Linux

What is Linux? You can think of Linux as an alternative to Windows and macOS; An operating system for your computer. An OS is responsible for managing the computer’s physical components (hardware) and programs (software). It acts as a ‘bridge’ between the two, allowing them to work together. Most computers come with Windows pre-installed, and Apple Macs come with macOS, so why should one consider switching to Linux instead? Linux is open-source, meaning that anyone can read, distribute and contribute to the project however they see fit. Linux is also free of charge, and you don’t need a license to use it. ...

What is Nix and NixOS? You may have heard of Nix before. The name can be a bit confusing at first, as Nix is: A programming language A package manager A Linux distribution (Known as NixOS) This guide will focus on Nix as the package manager, and how it can make your life easier. The Problem On macOS, the intended way to download new programs is to open the developer’s website and execute an installer (or disk image) that installs the program. This approach can be time-consuming, as well as generate confusion when a program has to be updated. For this reason, many people use Homebrew as a package manager for macOS. ...

Why Am I Doing This (again)? I’ve been using Linux for many years, and recently tried FreeBSD on a spare laptop. I didn’t see many differences initially, but it got me wondering: What really are the differences between Linux and *BSDs? Which OS should I use? Of course, the short answer is always the same: It depends. So, I had to decide what is most important to me. Before continuing, I recommend that you do the same. ...

A Bit of Context What is a Display Server? If you use Linux or any BSD variant, you have likely heard of, and used, a display server. A display server is the component required to load any graphics or graphical user interfaces (GUIs - most browsers, games, …) and display any video content. The display server also handles input, manages the physical display, listens for requests to draw graphics, and supports hardware acceleration. ...

Why Run AI Locally? AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini can be very useful, however, they have a few issues: Price (Some tiers can be expensive and require a monthly subscription) Freedom (You may be limited by the moral beliefs of the company behind it) Internet Access Privacy (All your requests are sent to the company’s servers and can be seen and used by them for any purpose.) Ease of access (Sometimes you may encounter shortages or be unable to use AI efficiently with the tools you already have) Local AI solves most of these issues: Your requests never leave your computer, and so they are private and can be done offline. ...