A chronological archive of all posts, organized by year and month.
A reflection on how algorithms in streaming and social media create isolated digital worlds, reducing shared cultural experiences.
Discover how to enable automatic version history in LibreOffice Writer on Linux by connecting Google Drive via GNOME Online Accounts. A practical guide for avoiding file loss and managing drafts without complex setups.
If a professor accuses you of using AI, don't panic. This post offers easy ways to store evidence of your writing AND what I would do if I was accused of using AI in high school or college.
AI detectors used by schools give inconsistent results and can't prove plagiarism. Learn why universities should stop relying on them to accuse students and demand accountability from people, not algorithms.
Learn how to install LibreOffice on Linux, Windows, and Mac. Perfect for non-technical users who want free, privacy-respecting office software that works for everyday tasks.
Moving to Linux doesn't mean giving up cloud backup. Learn how to connect Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox seamlessly on Ubuntu and Zorin using point-and-click tools, plus the critical warning about permanent file deletion you need to know before you start.
Companies are inserting AI into customer service without safeguards. Learn how to use virtual cards, gift cards, and smart trial tactics to protect your money when you can't reach a human.
Test 20+ common Excel formulas in LibreOffice Calc and see identical results. Learn which formulas work perfectly, what doesn't translate, and how switching saves you $100+ per year without losing compatibility and without having to overcome a large learning curve.
A practical guide exploring tap-to-pay solutions for GrapheneOS users who can't rely on Apple Pay or Google Wallet, including workarounds and international alternatives.
When a gas station emergency exposed the limits of tap-to-pay options on GrapheneOS, I discovered that building human connection beats the all-or-nothing pursuit of perfect privacy.
September 27, 1983 marked when Richard Stallman announced the GNU Project. Learn how free software choices still save families money and protect privacy today.
Linux isn't just for programmers and tinkerers. Get a better feel for what Linux actually is, why it can be much more private and secure than Windows or macOS, and why it might be for you.
Motorola and GrapheneOS just announced a partnership bringing another option for secure, private smartphones to mainstream users. Here's what it means for moms, families, and anyone tired of big tech tracking.
GrapheneOS is developing their own RCS implementation to reduce reliance on Google Messages. Learn what RCS is and why this breakthrough matters for privacy-focused phone users.
Learn what GrapheneOS profiles are and how they keep your apps separated. This guide explains why profile isolation reduces tracking from Facebook, Google, and other apps.
Learn to recognize USB-A, USB-B, Mini-USB, Micro-USB, and USB-C connectors. This quick visual guide shows you what each end looks like and where it connects.
Wondering what data Google Play Services collects from your phone? Learn what information is being tracked, why it matters for your family's privacy, and how GrapheneOS lets you keep using essential apps while controlling what gets sent out.
A personal account of switching to GrapheneOS, covering real-world usability, app compatibility, and why privacy phones are increasingly practical in 2026
How to fix a GrapheneOS phone stuck in a restart loop when the battery drains to 0%. Catch it at the boot screen, charge to 20%, and avoid letting updates install on a critically low battery.
Learn how virtual cards protect your real credit card number from breaches, limit merchant access, and give you control over online spending.
Planning to buy a printer for your Linux machine? Not a technical person? That's ok! Learn how to check for driver support, understand system architecture requirements, and avoid common compatibility pitfalls.
Having printer connectivity issues on Linux? Learn how to troubleshoot CUPS, disable auto-discovery loops, and try alternative connection methods.
Testing Pop!_OS from System76 - exploring COSMIC desktop, NVIDIA support, hardware compatibility, and out-of-box functionality through live boot USB tests.
Linux Mint Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment ideal for older computers with limited RAM. Learn how it works, what it looks like, and why it might be the right choice for your aging hardware.
Discover why Linux Mint Cinnamon is a strong choice for newcomers seeking privacy, customization through desklets and applets, and a subscription-free computing experience.
Learn what GNOME is, how it compares to Windows and macOS, and why it's perfect for privacy-conscious beginners switching to Linux. Free, customizable, and surprisingly familiar.
Tired of $20/month image editors and AI-filled tools? I tested open source options that handle cropping, drawing, and quick edits without the learning curve. Plus: terminal commands for batch processing.
LibreOffice is a free and open source office suite that replaces Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without subscriptions or data harvesting. Learn how to get started and customize it.
A tour of my Linux open source operating system that I use as a mom and programmer.
From Bartz v. Anthropic to Project Panama, discover how AI companies are destructively scanning rare books for training data, the copyright settlements involved, and what this means for cultural heritage preservation.
Most VLC "hidden features" articles just point to menu items. The real secret is the playlist view—it turns VLC into an entertainment command center for free TV, radio, and podcasts. No logins, no subscriptions, no algorithms.
Discover why VLC Media Player is trusted by millions worldwide, with no ads, no tracking, and no subscriptions. Learn how to unlock free streaming from around the world, listen to radio stations, and watch podcasts all in one place without paying big tech companies.
A screenshot-heavy introduction to elementaryOS Linux: what the boot process, desktop, and customization options look like, including dark mode, text sizing, and a built-in dyslexia-friendly font.
When renaming my computer silently broke Minecraft's launcher, I had no error message and no idea what happened. Here's how I traced the problem through log files, broken symlinks, and a little help from AI, all without reinstalling or losing my worlds. Includes error log analysis, symlink troubleshooting, and backup best practices.
New to Linux and confused by terms like kernel and distro? Here's a plain-language breakdown, plus why Zorin OS and Linux Mint are solid picks for regular people and parents.
Learn about browser options that block trackers and protect your privacy. Compare Firefox, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi, LibreWolf, and Chrome for secure web browsing on Linux systems.
A plain-language explainer on what open source software actually is, why it's not just about saving money, and everyday examples like Firefox, WordPress, and the AI tools you already use.
Sometimes technology surprises us by removing friction where we expected headaches. Here's how my new mini PC ran Linux gaming perfectly without any tinkering.
A personal story about discovering an impervious smart meter box that disabled my A/C during a heatwave, and why surveillance isn't just about data collection, but about losing control over our daily lives to distant actors. The people who shape our lives are farther away from us than ever.
You can have a super secure message, but if it appears on your lock screen in plain text, anyone holding your phone can read it.
A mom's honest guide to taking back control of your data without sacrificing convenience or breaking the bank. Learn about backups, Linux, alternative phones, and why some things really do work better than Big Tech alternatives.
One busy parent's real-world experience using GrapheneOS daily. What works, what doesn't, and whether open source alternatives are practical for regular people who don't want to fight their phone.
A practical guide to post-installation Linux setup including system updates, browser settings, creating standard user profiles, configuring backups, and installing hardware drivers. Learn the 'boring but important' security practices that give you peace of mind.
Learn how to create a live USB to test Linux distributions like Zorin OS and Linux Mint before installing. Includes a checklist for testing Wi-Fi, YouTube playback, audio, and hardware compatibility to avoid surprises after installation.
Big Tech promises convenient cloud storage, but at what cost? Learn the 3-2-1 backup rule, why external drives beat subscriptions, and how to encrypt files before uploading. A practical guide to regaining ownership of your data without sacrificing privacy or breaking the bank.
Tired of Windows 10 end-of-life issues, BitLocker lockouts, and forced updates? Discover how switching to Linux (specifically Zorin OS) saved me money, sped up my old laptop, and gave me back control over my data. A beginner-friendly guide to making the switch.
An introduction to the blog's mission. Guiding regular people from expensive, ad-filled big tech traps to affordable, privacy-respecting open source alternatives without losing convenience.
The Crosswalk