I’d just like to interject for a moment. What you’re refering to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I’ve recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another free component of a fully functioning GNU system made useful by the GNU corelibs, shell utilities and vital system components comprising a full OS as defined by POSIX.
Many computer users run a modified version of the GNU system every day, without realizing it. Through a peculiar turn of events, the version of GNU which is widely used today is often called Linux, and many of its users are not aware that it is basically the GNU system, developed by the GNU Project.
There really is a Linux, and these people are using it, but it is just a part of the system they use. Linux is the kernel: the program in the system that allocates the machine’s resources to the other programs that you run. The kernel is an essential part of an operating system, but useless by itself; it can only function in the context of a complete operating system. Linux is normally used in combination with the GNU operating system: the whole system is basically GNU with Linux added, or GNU/Linux. All the so-called Linux distributions are really distributions of GNU/Linux!
But seriously: another comment here points out some tool
You know I thought it was copypasta but thought maybe it was rude to say it (if it wasn’t). I must be delirious after making my 2am chili. I need to take a refreshing shower with icesoap.
I’ve noticed that over the top satire tends to be taken entirely at face value on lemmy. Doesn’t mean I’ll ever stop posting it, but I have noticed it. Also, demographics run much younger than most seem to believe.
See, that makes perfect sense to me. Satire is meant to be taken as a talking point in the overwhelming majority of cases. I’m happy when the message I put out is extrapolated on, but upset when the conversation immediately dies at “no, that’s a silly interpretation.”
gaming on linux has gotten MUCH, MUCH better over the past handful of years. I’ve been on linux exclusively for 6 years and in that time ive gone from using Lutris for everything and only installing the few verified titles through fairly complex wineconfigs other people made, to a brief check of protondb before installing whatever i want from Steam and having it work out of the box. basically the only things that don’t work anymore are competitive anticheat softwares, like Valorant’s.
Mods that are installed by moving files (which covers most games) work fine most of the time; you’ll probably need .dll overrides.
Mods that need certain libraries can be a hassle, or mixed bag (eg. RSMods for Rocksmith 2014 (CDLCs work fine though), RDR2 Mods based on ScriptHook.NET).
Mods that require a launcher are hard or impossible (pretty much anything on the Frostbite Engine. I think this is your best bet with it. Don’t know if OpenIV currently works on Linux or if you need a VM with shared folders to use it).
Oh my god, any game that either relies on nexus or a mod launcher, take your pick, I mean sure, it’s doable, usually if you have a windows pc to install the actual mods on and copy the file directory over, but that’s a slim chance that it’ll work, if you’re having no problems missing you’re probably playing Skyrim
But the thing is, mod launchers have been working fine for me through wine. Though most games these days have integrated steam workshop support anyway.
If you’re going to the trouble of learning a new OS, IMO you might as well just go straight for Linux. Gaming is a lot better on Linux than on OSX as well.
This comment is honestly incredibly thought provoking. When you really think about it and the whole of games that just work on Linux now thanks to proton, there really isn’t a game outside of games with proprietary anti cheat that don’t work, and even then, some do like Apex. There really isn’t anything out there keeping me on Windows.
That’s interesting, I have a Samsung Odyssey plus, but I’ve honestly never used it outside of half life alyx. That was when I was still dual booting with Windows 10, now that I’ve beaten alyx and realistically there’s not a ton of replay value, I don’t really have a need for VR.
That’s kind of the unfortunate thing about VR. The most attainable HMDs are provided by shitty companies like Samsung and Meta who have no incentive to support anything other than Windows. Besides that, high fidelity VR is prohibitively expensive.
There were rumours some time ago of Valve working on a standalone, semi modular VR system. I hope it comes to market, as I’d imagine it’d have the potential to be much more affordable (at some level) than the index.
Actually todsy I’ve tried ALVR on linux again which basically replaces air link. A lot of things changed since the last time ive tried it. It’s actually playable!
Switching to Apple looks to be expensive. OP may not be able to use their existing machine and would have to spend a few thousand to buy a Mac. All that just to avoid an annoying pop-up?
Linux has come a long way with gaming fortunately. I daily drive fedora and use Proton-GE/Wine-GE and can play most games with the exception of some problem ones (Assetto Corsa & Rust, I’m looking at you).
Only time I ever fool with W11 these days is when I use Studio One for music or play on of the (very few) problem games some friends want me to join them on. I’d recommend checking out the Nobara distro for games.
Not surprising OSX is a better Windows in some ways. Switched to iPhone last summer for my daily driver and don’t regret it. Best mobile experience I’ve had since my custom ROMs days on Android. Even started out setting up app folders to copy my Nova Launcher setup. That said, I’ll be excited when more privacy respecting options come around to the mobile market for my next phone.
Yeah but it’s a trade off; if you want to tinker go Linux, if you want an OS that works really well with the hardware it was designed for go Mac. Not sure why anyone would use windows honestly.
Those that a) use whatever comes preinstalled on the computer (and Windows is on the affordable ones); b) need software that’s not available on Linux. But yea, I would say that most people I know wouldn’t even notice a switch to Linux. There are distros that “just work”.
The pop up specifically mentions chrome, it’s not asking to switch browser but just the search engine. It’s anecdotal but I only use Firefox and have never gotten this pop up.
Then Microsoft will either tell you to use Edge and Bing (or else!), or just set this automatically.
I had this issue on the windows box at work. For some time, whenever I opened Firefox, it told me that it was not set as the default browser. I fixed this, only to get the same message again the next day.
I’d say it might be a borked install, then. I’ve had some windows installation that doesn’t lock in settings properly, which is fixed after a reinstall. The reinstall is mostly because I’m too lazy to troubleshoot the actual reason.
Last distro I installed for personal use was Ubuntu and it was lousy with these types of popups (note: this was about 10 years ago)
Edit: It’s really bizarre to me that nobody remembers how intrusive and persistent Ubuntu One was (decom’d 2014), though in fairness it’s not precisely what OP is experiencing with regards to Bing/Chrome
It’s not such a joke for about 70 percent of the people who use a computer. All most people do is use the internet, write a document or two and check their email (most of the time using a web based service).
All of which can be done by any OS.
The only reason anyone would want Microsoft is if they specifically ran a program that required Windows … most will say that MS Word runs better on Windows which is true but most people I know write or view the most basic documents that any word processing software is more than adequate.
And even if MS word is required by your school or work … get them to pay for the OS and the word processing software.
Otherwise, the majority of the people I know with a computer only use it as a glorified tablet to access the internet and browse social media … all of which can be done with the most basic Linux distro that won’t hassle you with annoying popups asking you to do things you shouldn’t even be thinking about.
There is virtually no difference between running Word 2007 on modern Windows or under Wine, and I don’t need to use 365 (which is pushy about features in the Home tab and had a terrible redesign). I might pirate Office 2013 at some point if its compatibility rating increases. Still, I prefer LibreOffice unless I need to share the document.
I recently moved to Linux mint after years of thinking it would be hard or wouldn’t offer the tools I needed. I’ve been extremely pleasantly surprised! I’ve moved over fully, working in CAD, spreadsheets, all the normal stuff without any hassle. And none of these pop ups anymore.
Hi, what do you use for spreadsheets? I’ve tried librecalc but so far its a major hassle - the cells are way too small on my 1440p monitor and I cant figure out how to fix it.
You just need to zoom in. To make sure it applies to everything, completely close librecalc, open a new spreadsheet, zoom in using the slider on the bottom right, or ctrl+scroll up, until the cells are a good size for you, then close it and that should set the value as the default for all your sheets :)
Residential metal work. Kind of complex things. Dining from AutoCAD and inventor. Still learning it but now using bricscad. Freecad seems ok but like it’s cobbled together by a bunch of volunteers 🤣😜
Using W11 today, that’s my first thought too…It’s just ad after ad for Microsoft services. You will fucking install O365 or Microsoft will kill a kitten.
Not saying shit’s not fucked up over there right now, but is this an artist rendering? Its got what looks like artist initials at the top and I can’t find this image anywhere else.
And most dumb locks can also be picked in under 5 minutes. The difference is a smart lock can alert me when someone who isn’t me opens the door or leaves it open. Of course, most burglars are just going to break a window to get in.
Funnily enough, if you have the best lock they’ll just break your door or window instead.
Much cheaper to replace a lock than the entire front door.
Something to keep in mind, also lots of smart locks down have a keyhole to pick, so they would actually increase your security when compared to most regular lockset.
You want them to break in for insurance purposes though, it’s a clear indication of unauthorized entry. Your policy should cover the door/window, but if your lock gets picked/bypassed you’re going to have a rough time getting things covered.
A previous owner of my apartment had for some reason installed a high security door. It’s 5 inches thick with steel plates inside and has 3 separate sets of 3 locking rods like a bank vault. Not sure what line of work they were in but, really, good luck to the person who thinks they can break in here easily. Downside is there is no way to put a digital lock on the sucker.
Firefighters train for exactly such scenarios and will happily go through a nearby wall. The cops struggle with armored doors, but the guys with axes don’t bother.
My smart lock doesn’t change the locking mechanisms. It’s basically a robot on the inside that turns the lock like you would. The only security issue would have to be software side, which a typical thief isn’t going to bother with especially since you cost tell from the outside that’s it’s not a normal lock - because it is.
I agree that most thieves won’t bother - but they do now have the additional option to hack it, making the lock less secure in total, not to mention the flawed mechanical design many of those smart locks have.
Yeah I’m just saying in my case they have no way of seeing that it’s a smart lock at all. The only smart part is an attachment on the interior side. So mechanically it’s 100% the same, and there is no visible indication that is “hackable,” even if it were. My door and it’s lock look as just like it did 15 years ago.
most of the smart locks that are supposed to be drop in replacements for traditional locks are mostly trash.
Personally been eyeing upgrading to UI’s access readers, but it lacks features like door unlock with Apple Homekey (for now anyways since it requires some specialty hardware). So been holding off.
This particular product is geared towards small business and large enterprises. But can be setup for home usage if you have to technical expertise.
Got this via Mastodon which will not let me search for the source.
If you’re in the US, when you set up Windows for the first time, select English (Europe) or English (World), not English (US). That will stop it installing all the bloatware that USians are not protected from but everyone else is.
Throw all your important stuff onto a drive thay doesn’t contain the OS. Then remove the drive and wipe the computer. You can set it up again and choose the non-bloatware options.
From what I’ve seen online, it must be done during installation. So short answer, no.
As others have said, you could also backup your data and do a fresh installation (from a boot media, not from Windows itself just to be extra safe).
ThioJoe also has a video talking about this English (Europe/World) thing and also provide a Powershell script to delete Windows bloatware. This option could be interesting if you don’t want to reset your whole installation.
You must switch back to English (US) after installation if you want access to Microsoft Store (and even if you don’t, you probably should because most apps are now there).
I’ve seen a few tools to suppress most telemetry such as ChrisTitusTech’s winutil or O&O ShutUp, maybe you could give that a try. Microsoft is really pushing hard Bing & Edge…
Also, as a Linux user, I must obliged to the rules and say there’s alternatives out there if you want to try something new. :-) !linux
Ah okay, I didn’t know people used it that way and I don’t do XBox game pass or anything like that. It makes sense. My only real experience with windows store apps has been my work computer trying to install a “personal use” version of Microsoft teams from there and apparently I had to get the professional version through M365 downloads.
It's definitely a US thing, I'm on English (Singapore) and have not seen an ad, ever. I was perplexed by all the complaints of ads in the start menu and wherever, until someone pointed to me that it was a US thing.
Linux has been a great gaming experience for me. Optimizations and what not make my games run faster than they ever did on windows. Also not being able to play rainbow six siege is a plus in my book
I’ve been using Nobara for about a year, maybe more and it really is no fuss. Comes with most things you need ready out of the box, or easily added with the post install tool. Only thing I added was Heroic Games Launcher. I set up a just in case Windows partition, but haven’t booted it since making the switch.
Tbh, I installed Mint on my gaming pc and all the games I‘m currently playing (mostly cities skylines and mechabellum) and everything worked out of the box. Mechabellum performes a bit worse than on Win11 but it‘s good enough to enjoy the game.
You laugh but the fact that you got a login confirmation notification means he got your password now. He’ll just need to guess your email password next and you’ll be truly owned. Set up 2fa on your email account if you haven’t set it up already.
If there is no keyhole to pick then it is probably marginally more secure, but if a burglar wants to get into your home then no door lock is going to stop them. They could just break it or break your windows.
Have you seen the scrap prices for catalytic converters? Also, the best thieves of all time were the ones that stole the catalytic converters from the police vehicles in a certain major city. Other than taxes paying for their replacements, I’m not even mad, I’m impressed with their hubris.
This is why you need backup measures. For example, if they break in through my windows, they’ll be foiled by the micromachines I placed strategically on the floor. If they break through the door, they’ll have to contend with the blowtorch I have rigged just inside the entryway. Always remember, “this is my house, I have to defend it.”
I like to pretend the afterlife is like a big AA meeting or group therapy session where people have conversations about how they died.
“So how did you die?”
“Oh, I broke into someone’s house. The bastard left Legos everywhere. I tried my best to avoid them all, but it was so dark that I missed a dark blue 1x1 brick. It shattered every bone in my leg like tempered glass. The sudden collapse from pain and losing all structural integrity in my leg caused me to fall on the remaining Legos. A green plate sliced my jugular. The last thing I remember as things were going dark was a dark figure approaching. It was holding a Lego Millennium Falcon above its head as if it was going to throw it full-force against my skull. The next thing I knew, I was here.”
We have steel doors and protection metal bars in the windows in LATAM (yep, our houses are little fortress) and even that would not stop the most dedicated burglars…
You know, I feel cameras help even more, these scums get anxiety when they see cameras lol.
I like how anyone who mentions Linux is now a neckbeard. If you even dare to complain about how shit MS has become (they’ve always been shit, but it’s more obvious now) then you’re somehow a neckbeard. You didn’t say the solution wasn’t valid, just attacked them because there isn’t another solution. Put up with MS’s shut, Apple’s shit, or find a Linux distro that suits you. Your choice.
Ofc you are neckbeards. You try to act like not being able to uninstall a few MB of preinstalled software makes windows shit. I disabled it, don’t use it and never even notice it’s there and I’m not missing the space on my 1TB ssd.
I want to play games, write documents and browse the internet on my pc. I see no reason to learn how to use commands to use a way less intuitive and less pretty os, just to have a bit more administrative freedom, for which i have no use.
Good on you if that’s important to you, but most people would be inconvenieced for literally no upside, by using a linux distribution.
You can choose whatever you want for whatever reason you want, but don’t spread misconceptions on the internet. With Proton, if you install a newb distro there is literally no reason to touch the commandline at all for what you want to do.
The fuck is a distro? Linux bros can’t say a single sentence about how “easy” Linux is without using some terminology that proves it would actually take quite a bit of research for someone unfamiliar to make the switch. People don’t want to do that. They want an OS that works without having to take a mini CS course.
You really don’t seem to understand how big the gap is. The things you think are easy or intuitive are far from it. Most people can’t even figure out how to download something from GitHub, and you think Linux is right for them?
People don’t want windows either, they just use it because it came preinstalled.
Yes there are people who will never install any alternative OS for themselves but there are plenty of people who would if they knew about other viable options.
I’m willing to bet most Linux users used to be windows users at some point. So its not futile to evangelise.
Also pick a noob distribution/flavour such as pop_os and the installation is no different than installing windows. Download your browser, steam and office tools and just use it.
You can do all that with Linux and there are plenty of distros where you minimally need to use the terminal or don’t at all. Linux has distros for people who want windows without Microsoft. You only need the terminal if you’re a power user.(Android is Linux, but you never hear anyone complain about having to use the terminal or anything. Linux is the most used OS in the world, you just don’t realize it because it can be anything.)
It’s funny that people can have opinions without any actual knowledge. It’s a weird thing. How does that even happen? We can feel very strongly about things, and often so strongly that we ignore all countering information just so we can maintain our beliefs, as if it’ll hurt us to change them. Humans are weird.
Wow. I totally forgot that Commodore BASIC ignores spaces in variable names. I do remember that it ignores anything after the first two letters though. That said, there's a bit more going on here than meets the eye.
PRINT HELLO WORLD is actually parsed as PRINTHELLOWORLD, that is: grab the values of the variables HELLOW (which is actually just HE) and LD, bitwise OR them together and then print.
Since it's very likely both HE and LD were undefined, they were quietly created then initialised to 0 before their bitwise-OR was calculated for the 0 that appeared.
Back in the day, people generally didn't put many spaces in their Commodore BASIC programs because those spaces each took up a byte of valuable memory. That PET2001, if unexpanded, only has 8KB in it.
512KB? At the risk of going all Four Yorkshiremen, that sounds luxurious.
Floppy disks held 170KB if you were lucky to have a drive. The PET line, like many 8-bit computers, used a cassette tape drive (yes, those things that preceded CDs for holding and playing music). Capacity depended on the length of the tape. And it took ages to load.
The PET was fancy because it had a built-in cassette drive. That's what you can see to the left of the keyboard in the picture.
The main machines at work still do upgrades via tapes. The main program can communicate with lots of online services, but it still updates via tape. Probably too hard to spend the time to figure out how to implement OTA upgrades, since it was first created back in the 80s.
But the 512KB was more of a vague gesture towards the limitations back then. We had a separate floppy drive, with which I would load up a big black rectangle that had 1-5 very basic games on it. There’s something special about locking down the disk which you can’t get even with its smaller successor…
Comparing audio cassettes to modern high-density tape storage is pretty much the same comparison as an 8-bit computer with a modern 64-bit server, or, say, a hamster with a human.
Basically the same thing, but the differences are somewhat notable.
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