Choose your new computer’s operating system
I recently built a new computer, and now it needs a fresh operating system. But before I install it, I want to explore my operating...
Best Linux Distros for Windows Users: From Mint to Pop!_OS
When you are new to Linux, it can be challenging to navigate all the options available to users. Choosing a distribution can be difficult, especially...
Save the Computers
Computers aren’t as cute as say, baby seals or kittens, but it’s just as important to save the computers.
Triangle Linux Users Group to hold installfest
Members of the Triangle Linux Users Group (TriLUG) are having a meetup to discuss and demonstrate Linux for you. Keep your old computers that can't...
How do I choose a Linux distribution?
I see a lot of potential Windows refugees asking this question on the two social media sites I still use, BlueSky and Mastodon. While it's...
My oldest computer turns 20 today
My oldest computer turns 20 today, August 30, 2025. I use this data because, according to the Dell service information for it, that’s the date that this Dell Optiplex was shipped from the Dell factory. Unable to even install current versions of Windows, I keep it running using the most current versions of Fedora Linux.
Why I switched to Linux
When I first encountered Linux as an operating system, it wasn't exactly love at first sight. As a kid, I learned computing on an Apple...
10 reasons to use Linux
Southern humorist, newspaper editor and columnist, comedian, and author, Lewis Grizzard once said that there are two kinds of naked in the south. There's naked...
Good Reasons for Linux as your daily driver
Linux stands out as a consumer operating system thanks to its unique blend of freedom, performance, and community-driven innovation. Whether you’re on a budget laptop,...
End of 10…
There’s an interesting new movement gearing up as Win10 nears the end of it’s supported lifecycle. It’s called, “End of 10…” and can help keep 400 million computers out of the recycling stream — or worse, landfills.
How to choose a computer store
I’ve never purchased a computer or components from a big box store like Best Buy. And I’ve never had one repaired there either.
Begin the Journey: Finding a practical starting point with Free Open Source Software
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 2025-07-20 at https://beardystarstuff.net/ and is reproduced here with the author’s permission. As I’m writing this post it’s...
Breaking Free from Windows 10: KDE Plasma Is Your Upgrade to Freedom
October 14, 2025, is a big day if you’re a Microsoft Windows user. That’s the day that support for Windows 10 ends. But what if...
Cyndi: My open source story — Linux, the loyal friend
Editor's note: Cyndi is my yoga teacher and the coauthor of our book, "Linux for Small Business Owners." This article is collected from her many...
Upgrading a Lenovo V15 to Fedora KDE Plasma
I’ve been looking for a new laptop for a couple of months because the one I’ve been using is missing a ‘P’ key. Replacing the...
How to find Open Source Software to replace your Windows software
Author's note: This article is based on Chapter 6 of my book, "Linux for Small Business Owners," with my coauthor and yoga teacher Cyndi Bulka....