Despite being a Linux user who will probably never again buy a Microsoft product, I am not a Windows-basher. I don’t particularly like Windows, but it’s not terrible. If you force yourself to operate as a limited user (instead of the default administrator), it’s as secure as Mac OS X or Linux, and it generally… Continue reading Why is Windows forcing me to reboot?
Category: Computers
Teach kids computer skills, not computer programs
Frequently, in online discussions of the putting of Linux and/or open source in schools, the idea of preparing children for the Windows-dominated workplace comes up. The idea is that most workplaces use Windows and Microsoft Office and will sometimes even require proficiency in certain Windows applications, so how would putting Linux and open source software… Continue reading Teach kids computer skills, not computer programs
Is security through obscurity better than nothing?
Before I started using Linux and getting into frequent online discussions with other Linux users about security issues, I had no idea about computer security. I thought having a login and password was enough to keep the “bad guys” out, should my computer ever be stolen. Most people I know think the same. My dad… Continue reading Is security through obscurity better than nothing?
Wizards are for power users
I’ve never met Joe Sixpack, but I keep hearing about him in “Linux isn’t ready for the desktop” rants. Apparently, Joe Sixpack never has to ask for help with Windows. He can do everything he wants without asking for help, because Windows has GUI (graphical user interface) for all the common tasks. Poor desktop Linux.… Continue reading Wizards are for power users
OLPC did sell out, folks
Recently, the One Laptop Per Child project announced that it was going to include Microsoft’s Windows XP alongside the Linux-based Sugar OS it had previously been shipping as the only operating system option for the XO Laptop. There has been a lot of buzz in the Linux community about how this is a sellout on… Continue reading OLPC did sell out, folks
Technology ideas I thought were stupid… until I tried them
I have consumer’s arrogance. I’ll admit it. While innovators, inventors, businesspeople, and artists are busy working to make money (and art, too, if they’re lucky), I’m comfortably sitting back, relaxing, and critiquing them from my little soapbox of a blog. It’s easy once something has tanked to balk at it, “What were they thinking?” Sometimes… Continue reading Technology ideas I thought were stupid… until I tried them
Chasing the gadget dragon
A lot of tech enthusiasts are wondering whether they should get Eee PCs now or wait until something better comes out… or wait until the Eee’s have a better processor, or wait until the price has come down. My wife has been waiting for ages for the next-generation iPhone to come out. Technology is moving… Continue reading Chasing the gadget dragon
Sometimes I will get PC about “PC”
Yes, I’m a former English teacher, and I tend to be a stickler about word choice, phrasing, and grammar. I’m not ridiculous, though. If you want to split your infinitives, I really couldn’t care less. If you say you could care less when you really couldn’t care less, then I’ll get irritated. But I don’t… Continue reading Sometimes I will get PC about “PC”
Users tend not to read pop-up balloons
Moving from Windows to Linux can be a harrowing experience. One who does this may experience culture shock and then frustration at not being able to do things the way she was used to doing them. Every now and then (through Ubuntu Brainstorm, a blog post, or a Ubuntu Forums thread) I’ll read a Ubuntu… Continue reading Users tend not to read pop-up balloons
Video Skype is Cool
It was actually quite a while ago that I first installed Skype. It seemed okay, but most of the people I want to talk on the phone with I can call on my cell phone, and I don’t really talk on the phone that often, anyway. A while ago (it feels like years), my wife… Continue reading Video Skype is Cool