A little while ago I noted that some PCs which were unable to upgrade to Windows 11, should now be able to do so. This article explains how you go about it.
Blog
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Can you use Linux without the Terminal
The terminal interface to Linux can be a bit off-putting, but it doesn’t need to be; alternatively you can use commands to achieve the same thing. Read this for more information.
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How to master your Mac menubar
Something I think many Mac users don’t bother with doing. It is customisable, and some subtle changes could make it much more usable and useful to you.
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What is ChatGPT and how does it work
A useful explanation of the technology that started the move towards Generative AI.
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Using Windows Backup to move from an old to a new machine
There must be many ways of doing this, but this article details how you might be able to do the transfer successfully.
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Thinking of moving from Windows to MacOS
For me, the problem is the other way round of course, but I know a lot of people are put off switching to Apple because they think it might be too different, and therefore difficult for them to pick up.
Here’s an “explainer” that shows some of the most common differences and explains the comparable names and facilities between the two systems.
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Losing your Apple ID could be a disaster!!!!
I must look into this one as well, as I use my Apple ID for lots of things, and I really wouldn’t want to lose it …
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Notes of meeting – 11th March
We had the pleasure of a presentation on Linux, Raspberry Pi, VPNs, KODI and Geolocation from Dave Williams (our American cousin). Here is the outline of the talk he gave us. I should have recorded it – an oversight!
X86 LINUX
* Define OS
* Interface between the “guts” and apps
* Linux was developed by Linus Torvalds as a college project
* FOSS (free and open source)
* Many distros, I used Red Hat, SUSE in past.
* Ubuntu (Zulu for humanity toward others). Provides a good selection of apps.
* Xubuntu good for older machines
* More secure from malware than windows, I zealously update and I’ve never had a problem
* War stores. No longer so nerd-centric. Apps easy to install with APT and SNAP.
* Unless your name is Harrison don’t dual boot! Install on that old PC in the basement.
* David and Paul dog and pony show
* https://fullcirclemagazine.org/
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4WyNjt_hbQ
RASPBERRY PI SBC
* Single Board Computer, ARM architecture like phones
* Raspberry Pi is a type of SBC, developed to teach kids to code
* Became popular with computer enthusiasts for projects (eg robotics)
* HTPC limited to two channels
* I use a version of Ubuntu developed for Raspberry Pi
* https://ubuntu.com/download/raspberry-pi
* https://magpi.raspberrypi.com/
VPN
* Virtual Private Network, I use NordVpn
* I always use for bootleg
* Geo Location
* Easiest way is to use as browser extension
* https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-vpn
KODI
* Can be used to hack media
* Requires add-ons
* Real Debrid to access restricted media $17 USD 180 days
* Watch in real time or download
* Security concern with Raspberry Pi
* https://troypoint.com/best-kodi-addons/
Geolocate
* Requires VPN, easily applied through browser extensions
* CBC (Canada)
* SBS on demand (Australia)
* I suggest creating a ‘throwaway” email address
* create an account
* log in
The talk led to a lively discussion with many interruptions from yours truly. We then were able to examine the Raspberry Pi that Dave had brought with him, and the three machines running Linux (Ubuntu) that Phil and I had brought along. Two of my machines were “new” in 2008, one of which has still a functioning battery. That’s quite some achievement for a laptop and to see them running up-to-date software – eg LibreOffice, Firefox, Brave and Thunderbird is testament to the usefulness in prolonging the life of old machines. One of my laptops was running Windows XP in dual-boot mode – again an indication that if you’re careful with your internet activity, old machines are not necessarily redundant.