Tech Support: Projects & Definitions
I like to handle my own tech support and keep my computers running smoothly. Sometimes I'm working in a Mac environment, and other times I find myself dealing with Windows on my laptop and desktop. But when I’m in the mood for a challenge, I’ll dive into Linux distributions (or distros for short). Exploring open source software has become a fun hobby for me, and it’s a great way to keep my mind active and engaged.
So why do I switch between operating systems? It’s a fun way to pass the time, and it helps me learn things I might not come across otherwise. If you're curious about this but not especially tech-savvy, here’s a tip: don’t feel like you need to get rid of your older computer just because big companies like Microsoft stop supporting it. For example, I have an older 32-bit laptop that I use for streaming movies, and with a 15-inch screen, it’s perfect for my needs. Sure, my newer 64-bit laptop is more powerful, but both machines still work just fine. I don't see a reason to throw them out just because there’s a push to buy the latest and flashiest models.
Linux and open-source software communities owe a lot to pioneers like Linus Torvalds, who created Linux as a personal project to better understand and customize operating systems. Similarly, Ian Murdock founded Debian to provide a free, stable alternative to commercial software, establishing a foundational system for Linux users everywhere. These visionaries inspired countless contributors who continue to improve open-source technology. If you’re interested in exploring this, there are plenty of resources online to help you start using Linux or just learn more about how your computer works.
For anyone curious and with an older 32-bit machine gathering dust, I’ve found Pinguy OS to be a great option for my older laptop. It’s lightweight enough to handle basic web browsing and lets me watch videos offline without too much trouble—though streaming videos online can cause a bit of stuttering. With Pinguy OS, I can use VLC Media Player along with the laptop’s DVD drive to watch and even convert DVDs into digital files, making it easy to enjoy my action and suspense movies offline. Just a tip: if you’re converting DVDs, be sure to follow copyright rules for personal use to stay in good standing with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
My favorite Linux distribution, though, has to be Ubuntu Studio. It’s especially great for creatives because it comes loaded with a variety of software for media production, all ready to use. What’s more, you can run it directly from a USB drive without installing anything on your computer—this feature is called Live Boot. Live Boot is available with most Linux distros, letting you test or work with an OS without making permanent changes to your setup. Pretty convenient!
For those looking for a Linux option that’s more business-oriented, I recommend Fedora, a distro from the Red Hat community. Fedora has an interface that will feel familiar to anyone used to Windows, and it’s stable and polished enough for office work or simple projects. It’s a solid choice if you need a reliable system for writing or web projects and don’t want to fuss with too much setup.
For more on the history of Linux, check out resources by Linus Torvalds (the founder of Linux) and Ian Murdock (founder of Debian) who helped shape the open-source landscape.
The open-source movement owes a lot to individuals like Richard Stallman, who is widely known for his work on the GNU Project and his role in advocating for software freedom. Stallman began his career as a programmer at the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, where he grew frustrated with restrictive software licensing. In 1983, he announced the launch of the GNU Project, aiming to create a free Unix-compatible operating system that respected users' freedoms to use, modify, and share software. His work laid the foundation for what we now know as the Free Software Foundation (FSF), which he established in 1985. Stallman's advocacy emphasized user rights and played a significant role in shaping the ethical philosophy of free and open-source software. Without his contributions, the development of systems like Linux might have taken a very different path.
Richard Stallman: A prominent figure in the open-source world, Stallman founded the GNU Project in 1983 to promote software freedom and created the Free Software Foundation in 1985. His work focused on user rights and ethical software development, profoundly influencing the philosophy of free and open-source software.
As the tech world continues to evolve, I’m always ready to explore new innovations and keep up with just enough know-how to understand the latest advancements. I’m constantly seeking out new projects to tackle, whether they involve honing my tech skills or diving into fresh writing challenges. If I’ve managed to hold your interest so far, thank you for staying with me. This is where I share the latest things I’m exploring—or where I return to tackle familiar challenges from a new perspective.
Are you a tech enthusiast or creative mind with a recommendation, or just stopping by to say hello? You’ll find my contact info in the navigation bar above—feel free to drop me a message. And if you’re looking for someone to collaborate with on a project, I’d love for you to take a look at my resume to see if I might be a strong fit for your team. Whether it’s a tech initiative or a writing project, I’m open to new opportunities and excited to see where my next venture might lead.
Dive Into Linux
- Linus Torvalds
- Richard Stallman
- Distro Watch
- Canonical Ubuntu
- Ubuntu Studio
- Ubuntu Christian Edition
- Pinguy OS
Now, let’s break down some of these tech terms:
- Linux Distributions (Distros): Linux is a popular open-source operating system created by Linus Torvalds in the early 1990s. Linux is unique in that it’s freely available for anyone to use, modify, and share. Different "distributions" (distros) of Linux have been created over the years, each with its own features and designs. Notable distros include Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora. The concept of free software and user freedom was heavily influenced by GNU's Richard Stallman, who advocated for open-source values.
- Open Source Software (OSS): This type of software is available for anyone to use, study, and modify. OSS empowers users to adapt the software to their needs without needing to pay licensing fees or rely on a single company for updates. The open-source movement, driven by people like Stallman and Torvalds, gave birth to projects like GNU and later inspired entire operating systems such as Linux and Android.
- 32-bit vs. 64-bit: These terms describe the way a computer’s processor handles information. A 32-bit processor can handle a smaller amount of data at once compared to a 64-bit processor. Older computers typically have 32-bit processors, but they still run perfectly well for many everyday tasks, like browsing and streaming media. The main difference is that a 64-bit system can use more memory (RAM), which helps with multitasking and more intensive software.
- Pinguy OS: Pinguy OS is a Linux distribution known for its user-friendly interface and lightweight performance, which makes it ideal for older, lower-powered computers like those with 32-bit processors.
- VLC Media Player: VLC is a popular, free media player that can handle almost any video or audio format, making it perfect for watching DVDs or playing downloaded videos. It’s an open-source tool, meaning it’s free to use and modify.
- Live Boot: This feature lets you run an operating system directly from a USB drive without installing it on your computer’s hard drive. It’s a great way to test a new OS or work on a project without making permanent changes to your setup.