#100daystooffload #dayfiftyeight #shortform #linux

Here's a quick overview of all that I was able to update:

• Shell Theme (Arc Dark)
• Icon Pack (Breeze Gradient Dark)
• Cursor (Sweet Cursors)
• GRUB2 Customization
• Appfolders
• Apt Update Indicator
• Dash to Dock
• GSConnect
• Places Status Indicator
• Unite
• Workspaces to Dock

I also took the time to learn how to make my own shortcuts for applications. For example, I've had TechnicLauncher installed for Minecraft to connect to a specific modded server. In order to run it, I had to open a terminal and run java -jar TechnicLauncher.jar Now, I have an icon on my dock that runs the command for me, saving me time.

I'm extremely happy that I'm able to make an experience completely tailored to myself. Like, I've heard people say that about Linux before, but it finally clicked. There's a lot of room left for me to grow in to, but I'm finally getting the hang of Linux. I still don't know much about kernals or different desktop environments, but I can figure those out as time goes on.

I'm trying to get to the point where I can uninstall Windows completely from this laptop. The main thing holding me back right now is my capture card. I've been doing research and learned that there are plug-and-play capture cards that should work perfectly fine for my usage. Unfortunately, I will never be completely free of Windows, but at least I can limit my usage to a virtual machine for those proprietary softwares and only that.

#100daystooffload #dayfiftysix #linux

After rebooting, my system started defaulting to booting to Windows instead of GRUB. However, every time it started loading the OS, it would BSOD with an INVALIDBOOTDRIVE error. I went on a crazy goose chase trying to figure out how to correct the issue and learned a little bit about EFI vs Legacy Boot along the way. I made a launch disk called rEFInd to help me try booting into my systems but had issues still getting into an OS. With the help of the Debian forums as well as some research of my own, I was able to clear up the issue and get back to normal.

So the main takeaway here is if you have a smoothly running system, don't just blindly make changes to the BIOS unless you're prepared to sink several hours figuring out how to fix it. And for the record, I was still able to host the stream.

#100daystooffload #dayfiftytwo #linux

For reinstalling Debian things went smoothly this time. Originally, I was going to try making a switch to PureOS, but I had forgotten that my WiFi drivers are non-free software. I could have made it work, but it would have defeated the purpose. When reviewing the Desktop Environments, I decided to stick with Gnome still, as I could tell it had grown to a point of comfort for me (I go to the top left corner of the screen even in Windows now). I've reinstalled most of the programs I was using before, so I'm back to normal. Now I have an extra 100GB to toy around with for for files and programs (YAY no more “you have 250MB remaining messages).

As far as the blog goes, I've added Contact, Tags, and Subscribe links. I also added a new icon that shows up in the browser! Yay Trans Pride! I was looking around and saw that remark.as is in the works as a comment system. I may end up enabling it whenever it comes around. But in the meantime, I wanted to let people know they can reach out to me about anything I chat about (are we playing the same games? Do you have some pointers for me about privacy stuff? Want to just chat?). I will be limiting it to just Mastodon for the time being. Tags have also been added as a quick way to search for blogs about common subjects. It's a pretty bare bones page at the moment, but it functions for the tags I feel are most common. I'm thinking it may get scrapped for a glitch.me page that will function as an archive, but until then, I wanted to have something available. Now there is a consistent Subscribe link on the page. Before you would have to scroll to the very bottom of the home page to subscribe. Now there's an easier way to access the e-mail subscription service.

I've been wanting to take more screenshots from the games I'm playing, so I started using snap.as to make galleries. I already have one for a few of my Dark Souls 3 images. Here's probably my favorite from the bunch:

Lastly, and least exciting, I uninstalled several apps I do not use on my phone. Though useful, I feel I should be using them to justify their space on my phone. Knowing a bit more with security, it's good to trim down to lower your attack surface.

#100daystooffload #daythirtyone #gaming #linux #privacy

In the meantime, I helped a friend flash GrapheneOS onto their phone and they're going to hook my raspberrypi up with pihole. It will be nice to easily avoid ads when using different browsers/devices. I've got my laptop set for the job, but only on one browser.

This week I'm going to reset my Linux partition. I didn't allocate enough space, and I'm struggling finding a good guide to add to the partition. I don't have any files saved, so I won't have to spend too long to get back to normal. I may try a different distribution just to see if I notice the differences that much.

That's all for now, though. Take it easy, friends.

#100daystooffload #daytwentynine #gaming #linux

One of the main reasons I wanted to do a soft-switch to Linux was to get away from Microsoft telemetry. Having my data sent to them without my consent is a really big red flag. I can't completely ditch it (I've got a love for Excel), but I can try switching to using it 'as needed'.

Previously, I've dabbled with Ubuntu, but it's been several years so I've forgotten most things. To make things a bit more difficult for me, I've switched to Debian even. Not necessarily the easiest to switch to, but I've managed. I would love to be able to learn more about compiling programs from source code. I'm not a coder, but I think that approach would help me understand a lot more about programs that I never got the chance to learn. It may even spark interest in contributing to some FLOSS if I find it interesting enough. Generally for me, it's been easier to donate a dollar or two, but I would love to experience the full picture.

#100daystooffload #dayfive #Linux #privacy #FLOSS

Unfortunately, the installation wasn't as smooth as I would have hoped. First off, I was having issues getting into the BIOS on my laptop. I managed to figure it out after several attempts and started booting from the flash drive. Once loaded in, I started the installer, but it didn't give me access to my mouse. After that it gave me a message that it couldn't add my network card drivers. And after skipping that, it wasn't able to see my SSD as an install location.

After several searches on the internet, I managed to figure out the SSD install location. I ran through the rest of the installer, but unfortunately, it crippled the installation. I only have access to a terminal when booting up. No GUI. That's definitely not going to work out. And at the same time, I accidentally locked up my Windows instance.

One of the changes I had to make to get the SSD to work involved me setting my laptop to boot into safemode. I forgot my administrator password. I didn't think it would be different from my general login, but alas, I was wrong. I had to fish out a second flash drive to install a Windows 10 disc. This allowed me to pull up the command line and clear the safemode flag.

And here we are now. I sort of have Debian installed (but majorly crippled). I can still use my laptop normally. But I've still got a ways to go before I'm finally 'done'. Maybe next weekend I'll get it.