free user interface that doesn’t require talking out loud, reports noted.

That’s not what it will be used for, and they damn well know it. Whenever tech companies come up with new applications, always think of the most evil thing it could be used for. And it is ALWAYS about propaganda, surveillance and control.

This tech will be by authoritarians to scan faces in crowds, especially when those regimes give speeches. Looking for signs of ThoughtCrime: anger, incredulity, amusement, etc. Because if you show ANY of those signs, you’ll be added to the regime’s “list” even if you never carry a protest sign or say a single word.

I recently upgraded from Linux Mint 21.3 to 22.2 and my login screen STILL shows the Wayland (Cinnamon) display manager as “experimental.” Wayland runs a lot smoother on 22.2 and it’s a lot less crash-ey, but I don’t think it’s ready for prime time, yet. (Your own mileage may vary.)

I have NEVER uninstalled “Deus Ex.”

Being able to use my magical talking rock to talk to people on the other side of the planet.

Get or build a PC instead of getting a console. Introduce to kid to games. After a while, say “you know, computers can do other stuff besides play games” and introduce the kid to that as well.

Tell them to keep their personal life completely separate from their online life. NO personal info shared online.

Well if you’re still interested in updating your laptop, Soundblaster actually makes a sound card on a USB stick for less than $20 (Amazon). :)

It might be worth getting a cheap Soundblaster card for your computer. Mint seems to have good support for all of them.

I’m really enjoying the learning curve with Linux because it’s a valuable skill to master. On the other hand, every time I’ve had to “go under the hood” with Windows, it’s been to keep it from doing something awful to me.

Apple CEO Tim Cook recently gave Trump a 24 carat gold bribe.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/08/07/tim-cook-trump-gift/85555805007/

Windows already has a rootkit on your computer. It’s called Microsoft CoPilot and Recall. Giving up things that hurt you shouldn’t be hard, when there are far better alternatives to Windows and EA.

I’ve got 2 Brother printers that work just fine with Linux Mint, the Brother L2640 and L2685. They’re both black and white toner cartridge printers that use either wireless or a USB cable connection. I print maybe a dozen pages a day on both printers and replace the cartridges ever 4-5 months or so. I can get third party replacement toner cartridges on Amazon for around $25 for a 2-pack. Replacement drums are about $25-30 every 3 years or so.

Congratulations! If you feel you need further tip on safe driving habits I would start with

• Assume that everyone else on the road is a total maniac who doesn’t know what they’re doing.
• Don’t drive faster than is safe for current road conditions (rain, ice, fog)
• If you see a bunch of car taillights light up ahead of you, slow down! There’s a reason why they’re all doing that.
• Check out youtube videos like, “Idiots in cars.” There are plenty of examples there of what NOT to do. :)

If you’re still on the fence about switching to Linux, try downloading a Live Linux USB image and booting it from a USB stick. This lets you try out Linux without changing anything on your Windows drive. The Live version will also let you see if Linux detects all your computer’s hardware before you install it for real.

I recommend Linux Mint for beginners.

Anyone who thinks Charlie Kirk was just some nice Christian who loved the First Amendment needs to get MUCH better sources of information than they currently have.

The 5-layer burrito is delicious and it’s only $5. It’s a bargain, even with the extra meat option.

This. Also, get a VPN service, like Nord that’s preferably not based in the US. Also, Microsoft is literally installing spyware on your computer already. (CoPilot and Recall). They would have NO problems turning over your computer data to the Trump regime on their whims.

“I think it’s worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the second amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational.” - Charlie Kirk

Another vote for trying a live distro. If the live version detects all your computer’s hardware, it will detect it when you install it for real.