The Crosswalk
Linux Gaming Out of the Box
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.
The Distance Between Ordinary People and Power
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.
Push notifications and privacy
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.
🚦 Start Here
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.
Alternative Phones to Google and Apple
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.
My Tips for After Installing Linux
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.
How to Test Linux Before Installing (Live USB Boot Guide)
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.
How to Back Up Your Files
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.
Why I Switched to Linux (and Why You Should Too)
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.
Intro to the Crosswalk
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.