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Links 28/07/2023: Leaked Survey/Poll Shows Morale Crisis at Microsoft, Senator Ron Wyden Wants to Hold Microsoft Accountable for Epic Breach



  • GNU/Linux

    • Data SwampTurning a 15 years old laptop into a children proof retrogaming station

      This article explains a setup I made for our family vacation place, I wanted to turn an old laptop (a Dell Vostro 1500 from 2008) into a retrogaming station. That's actually easy to do, but I wanted to make it "childproof" so it will always work even if we let children alone with the laptop for a moment, that part was way harder.

      This is not a tutorial explaining everything from A to Z, but mostly what worked / didn't work from my experimentation.

    • Audiocasts/Shows

      • Tux DigitalLinux Out Loud 70: Tech Experts

        This week, Linux Out Loud chats about questioning the “tech experts”. Welcome to episode 70 of Linux Out Loud. We fired up our mics, connected those headphones as we searched the community for themes to expound upon. We kept the banter friendly, the conversation somewhat on topic, and had fun doing it.

      • Linux in the Ham ShackLHS Episode #511: I Hear Banjos

        Hello and welcome to Episode #511 of Linux in the Ham Shack. In this short topics episode, the hosts discuss the National Boy Scout Jamboree, SOTA activations in Colorado, volunteerism …

      • Jupiter BroadcastingNixOS is a bit Flakey | Self-Hosted 102

        Alex shares a suite of self-hosted apps that replace Reddit. Chris is struggling with Jellyfin, and we discuss where NixOS is killing it and where we think it falls down.

    • Applications

      • It's FOSSColors in ls Command Output: What do They Mean

        I'm sure you must have used the ls command to list the contents of a directory. In Ubuntu and many other distributions, you'll see the ls command output in different colors.

        If you don't see it, you can get colored output like this...

        But have you ever wondered what those colors mean in the ls command output?

        I'll answer the questions in this article. I'll also show how to get colored output with ls command if your terminal does not show it by default.

    • Instructionals/Technical

      • ID RootHow To Setting Up NTP Server and Client on Rocky Linux 9

        In this tutorial, we will show you how to setting Up NTP Server and Client on Rocky Linux 9. For those of you who didn’t know, NTP operates on the principle of hierarchical timekeeping using a set of stratum levels. Stratum 0 denotes high-precision reference clocks, such as GPS satellites or atomic clocks.

      • Linux JournalMount Drives with Ease: A Guide to Automounting in Linux GUI and CLI

        Before we delve into the process, it's important to comprehend why automounting is a handy feature. Normally, when a storage drive is connected to your Linux system, it does not become instantly accessible. You must manually mount the drive every time you boot up. Automounting eliminates this hassle by ensuring the drive is automatically accessible when the system starts. Now that you know why this is crucial, let's delve into the process.

      • Make Tech EasierHow to Backup Your GPG Key in Linux with paperkey

        Paperkey is a command line program for Linux that allows you to export your GPG private key in a human-readable format. It works by removing the redundant parts of a private key and leaving only its critical secret bits.

        This article will guide you through the process of installing and setting up paperkey on Ubuntu, and show you how to store your paperkey backup as a QR code and extract it during recovery.

      • ID RootHow To Install Jenkins on Debian 12

        In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Jenkins on Debian 12. For those of you who didn’t know, Jenkins is an open-source automation server, that plays a pivotal role in automating the CI/CD pipeline, enabling developers to focus on innovation rather than repetitive tasks.

      • Linux Capablebzcmp Command in Linux with Examples

        Linux users have a multitude of commands at their disposal, and bzcmp is one such command. This command is used to compare bzip2 compressed files without needing to decompress them first, which saves time and computing resources.

      • It's UbuntuHow To Mount Windows Share On Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

        We will use CIFS or Common Internet File System in Ubuntu to access a particular mount point on a windows share.

      • TecAdminApache: Denying Access to URLs, Files, and Directories

        Apache HTTP Server, often referred to simply as Apache, is one of the most widely used web server software on the Internet today. Apache is open-source software, which means that it’s not only free to use, but it also benefits from the collaborative contributions of developers worldwide.

      • It's UbuntuFix Brightness Problem In Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

        If you are having a problem with the brightness of your Laptop after installing Ubuntu 22.04 LTS then you are in the right place as we have a solution for it.

      • Linux Capablebzgrep Command in Linux with Examples

        The bzgrep command is a valuable Linux utility that lets users perform searches within bz2 compressed files without the need for manual decompression.

      • Linux Capablebzdiff Command in Linux with Examples

        Bzdiff is a Linux command-line tool that plays a vital role in comparing bzip2 compressed files. It falls under the family of ‘bzip2’, a high-quality data compressor that significantly reduces file sizes, making data storage and transfer more efficient.

      • Linux Capableecho Command in Linux with Examples

        The echo command in Linux is a simple yet extremely powerful tool. It’s often used to print text or the result of a command to the terminal or a file. It’s a built-in command in most shells like bash, ksh, or zsh, making it available in virtually all Linux distributions.

      • Linux Capablecd (Change Directory) Command in Linux with Examples

        The Linux command line interface is a potent tool that offers immense power and flexibility to its users. This article explores one of the most fundamental and frequently used commands – the “cd” or “change directory” command.

      • Linux CapableHow to Install balenaEtcher on Linux Mint 21/20

        balenaEtcher is a user-friendly and efficient tool widely used for creating bootable USB drives and SD cards and works well on Linux Mint-based distributions. Its popularity stems from its ease of use, reliability, and robust features that simplify creating bootable media.

      • ID RootHow To Install Wine on Debian 12

        In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Wine on Debian 12. Wine is an impressive compatibility layer that enables Linux users to run Windows applications without the need for a Windows operating system. It acts as a translation layer, providing the necessary Windows API calls to emulate a Windows environment within Linux.

      • Linux Capablebzmore Command in Linux with Examples

        The bzmore command in Linux is a utility for viewing bzip2 compressed files. Unlike other file viewing commands in Linux, bzmore is designed to read bzip2 compressed files without the need to decompress them first.

      • Linux Capablebzless Command in Linux with Examples

        The bzless command is an essential utility in the Linux ecosystem, especially when managing bzip2 compressed files. This guide will provide a thorough understanding of the bzless command and illustrate its utility with various practical examples.

      • Install Virtualbox 7.0.10 on Manjaro Linux 22.1 ( kernel 6.4.6 )
      • Linux Capablebzip2 Command in Linux with Examples

        The bzip2 command is a powerful tool available in the Linux command line. It is primarily used for file compression and decompression, making it an essential utility for conserving storage space and managing file sizes.

      • It's UbuntuHow To Install Nvidia Drivers On Ubuntu 22.04 LTS [2023]
      • Own HowToHow to create a user account on Debian 12

        Adding another user on Debian 12, is easy, and it can be done without having to use the terminal.

      • TecAdminHow to Install AWSCLI on Alpine Linux

        In this article, we will guide you on how to install AWSCLI on an Alpine Linux environment. AWSCLI, or Amazon Web Services Command Line Interface, is a comprehensive tool that enables you to manage and control various AWS services from the command line. With AWSCLI, you can automate simple or complex tasks via scripts.

      • TecAdminHow To Redirect To Subfolder Using .htaccess

        The .htaccess file is an Apache server configuration file that allows developers to manage server functionality directly from the application directory. Among the multitude of functions you can use .htaccess for, one of them is to redirect visitors to a subfolder on your website.

      • nixCraftHow to run script after mounting NFS with systemd in Linux

        If you need to execute a shell script or command following the mounting of a particular file system in Linux using systemd, you can do so. For instance, you can run a backup task when a USB hard disk is mounted or adjust specific options at runtime when NFS is mounted.

      • FOSSLinuxHow to install Discord on Ubuntu 22.04

        Discord, a popular voice, video, and text communication platform, is widely embraced by gaming communities, study groups, hobby clubs, and more. With its robust features such as voice channels, direct messages, and integration with various gaming platforms, it's an excellent tool for both social and professional communication. Installing Discord on your Ubuntu 22.04 system can open up a world of seamless interaction with diverse online communities.

      • TecAdminHow To Install PHP (8.2, 8.1 or 7.4) on Debian 12

        In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to install PHP on a Debian 12 system. We will specifically look into two different versions – PHP 8.2 and PHP 7.4, providing you with the flexibility to choose the version that suits your needs.

      • How to Install and Use Yay on Arch Linux and Derivatives

        Yay (Yet Another Yaourt) is a popular Arch User Repository (AUR) helper for Arch Linux and its derivatives, such as Manjaro, after the discontinuation of Yaourt and Packer.

      • KDE VideosHow to perform Baseline Correction in LabPlot

        LabPlot is a FREE, open source and cross-platform Data Visualization an Analysis software accessible to everyone.

      • It's UbuntuHow To Set JAVA_HOME Environment Variable On Ubuntu 22.04
    • Desktop Environments/WMs

      • K Desktop Environment/KDE SC/Qt

        • Volker KrauseAkademy 2023

          A week ago I returned home from KDE Akademy in Thessaloniki, Greece. If you count online attendance in the recent years this would have been my 20th Akademy, and I had no idea how much I had missed doing this in person for the past four years.

        • Niccolò VenerandiI Went To Akademy!

          This will be a quite short post, as I'm still working on getting my studio back, meaning I don't have a lot of time lately. But yeah: I joined the other devs @ Akademy and I even did a quick talk with Marco regarding what Plasma 6 will bring.

          Before I start talking about the event itself, though, do let me say that I only managed to join in thanks to the KDE eV, who covered part of the traveling and hotel costs. That's extremely helpful, and I hope to get back to productivity and give back to KDE!

          So, how was the event for me? Well, firstly, Thessaloniki had some pretty places:

  • Distributions and Operating Systems

    • HaikuOS[GSoC 2023] VPN Support Project Update #4
      The Weekly Problem

      So we are just past the midway point for GSoC and last update I told you guys that I had a working (albeit somewhat buggy) TUN Driver working. I had gotten great feedback from Pulkomandy, Axel, and Korli to help with a more efficient driver and to make it more human-readable because it made no sense the way I had written it. I have very good news to bring to everyone in that all of the 3 main problems that I talked about last time are all solved! I think most of them got solved after I fully understood creating semaphores and imposed execution order by adding a write semaphore. While this new code made the driver much more efficient and less error-prone, there were two new errors that popped up during testing:

  • Free, Libre, and Open Source Software

    • Linux LinksBest Free and Open Source Alternatives to Apple Keychain Access

      In 2020, Apple began the Apple silicon transition, using self-designed, 64-bit ARM-based Apple M1 processors on new Mac computers. Maybe it’s the perfect time to move away from the proprietary world of Apple, and embrace the open source Linux scene.

      Keychain Access is an app that stores your passwords and account information, and reduces the number of passwords you have to remember and manage.

      Keychain Access is proprietary software and not available for Linux. We recommend the best free and open source alternatives.

    • Web Browsers/Web Servers

    • Content Management Systems (CMS)

      • WordPressSynced Patterns: The Evolution of Reusable Blocks

        Synced patterns are replacing Reusable blocks, offering a unified creation experience for new pattern functionality coming to WordPress 6.3. Patterns, first introduced in WordPress 5.5, are a collection of blocks that make it simple to add complex layouts and designs to any WordPress site without starting from scratch.

    • GNU Projects

      • GCCGCC 13.2 Released
        The GNU Compiler Collection version 13.2 has been released.
        
        

        GCC 13.2 is the first bug-fix release from the GCC 13 branch containing important fixes for regressions and serious bugs in GCC 13.1 with more than 58 bugs fixed since the previous release.

        This release is available from the WWW servers listed here:

        https://sourceware.org/pub/gcc/releases/gcc-13.2.0/ https://gcc.gnu.org/mirrors.html

        Please do not contact me directly regarding questions or comments about this release. Instead, use the resources available from http://gcc.gnu.org.

        As always, a vast number of people contributed to this GCC release -- far too many to thank them individually!
    • Licensing / Legal

      • Software Freedom ConservancySoftware Freedom & Trademarks: Examining Rust's New Policy through the Lens of FOSS History [Ed: Rust has trademark issues, says RMS, and it uses proprietary Microsoft hosting, so here's why "team CANCEL RMS" says]

        However, trademark law can have a significant impact on what people can do with a FOSS project, including whether they can enjoy these rights at all.

        Practical software freedom (the right to use, study, modify, and redistribute software you've received) requires meeting several conditions. First, that program must be under a Free and Open Source (FOSS) license. Second, the entity(ies) distributing the program must abide by the terms of the license. And third, there must be no additional restrictions that would inhibit your ability to exercise your rights under the license. (Copyleft licenses include extra verbiage to assure the third condition is met.)

    • Programming/Development

  • Leftovers

    • Barry KaulerIdea for a stove windshield and stand

      For many years have hiked with my great little titanium 1 litre cooking pot. However, to cook a hearty meal at end of a day of hiking, would prefer a slightly bigger size. So, have ordered a 1.3 litre pot. It is TOAKS brand, same as before, same height at 100mm, just a slightly bigger diameter:



      Ordered it from here:

      https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32854649082.html

      Then had some thoughts about the stove. My favourite stove is from Speedster Backpacking Products (SBP). Fantastic little stove. Purchased in 2021 and posted about it here: [...]



Recent Techrights' Posts

If GNU/Linux Rising is Just "Bots" (It's Not, Many Surveys Show the Same), Why Does Microsoft Rush to Lie About System Requirements of Vista 11?
The real reason is, GNU/Linux is rising
 
Red Hat is in Need of a 'Jolla', as an IBM-Controlled Red Hat is Becoming Like the Microsoft-Infiltrated Nokia
Dying fast, partly by design
Gemini Links 08/08/2026: Gigs, Poems, SREs, and Shared Passion
Links for the day
Kompromat Tactics in GNU and Linux
Kompromat as a concept was covered here in the past in relation to Microsoft
SLAPP Censorship - Part 143 Out of 200: After Nearly 10 Attempts to Settle With Us and Over a Million Pounds Spent on Lawyers and Barristers
We are in no particular hurry
20 Years and 43 Years
GNU/Linux is not just code, it's a philosophy, licence (copyleft), and community
GNU/Linux Turns 43 Next Month, Many Distros Actively Maintained
A lot of Debian-based distros are still actively maintained (we talk about this in IRC this evening), so the stability of the Debian Project is important
Links 08/08/2026: GAFAM Colonialism "Paved Over Protected Wetlands", Slop Companies Hoard Software Patents as Debt Soars to Trillions
Links for the day
Links 08/08/2026: "Palantir Paid No Federal Income Tax" and "Who's Responsible for This Mess?"
Links for the day
Retained: The Time IBM's Red Hat Tried to Hijack or Take Offline Site of Critics, Failed on All Grounds (Meritless Action Intended to Harass Critics)
Replicated from adrforum.com
IBM's 'Final Solution': Censor Sites Not Controlled by IBM, Sites Where Dissent is Expressed
IBM has no culture of free speech
More Mass Layoffs Coming IBM's Way (Ones IBM Cannot Hide, Cannot Convince Enough People to Leave or Unjustifiably PIP Them When They Say No)
The company that was like a "father of modern computing" is now stingy when it comes to travel. Not a good sign.
What Will it Take for Mainstream Media to Report Silent or Secret Layoffs at IBM?
"Silent" or "secret" sometimes because the media won't cover them
Is the Future of IBM Red Hat Temporary Staff, Contractors?
They want cheap, obedient lemmings
Gemini Links 08/08/2026: Tribute to Lloyd Center, Radio Amateurism, Homeworlds
Links for the day
Over at Tux Machines...
GNU/Linux news for the past day
IRC Proceedings: Friday, August 07, 2026
IRC logs for Friday, August 07, 2026
Microsoft Uses Slop to Find Defects and Then Uses Slop to Replace Code, What Could Go Wrong?
Botspam is the problem, it's not a constructive approach in any shape or form
analytics.usa.gov: GNU/Linux Up Some More This Week
Days ago it said 6.4%, now it's up to 6.8%
RA-pocalypse: IBM Tells Workers "Taking a Hike" is Their "Next Step" ('Voluntary' Layoffs), Now It Prepares to Sack Lots of Contractors
There definitely is something going on
Legal Attacks on Techrights Have Made Techrights More Popular and More Widely Read
The misogynists will have plenty of work to do this summer
Kai Stephens (Barkley Walsh) & British Democrats in Clacton by-election hustings
Reprinted with permission from Daniel Pocock
Daniel Pocock 'Punching' Nazis in the UK
The so-called "cult" of so-called "Debianism" was left with nothing but massive legal bills
SLAPP Censorship - Part 142 Out of 200: GemText is Not a Webpage, Gemini Protocol is Not the Web, and Capsules Are Not Websites
our intention to appeal (escalate to the Court of Appeal)
Microsoft: Our August 2026 Layoffs Are Not Layoffs Because... Reasons
That's like IBM making "spin-offs", then pretending that no layoffs are happening
Links 07/08/2026: UMG and Anthropic in Trouble Over Copyright Infringements Sold as "Training" (Slop)
Links for the day
Links 07/08/2026: "BMW Is Showing Commercials On Their Car's Dash Screens And They Want You To Think It's A Treat", Software Patents on Drones
Links for the day
What We Said About Red Hat's Fate Under IBM Turned Out to be Right on the Money (That IBM Lacks)
There are no layoffs at IBM
IRC Networks Show No Signs of Going Away, IRC Enters Its 39th Year
That IRC daemons are still actively developed and patched in summer of 2026 (over 38 years after IRC was born) says a lot about IRC's importance
Social [Control] Media Needs to Die
I am a bit shocked to recall that I wasted a lot of time on it
Some Malware is Legal Because It's Made and Distributed by Politically-Connected GAFAM
In reality, the security non-experts 'championed' (and salaried) by GAFAM are anti-security people who advocate back doors
The GNU/Linux Anniversary is Next Month, Not This Month
It'll turn 43
At Clacton by-election Hustings Event Daniel Pocock Says "Social [Control] Media Has Contributed to Some of the Anti Social Behaviour."
No doubt many problems in society are caused or at least amplified/accentuated by this horrible phenomenon
IBM Insiders Explain Why IBM is in Very Serious Trouble
Will IBM last long enough for any "quantum" deliverables to become a reality?
The Register MS Took Money From Broadcom to Publish Fake 'News' With "AI" Mentioned 35 Times
not legitimate or authentic journalism.
GNU/Linux Approaching 20% in Georgia (the Country)
Usage of GNU/Linux was near 0%, as measured by statCounter, several years ago
Over at Tux Machines...
GNU/Linux news for the past day
IRC Proceedings: Thursday, August 06, 2026
IRC logs for Thursday, August 06, 2026
Gemini Links 07/08/2026: Radio Amateurism, Summer Updates, and Programming "Taste"
Links for the day
Links 06/08/2026: Billboard Chart Contaminated by Slop Plagiarists, Sheinbaum Blasts Social Control Media
Links for the day
A Long Break and What's Coming Next Year
Some time next year we definitely plan to show how the EFF failed women, failed bloggers, and basically prioritised GAFAM
Daniel Pocock on a "metre-long ballot paper"
The Debian "cult" (as he calls them collectively) is simply jealous of him
Links 06/08/2026: Disney and Fentanylware (TikTok) Deal, "Hearing Aids Shenanigans"
Links for the day
IBM Mass Layoffs Began Yesterday, They're Sold as "Voluntary", the "Offer" Runs for Two Weeks (Last Day August 19th 2026)
IBM will self-detonate while using contractual agreements to force people to smile
Start of September 2026 'Voluntary' Mass Layoffs at IBM, Start of October Red Hat Employees Forced Into the 'Bloodbath' (After Collapse of IBM's Shares)
Red Hat is in trouble
Many GNU/Linux PCs Are Not Connected to the Net or Don't Use the Web
Saying GNU/Linux user-agents are just "bots" (Microsoft Lunduke and other Microsofters say this) is like asserting that the Twin Towers fell not because of two giant planes but because of explosives
They Call Occupations "Professions" Because the "Pro" Means Something
If you want to find tech news online
New Conference Paper (Science of Cyber Security) Credits RMS With Delaying Passwords
When it comes to passwords, RMS was "right"
Removing Gender Barriers in Computer Science
It is not that "women aren't good at maths"
In Brunei, GNU/Linux Approaches International Average of 8.5%
a sharp rise from 0% to about 7.5% happened in a few years
15% of IBM Staff Marked for Layoffs ("RAs"), the Workers' Objective is to Find Another Employer and Leave
"That's not a workforce, that's a waiting room."
Maintenance to be Completed Tonight (IPv6)
Notice how, after 25+ years, we're still not fully adopting IPv6, we're only about 50% there
A Data Centres Hub Puts Everyone at Risk, Especially People Who Live Near Them at Times of War/s
Spoiler: Datacentres are military targets, they attract missiles, some with nuclear warheads
GAFAM Mass Layoffs and Mountains (Trillions of Dollars in 'Secret' or 'Off-the-Ledger') Debt
GAFAM is having layoffs this month
August 2026 Microsoft Layoffs Confirmed by Staff This Week
It's hard to assess how many are impacted but signed an NDA, preventing them from speaking about what really happened
analytics.usa.gov Says 7% of Sessions Come From GNU/Linux and ChromeOS. If ~40% (Mobile) Get Omitted, It's More Like 11%.
In desktops and in laptops GNU/Linux has become a big player
IBM Cannot Survive for Much Longer, There Are Limits to RAs and Offshoring, IBM Now Asks Workers to Quit
IBM is in very serious trouble
SLAPP Censorship - Part 141 Out of 200: Brett Wilson LLP Failed to Learn From the Mistakes of the European Patent Office (EPO)
my solicitor, David Allen Green, put them in their place
Texts of the Claims From Balabhadra (Alex) Graveley and Matthew J. Garrett Almost Identical, I am Suing for Abuse of Process
Half a decade ago Balabhadra (Alex) Graveley from Microsoft and GNOME was arrested for strangulation in Texas
Gemini Links 06/08/2026: "Eat That Frog", Mutt Terminal Email Guide, and BASICODE
Links for the day
Over at Tux Machines...
GNU/Linux news for the past day
IRC Proceedings: Wednesday, August 05, 2026
IRC logs for Wednesday, August 05, 2026