The Crosswalk

Intro to the Crosswalk

Katie B — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Crosswalk: Taking Back Your Digital Life (Without Breaking the Bank)

Using tech or used by tech?

Do you feel like you’re being used by the tech you pay for? Is your TV showing you ads? Is your phone telling big companies your personal information? Is your computer taking screen shots of your bank information? If you're using the default phones, computers, and TVs out there, I wouldn't be surprised if the answer is "yes."

Convenient?

We’re told that the "default" options are convenient, but are they really? Or are they just expensive, ad-filled traps?

This blog is for the average person

I think of my friend who drags her Windows laptop to Geek Squad every time it glitches. She pays for Windows, pays for software and subscriptions, and pays for the repair. I often wonder... What if she could have better reliability without the endless price tag? She’s interested in switching to something better, but she hesitates, thinking she'll lose that safety net of tech support. Linux is a good option, but she's afraid if something breaks, she’s on her own.

That’s exactly who this blog is for.

Money, convenience, ownership, and safety

Welcome to "The Crosswalk." My goal is to help you save money and keep the convenience, to guide you safely from the illusion of convenience to real ownership of your digital life. I can take you from one side of the street, safely across the crosswalk, to a side with more freedom and privacy, without a lot of friction, inconvenience, and we'll save money along the way.

Most of us feel trapped. Between AI in everything, ads in the menus, surprise pop-up ads and "buy now," and software you can’t uninstall, tech is exhausting. From school portals to doctor appointments and grocery coupons, we are forced to use clunky apps that harvest our data just to access basic services. Your data is valuable currency, and companies are mining it, selling it, and risking it. You deserve a say in how that currency is spent.

So, what’s the alternative?

Open source

I’ll be focusing on open source software. Simply put, this means the code is open for anyone to see. It’s transparent, customizable, and often free. It’s not just about saving money on subscriptions. It’s about using tools that respect your privacy and don’t leak your data like a sieve.

Bite-size chunks of information

But I know you can’t just make this change overnight.

This is a journey, not a race. I know some of you feel stuck with big tech, and you might not be able to totally transition away. Maybe Facebook is the only way to get local news in your town, or maybe your family and friends won’t switch to a secure messaging app. That’s okay.

Practical tips on how to protect yourself

In this blog, I won’t just talk about perfect open-source tools. I’ll also show you how to minimize the harm of big tech when you have to use it. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then I probably mean your computer or your phone.

Types of things I'll talk about

We’ll also talk about things like the following:

How to strip ads and trackers from the apps you already use. Which open-source tools are actually easy for non-techies. How to protect your data even when you’re stuck in a big-tech ecosystem.

Taking control of your digital life doesn’t have to be burdensome or a one-time overhaul. It can happen in small, manageable steps. Whether you’re ready to switch to Linux today or just want to stop paying for ads you hate, there’s a path forward.

Let's walk the Crosswalk together.

Image credit: Ayyeee Ayyeee

Why I Switched to Linux (and Why You Should Too)

Katie B — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Linux refers to a bunch of different operating systems. Examples of operating systems are Windows or Mac OS for Apple. I use a Linux distro called Zorin for my everyday needs. I'm a mom. I work. I like to play games. So, I need it to work for a lot of different things.

When I looked into what Linux and 'non-standard' phones could offer, I noticed a missing piece. I didn't hear other parents talking about real-world usability. This blog is here to fill that gap and to show that you can switch and still participate in the world around you.

What Finally Made Me Switch

Are you putting off a Windows upgrade because you would have to buy a new computer? Computer prices have skyrocketed in the past couple years, so this has definitely saved me money. For a lot of people, they might be pressured by pop up windows or even forced updates since Windows 10 support ended. That means no more security updates, and every day you have to worry about your computer's security. In this post, I'm proposing an alternative solution that addresses those problems without buying a new computer. Install a Linux-based operating system.

First, I'll tell you why I chose it. Believe me, I wasn't happy with Windows before, but I thought I didn't have time to switch. I wasn't sure if it would fail me when I needed to participate in the world or print something. Turns out, it didn't take long at all, and there are annoyances with the printer, but nothing new, nothing I wasn't already dealing with with Windows.

The Straw That Broke The Camel's Back

Microsoft Lost My Files, Again

I had a Microsoft Surface that randomly locked me out with a BitLocker recovery screen. BitLocker is a special security feature built into Windows that "locks" everything on that drive. It just recently was found to be vulnerable to a very easy bypass. In my case, I had a blue screen demanding a 48-digit recovery key, and I didn't have this hack. I don't know what triggered it, but I panicked. I wasn't sure what I had backed up or what I lost. I was so sick of fighting my computer. I was so mad that this happened that I decided I was done with Windows right then and there. I took a USB stick I had with Zorin OS on it, and I installed it.

Frustrations and Friction

For me, there wasn't anything Linux could do that would frustrate me more than Windows. Partly I expected frustration because Windows has always been frustrating. Why wouldn't Linux be? I also expected some frustration since a Surface is a very Microsoft-dependent laptop. It actually wasn't bad at all. Zorin proved to be a much smoother experience, faster, and free. As a programmer who understands tech but is also a parent who faces the same issues you do, I want to share what I learned.

Why I Switched (and Why You Might Too)

The benefits of switching to Linux are many, but here are 4 big ones:

Money: Most Linux distributions, including Zorin OS, are free, saving you money over expensive operating systems. I didn't have to buy a new laptop! I'm able to keep old laptops and use them for different purposes.
Speed: My old computer felt like new after I installed Linux and was faster. Not just the computer itself was faster, but working WITH it, rather than fighting it, made life speedier with this friction removed. Even on a Microsoft Surface, which needs a few extra drivers for the touch screen, the switch was smooth. Two concerns worth noting: camera and touchscreen. The built-in camera didn't work (I just plugged in a cheap USB one when needed instead), and the touchscreen was finicky. But honestly? The speed (and storage) gain was worth it. I think many computers will work fine, but you need to check. With any other computer that's not a Surface, Zorin worked right away for me. But I always test before install.
Control: No ads in the menus or stock apps. No AI features on the horizon. You decide where your files go. Linux is open source, meaning it can be customized. There's likely a version already tailored to your needs, but you can make the one you choose just right for you. Linux is so customizable, you can even change which file explorer tool you use. I picked Zorin for its privacy focus, and slick feel. It also feels similar to a Windows set up, so if you don't want to have to get used to a new layout, I think it's a good choice. You also have control over the updates.
Security: Updates are automatic and regular. You don't have to wait for a 'forced restart' or worry about missing a critical patch. You have control over the updates as well. You can skip updates if you want. I don't do that, but I can decide when my computer restarts and installs. It's very fast and doesn't interrupt my work when the updates are downloaded. In addition, Linux has a different security model that makes it less vulnerable to common malware.

Isn't Linux Complicated?

Not Complicated

I'd say no! My experience of Linux is that it's much smoother than dealing with Windows. I don't have to find multi-step updated guides for fixing problems, because I very rarely have any issues at all.

I get it. The idea of switching operating systems sounds intimidating. After extensive use of Zorin and Mint, I can tell you that the majority of people who use a computer will probably never need to touch the 'terminal' (that scary black command box) or memorize any weird codes. If you're only using your browser for things, like surfing the web, watching videos, or e-mails, you'll be ready to go once you install the browser you want. If it's not already there.

Try Before You "Buy"

And you don't have to go all-in at once. You can try Linux from a USB stick without installing it. See how it feels. Test your favorite programs. Take your time.

Do What Works For You

This is what "The Crosswalk" is all about: finding a path forward that works for your life, not someone else's idea of what you should do.

How to Back Up Your Files

Katie B — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Convenience Trap: Crossing the Street to Real Ownership

Welcome to The Crosswalk.

My goal with this blog is to help you decrease reliance on big tech and maybe interest you in topics of digital privacy. But I want to do it in a way that makes sense for the average person. I'd like to safely guide you through the crosswalk in a busy information superhighway.

The "default" platforms are hailed as "convenient," but I'm not sold on that. I think there's a way to keep more money in your pocket, more freedom, a little more privacy, and control. I think this can be done without a lot of friction.

I have talked with other moms who post on Facebook all the time, because they want to save their photos somewhere. Those photos are dependent on that platform and company staying in business and taking care of your photos. What else might they do with your photos? Ever-changing terms and conditions apply. If your account is almost old enough to drink, you probably didn't imagine your uploaded photos would be used to train someone's lucrative AI model.

File Backups

Today I want to talk about file backups, and how to exercise some control over your files.

The Illusion of "Easy"

There's a general idea that Big Tech offers the most "convenient" way to store our lives. But I argue that this convenience is a mirage. We are constantly fighting their glitches, policy changes, and catastrophic failures.

Microsoft has lost data in OneDrive. I saw articles about it, and before that, it happened to me twice. Google Drive was excellent, but Chrome has vanished all of my passwords, only to magically reappear days later with no explanation of whether they were leaked or just glitched. I appreciated that they fixed it, but it didn't feel safe. It felt like my data was at the mercy of a black box.

Now, as companies rush to use AI to "vibe code" and automate reviews, we're seeing more service outages, wiped databases, and unpredictable errors. Companies admit these AI errors happen, yet we are expected to treat them as "normal."

Most people accept this as the cost of doing business. But there is another way. By shifting to open-source tools and privacy-first hardware, we can regain some control. We might trade passive convenience (it just happens) for active reliability (it works because I own it), but the result is true peace of mind.

The 3-2-1 Rule: Your Map Across the Street

Before we cross the street, let's look at the map. The standard advice for backup is the 3-2-1 Rule. You don't have to follow this to the letter today, but aiming for it is the best way to ensure you don't get stranded.

3 Copies: Keep three total copies of your data (the original plus two backups).

2 Media Types: Store them on two different types of media (e.g., your computer's hard drive and an external USB drive).

1 Off-Site Copy: Keep one copy in a different physical location (like the cloud or a safe at a friend's house) to protect against fire, theft, or natural disasters. The goal is resilience. This doesn't have to be perfect to be useful. If you can make one small change today that moves you closer to this, that's a win.

Solution 1: The Air-Gapped External Drive

The simplest way to start crossing the street is with an external hard drive or flash drive. Even a thumb drive is a backup. Just be careful not to misplace it since they're often so small. With fast food prices rising, especially at a certain arch-shaped chain, you can get an external flash drive for the cost of a family meal.

Why it works

An external drive is "air-gapped" when unplugged. That means it's physically disconnected from the internet, making it immune to remote hacking, ransomware, or server-side deletions. It's a physical object you hold in your hand, and it sits isolated somewhere safe.

The Cost Argument: Rent vs. Ownership

Many people hesitate because they think hardware is expensive. It's true that drive costs have fluctuated, partly due to high demand from AI companies buying up storage capacity and components. But let's look at the long-term math:

The Big Tech "Rent": Google One charges ~$20 USD/year for 100 GB or $100/year for 2TB. Microsoft OneDrive is similar. Over 5 years, you pay $100–500 just to rent space. If they raise prices, malfunction with your login, or suspend your account, you lose access, and might not get it back.

The Hardware "Ownership": A 256GB thumb drive costs roughly $40–50 one-time. Even if you replace it every 5 years, you spend $200 total. More storage space costs more money, but I do it for peace of mind.

That is a massive saving over time. More importantly, you own the data. If the company goes bankrupt or changes its terms, your drive still works. You aren't paying a monthly fee to keep your memories safe; you made a one-time investment in your own security.

A Note on Longevity

Hard drives do have a shelf life. While I've had drives last a decade, relying on a single drive for 20 years is too risky. Files will get corrupted. The key is migration. Buy a drive now, even a small one, store your most important files and favorite memories, and plan to move them to a new drive every five or so years. Brands like Toshiba have been reliable for me, but the brand matters less than the habit of checking your backups regularly.

Solution 2: Cloud Storage Options (Without the Spyware)

For the "off-site" copy, many people default to Google Photos or iCloud. But if you're worried about companies training AI models on your children's photos or scanning your private documents, there are better options.

The Open-Source Alternative

You don't have to choose between safety and privacy.

Privacy-First Cloud: Services like Proton Drive or Sync.com offer end-to-end encryption. They cannot read your files, meaning they can't train AI on them or sell your data.

Self-Hosting: For the truly independent, setting up a Nextcloud instance on your own hardware gives you a "private cloud" that behaves exactly like Google Drive but lives in your home.

The "Free" Trap

If the product is free from a company out to make money, you are the product. The "convenience" of a free Google account comes at the cost of your privacy and the risk of arbitrary account suspensions with no recourse. Paying for a privacy-focused service is often cheaper than the long-term cost of dealing with Big Tech's data breaches.

One caveat, if your service is encrypted and you lose your password, you may lose your files.

I'm not talking about changing your password. That's normal and fine, but if you do "forgot my password," a service like Proton can't show you the files or e-mails before that reset.

Solution 3: Encrypt Before You Upload

What if you can't afford a new service, or you must use a free Big Tech cloud? You can still protect your data by encrypting it before it leaves your device. This is an extra step, but can protect your data and your family a little more than a simple upload.

How to encrypt files

Instead of uploading raw files, compress them into a password-protected archive. In other words, a .zip file with a password on it.

Windows:

Right-click a folder > Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder

Then, add a password.

Linux (Zorin/Ubuntu):

Right-click > Compress > Select "Encrypted ZIP" from the drop down extension.

Or use a tool like 7-Zip with AES-256 encryption.

Pro Tip: For stronger security, use open-source tools like VeraCrypt or Cryptomator. These create encrypted vaults that look like random noise to anyone who intercepts them.

The Trade-off

Pros: Even if the cloud provider is compromised or scans your files, they only see gibberish. A weak password like "1234" may be better than no password at all against automated scanners.

Cons: You are the key. If you lose your password, the files are gone forever. I once lost access to a laptop due to a forgotten BitLocker recovery key, and I've had to reset passwords on encrypted email inboxes, meaning I lost emails prior to the password reset.

This is the price of true ownership. You are responsible for your own security. But isn't that better than handing the keys to a corporation that might lose them?

Conclusion: Arriving on the Other Side of the Street

The narrative that Big Tech is "more convenient" is a myth built on short-term ease and long-term fragility. By switching to external drives, open-source encryption tools, and privacy-respecting clouds, you're buying certainty and saving money at the same time.

Yes, you might have to plug in a drive once a month or weekly or whatever interval fits your comfort level. Yes, you have to manage your own passwords. But in exchange, you get something Big Tech can never guarantee, which is ownership. You won't wake up to find your files deleted by an AI glitch or your account suspended for unknown reasons.

I rely heavily on my external drives today, but I'm not stopping there.

Welcome to The Crosswalk. We've crossed the street together today.

How do you feel about backing up your files? What do you do? I know there are a lot of different services out there that offer photo backups.

How to Test Linux Before Installing (Live USB Boot Guide)

Katie B — Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

How to Try Linux Without Installing It (Yet)

Welcome back to The Crosswalk.

I previously shared why I switched to linux to save money, for more freedom, a better user experience, and more. But I know what you're thinking: "What if I mess up my computer? What if I lose my files?"

That's why today, I'm showing you how to try Linux without installing it at all. You can test it out from a USB stick, you know, those little sticks where you can save stuff? You can see if you like it, and only install it when you're ready. No risk. No data loss. Just don't click "Install Now" on the desktop.

See my last post about data backup, in case you're worried you'll accidentally click the "install" button while exploring. It'll be on the desktop and may also be in the start menu.

When your computer boots up from the USB stick, you may have some small text with choices, and here is another place to be cautious. Click "Try" and AVOID "Install"

What You'll Need to Try Linux

A USB stick: Their website says you only need 4GB - Install Zorin OS - Zorin OS Help

A computer: Any Windows, Mac, Chromebook computer (for Chromebooks and some special Apple or Microsoft computers, you may need to do a couple of steps beforehand - Zorin OS system requirements

About 30–60 minutes: Depending on your internet speed.

A willingness to experiment: That's it.

I would also recommend you back up files on your computer. I have a post about ways to do this, and I would strongly recommend backing up things before doing this. If you have files you don't want to lose on your computer, back them up.

Step 1: Download Linux (Zorin or Mint)

I recommend Zorin OS or Linux Mint. Both look familiar if you're coming from Windows, and both are beginner-friendly.

Zorin OS: zorin.com/os (Free Core version)

Linux Mint: linuxmint.com (Cinnamon edition)

Download the "ISO" file. It's just the Linux installer. It could take a few minutes depending on your internet.

💡 Zorin may ask you for your e-mail, but you can select "skip."

Step 2: Download a USB Creator Tool

You need a program to put the Linux file onto your USB stick. Two options work well:

Rufus (Windows only): rufus.ie
Balena Etcher (Windows, Mac, Linux): etcher.balena.io

Both are free. I've used both. Balena Etcher is a more intuitive program to work with, and I would recommend that to someone who doesn't want to see a lot of config, and that program makes it clearly obvious what to do.

Step 3: Plug In Your USB Stick

⚠️ Important: This will wipe your USB stick clean. Any files on it will be deleted. If you have anything important on that USB, move or copy it somewhere else first.

Plug the USB into your computer.

Step 4: Create the Bootable USB

This is the part that feels scary, but it's actually straightforward.

If you're using Rufus:

Open Rufus.
Under "Device," select your USB stick.
Click "SELECT" and find the Linux ISO file you downloaded.
Click "START."
Wait for it to finish (it'll show a progress bar).

If you're using Balena Etcher:

Open Etcher.
Click "Flash from file" and select your ISO.
Click "Select target" and choose your USB stick.
Click "Flash!"
Wait for it to finish.

💡 Pro tip: If you're nervous, watch a video tutorial first. Search "how to create Zorin USB" or "how to create Linux Mint USB" on YouTube. Seeing it done visually helps a lot.

Step 5: Boot from the USB

Now comes the fun part.

Restart your computer. If you're on Windows, there is a menu where you can tell it to boot up from a USB.

As it boots up, press the key to enter the boot menu.
UNLESS you told it to boot from USB in a setting already.

(Common keys to access the boot menu: F12, F2, Esc, or Del depending on your computer. Search "[your computer model] boot menu key" if you're not sure.)

Select your USB stick from the list.

Choose "Try Linux" or "Live Session" (NOT "Install").

Your computer will load Linux from the USB stick. It might take a minute or two.

Step 6: Test Everything

Now you're in Linux! Here's what to check before you decide to install:

What to Test	Why It Matters
Internet	Open a browser and load a website. If Wi-Fi works, you're golden.
Video website	Play a video to test your speakers and sound.
Camera App	Open the camera app to see if your webcam works.
Typing Test	Open a text editor and type something. Check your keyboard layout.
USB Ports	Plug in a mouse, keyboard, or flash drive to see if they're recognized.
Printer	Try to connect to your printer. These have a bad reputation with Linux, but I've found dealing with special software on Windows for every printer to be worse.

Note: Some hardware (like touchscreens or fingerprint readers) might not work perfectly on a live USB. That's normal. If the basics work, you're probably good to go.

That's not a guarantee, so gauge your risk tolerance. You'll have to use your own judgement if you're ready to make a switch. If you're not sure this will be ok, don't let me push you.

Step 7: Decide What's Next

⚠️ Installing Linux will wipe your hard drive clean. Make sure you have backed up files.

If everything works and you like what you see, you can install Linux permanently.

If not, just shut down, pull the USB stick, and boot back into Windows. Nothing on your computer changed.

This is the beauty of "The Crosswalk": You're not committing to anything until you're ready.

A Few Notes

It might feel slow on an older USB stick. That's normal.

Some apps won't work on Linux (like Microsoft Office). But Chrome, Firefox, and LibreOffice (a free alternative to Microsoft Office) will.

Your files are safe. As long as you don't click "Install," your Windows files stay untouched.

What's Holding You Back?

This post is a lot. But I promise you that you can do this.

If you're still nervous, what's scaring you? Is it the boot menu? The USB creation? Losing files?

And if you try it, let me know what you think. Did it work? What surprised you?

This is your journey. I'm just walking you safely across the crosswalk.

See you in the next post.