Bonum Certa Men Certa

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

Obscene Contradiction in Microsoft's Layoffs Tally ("Official" Numbers Do Not Add Up)
Notice how they treat "LinkedIn" as separate
Confirmed: Microsoft Layoffs Come in Two Waves, Just Like Last Summer
To us, what stands out is the admission from Microsoft that there are two (or more) waves
Links 06/07/2026: Artists Reject Slop (or Even de Facto Bribes to Market/Endorse Slop)
Links for the day
The Media Needs to Speak of Slop as a Climate Issue Like It Did With Bitcoin
But the slop industry keeps paying the media to play along with the hype
 
Gemini Links 06/07/2026: Still Mostly Dry, GoToSocial, and More
Links for the day
European Patent Office (EPO) Series: Effective Dispute Resolution… But Not For EPO Staff
Slovenia fielded one of the few Administrative Council delegations which managed to maintain its own independent line against the tyrannical EPOnian "Sun King"
Community Sites Need Genuine Collaboration and True Autonomy
People who want to communicate, federate and organise for effective change need to evolve
Free Software Foundation (FSF) Covers Quibble, Free Software for Secure Communications, in the FSF Summer Bulletin
The Georgia Tech folks are bringing Free software education and contributions to one of the better known Computer Science hubs in the US
Microsoft Layoffs Include Windows, Bing, Slop (CoPilot etc.) and There Will More More Rounds (or Waves) to Come
"43% of Xbox laid off"
Preserving Comments About the Real IBM Before They Get Deleted
IBM in the 1980s is not what it is right now
Cybershow on "Escaping Prisons For Your Mind"
"THE CYBER SHOW: Stealing technofascism's boots, and stomping on its own face with them."
The Media Talks a Lot About XBox Layoffs, a Closer Look at the Data Show Microsoft 'Bloodbath'
'Bloodbath' is the term insiders use
Links 06/07/2026: At Least 20% Staff Reduction in XBox (Microsoft), Taiwan Sees Uptick in Chinese Aggression/Provocation, Senator Rodante Marcoleta Arrested
Links for the day
In Praise of the UK's Stance on Free Speech (but Some Reservations)
At the moment there is a healthy discussion going on with the objective of disrupting attacks on British press
Exposing Corruption at the European Patent Office (EPO), a Call for More Whistleblowers
We predict that, provided enough whistleblowers speak out, António "the unready" won't even finish his current term
Leaving Our Pets for Several Days
This week our pets will be worried that "mommy and daddy" are away
Dating Trees and Dating 'Apps'
several high-profile stories in the news about scandals in "dating apps"
DW Documentary About Julian Assange Turns 2
It was released just days after Assange had turned 53 and about two weeks after he had left the UK
Independent Media is the Only Form of Legitimate Media
Independent media is, indeed, what we need to demand more of
The Story of the European Patent Office (EPO) Wagging the Dog (EU)
The aim of the series is to properly inform the world - not just Europeans - how Europe's second-largest institution is run [...] How did a corporate hub of monopolies become so detached from the Rule of Law?
GNU/Linux Up to New High in Libya, Windows Down to All-Time Low
GNU/Linux touches 5% there, based on statCounter
SLAPP Censorship - Part 129 Out of 200: Iranian Tactics
Hunger for revenge compels people to do overzealous, irrational things
Quiet Week
Many in the US are still enjoying an extended weekend
IBM's Fall
IBM's fate is closely connected to that of the Free software movement because of the salaries
Social Dialogue at the European Patent Office (EPO) is Dead, the Strikes and Work Stoppage-Like Actions Carry on
What next for the EPO?
Over at Tux Machines...
GNU/Linux news for the past day
IRC Proceedings: Sunday, July 05, 2026
IRC logs for Sunday, July 05, 2026
Links 05/07/2026: Shadows of the Upper Peninsula and 2026 Old Computer Challenge
Links for the day
Not Everything Should be Electric
technology has become detrimental to society
Gemini Links 05/07/2026: Eye of the Beholder and Baldur’s Gate 3 and Alhena 5.6.5
Links for the day
GNU/Linux Market Share is Already High
GNU/Linux has fast become and is still becoming mainstream in recent years
The 9-Step IBM Algorithm: Gaming Wall Street While Shedding Off Staff and Bribing the Mainstream Media to Play Along
Any time IBM preaches manners (e.g. CoC) to the community remember that IBM works closely with and flatters the dictator
XBox is Practically 'Dead Man Walking' at This Point
writings on the wall
They Could Never Kill the Ideas of Richard Stallman (RMS), But They Are Still Trying
Killing an idea is harder than killing a person and killing a person is illegal
Only Germany Objected to Salary Adjustment (Reduction) Procedure of "Team Campinos"
"flash report on the Administrative Council of 30 June and 1 July 2026"
A "Never Slop" Policy in Quibble
"every change in the repository must be made by a human"
Series on GNU/Linux in Japan
This series can last a week or longer
75% of All the Patents Last Year Were Software
The corporate media has more or less ceased to discuss this matter
At Microsoft "the Morale of Developers is at an All-time Low"
Numerous reports today say that after at least 5 studios got marked for shutdown (mothballing) by Microsoft there are rumours about Obsidian as well
Links 05/07/2026: Data Breaches, Heat Waves, and Weinstein Rape Conviction Upheld
Links for the day
Confidentiality at Risk With Slop 'Coding'
People who continue to cheer for slop aren't just misguided fanbis and fangurls
False Narratives of Slop "Efficiency" as Debt Climbs
false stories about slop
July 8 as "D-Day" for Microsoft, Mass Layoffs Planned
Microsoft's grip on the market has slipped for a long time
GNU/Linux Leaps to 6% in Thailand
Can we expect 10% by year's end?
SLAPP Censorship - Part 128 Out of 200: Making Laws Work for Britain, Not Oversensitive Americans Looking for 'Revenge' by Lawfare
The SLAPPs are intended to protect corporations (employers like Microsoft)
EC Looking for Input on Digital Networks Act Until Next Month
New initiative
Over at Tux Machines...
GNU/Linux news for the past day
IRC Proceedings: Saturday, July 04, 2026
IRC logs for Saturday, July 04, 2026
Gemini Links 05/07/2026: Ragebaited and Removing Lines in Emacs
Links for the day
Links 05/07/2026: "Tesla Slams Into Crowded Cafe" and "ChatGPT [Turned] Into a Sociopath"
Links for the day
BRICS and Windows: All-Time Lows
Expect many more Microsoft layoffs in years to come
Do No Evil, Do Not DDoS
Sites that attract DDoS attacks because of their message are sites that are difficult to debunk or debate
France is Winning the Race Against Windows
France instructs, then orders, government agencies to adopt GNU/Linux
Not 2.5% and Not 2.5 Billion Dollars for "Hey Hi"; 2 Waves of Microsoft Layoffs Rumoured This Month, July 8th, Then July 22nd (Just Before 'Results')
People there join unions, knowing they will be terminated silently or otherwise
Microsoft Double Trouble With Slop
What does Microsoft even sell at this point?
Based on US Government Sites, GNU/Linux Has Reached About 8% "Market Share" in Desktops/Laptops
Culled to exclude mobile platforms, GNU/Linux would likely be above 8%
TheLayoff.com is Deleting Comments About IBM Offshoring
Meanwhile, rage-baiting Internet trolls and sometimes trolls who paste in LLM slop are immune from censorship
American Independence Needs Independent Media
The American regime's hostility towards media is an international problem
Techrights Was Always a Community Platform
Techrights is about whistleblowers
Phenomenal Growth for GNU/Linux in Afghanistan
This is impressive because for many years it was registered at near 0%
Daniel Pocock Pursuing Complaint in the United States Against Software in the Public Interest (SPI) et al
It seems like the only people who don't support him are those whom he criticises
Gemini Links 04/07/2026: Busy Squirrel, Independence Day Celebrations, PalmOS Programming
Links for the day
Canonical/Ubuntu is Breaking CP (cp) to Help Microsoft Turn Coreutils Into Proprietary Software for Windows
What we could do reliably in the 1970s (before GNU) we cannot do in 2026?
Brett Wilson LLP is Downsizing, Apparently Closing Down the Oversized and Overpriced Office
Address changed 13 hours ago
Free Software Has No Kings or CEOs
The kingdom is a cross-border phenomenon, so national flags and other such symbolism overlook the core problem [...] Free Software can help lead us out of the current imbalances
The United States Lost Freedom of Speech
independence refers to a condition, not an activity
IBM Replacing the People Who Built IBM With Cheaper and Younger Staff, According to IBM Insiders
This is a very common sentiment in IBM
For USA 250 Microsoft is Messing With Our Minds (2.50%) to Distract From Mass Layoffs
The slopfarms contribute to this noise
"Defective by Design" Turns 20
DBD is still as relevant as ever (probably more relevant than ever before)
A Bicycle for the Feeble Mind, or How Computers Got Worse for Productivity (Intentionally)
Many of us still adopt and champion the "workstation" mentality
Links 04/07/2026: Microsoft Tax Haven (Evasion) Tactics, Tobacco Bans, and More
Links for the day
Links 04/07/2026: 2026 Old Computer Challenge and Trying Gopher
Links for the day
SLAPP Censorship - Part 127 Out of 200: Lawsuits by Americans Filed in the UK a Burden on British Taxpayers, No Way to Recover the Funds When Americans Lose Their Cases
Are Garrett and Graveley 'pulling a 4Chan'?
Links 04/07/2026: USMCA (Covering Software Patents) Might Not be Renewed, Slop Bros Try to Pay Weird Al to Endorse Their Scheme
Links for the day
Over at Tux Machines...
GNU/Linux news for the past day
IRC Proceedings: Friday, July 03, 2026
IRC logs for Friday, July 03, 2026