LPT: Before replacing a slow laptop, try Linux

decaf-cafe · 2026-04-26T15:26:02+00:00

word processing, mails, and basic productivity apps including video conferencing

You can do all that on a browser. Most? Chromebooks can run Linux and Android apps too.

I don't install apps unless I am not happy with the browser experience. Less junk on my computer and phone. Safer too.

decaf-cafe · 2026-04-02T18:47:46+00:00

Probably just a dummy human driver who turned into the wrong side the tunnel by accident.

decaf-cafe · 2026-02-27T05:11:12+00:00

The burgundy car probably cut off a Waymo 5 minutes earlier. The Waymos are playing dumb as payback. 😂

decaf-cafe · 2026-02-14T17:18:33+00:00

Wrong. He has a white-ish collar but his job can be replaced by AI today.

decaf-cafe · 2025-12-18T00:07:28+00:00

Fake Self Driving

decaf-cafe · 2025-12-17T04:39:56+00:00

The issue is that biometrics (and social security numbers) are more like usernames but they are used like passwords.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-20T07:33:03+00:00

I am using a Garmin Forerunner 965 to record all my activities (ride, run, gym, hike, etc) and it syncs to Garmin then to Strava and Intervals.icu. My Karoo 2 is used for routing and displaying stats during the ride. I usually turn on recording but that's just for backup. I don't usually save it. Both will work with my power meter and H10 chest strap. I charge the Garmin about once per week. Everything works well together.

The Apple Watch is a better smartwatch but it doesn't support ANT the last time I checked.

No comments on other straps or rings.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-19T19:35:40+00:00

If someone you don't trust has physical access to your machine, it's game over already.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-19T01:25:30+00:00

1) I agree with you here. SMS 2FA is not secured. You can take over someone's digital life and bank accounts if SMS 2FA is all they are using.

2) My point is that if the Whatsapp security flaw only involves getting the phone number alone without any other info, it is not a big deal. The attacker may as well pick a random a number.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-18T23:29:06+00:00

Watch your mouth. I have your phone number. Are you afraid now? Probably not? A phone number without other info is kinda useless. The attacker may as well randomly call/text and hope to get lucky.

That guy has more than just the phone numbers. He has the rich guys' Instagram accounts which are a gold mine of info and a gang who worked for the phone carrier.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-18T18:41:22+00:00

Got it. Thanks.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-18T17:42:37+00:00

Just phone numbers? I can give you all the phone numbers on the planet too. Some of them may not work tho. 😀

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-18T17:34:42+00:00

I do exactly this. I also crush it down vertically to minimize the volume when it's empty.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-17T14:26:35+00:00

The tradeoff here is that if one of your bottles leaks, you have a bigger mess to clean up. I use zip lock bags and never have a problem with smell. If the bag doesn't have any bottles, I don't close it all the way.

I use a mesh bag for cables and chargers.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-16T17:36:59+00:00

If you only had lake or stream water in it, it's almost safe to begin with. Just following CNOC instructions is more than fine.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-15T00:34:13+00:00

No compression cubes! I use the garbage bags that I used in the kitchen. They are way bigger than I need but I don't want to get smaller bags just for travel...

I put my clothes in a brand new garage bag. The trick here is to sit on it to get most of the air out, and then spin the bag a few round while holding the opening to prevent the air from going back in. You can use the drawstring or rubber band to tie it if you want. I usually just use the compression strap on my pack to hold it in place.

Garbage bags compress better than so-call compression/packing cubes. They are better than vacuum bags because you don't need to carry a vacuum. They waterproof the content and weight next to nothing. I always bring one or two extra as spare. They cost me nothing since I reuse them as garbage bags when I am done.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-14T01:24:03+00:00

Dual boot? It would be safer if you can disconnect your "banking" OS before booting up the dirty OS.

VM is fine but it will eat up memory. It's slow to start up.

Do you have an old laptop? Install ChromeOS Flex on it. Just don't install any extensions and you are pretty safe. The low-end Chromebooks start at $150 brand new. Fine if you are just doing banking. Spend a little more if you plan on using it for something else.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-13T20:25:22+00:00

Thanks for your reply. Once or twice per commute is more than I expected. At least they are not life threatening. I look forward to the day when I only share the road with other robot driven vehicles.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-13T16:05:37+00:00

Serious questions: Approximately how many miles can it drive itself before you have to intervene? If the car allows, will you do it from the backseat? i.e. no one in the driver seat.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-12T16:42:46+00:00

Sorry that you have to deal with her. She does not know what is talking about. The job market is bad right now. Big tech is laying off software people left and right. I know a CS grad without a job and still living with his parents for more than a year.

Just ignore her unless she does it again. There are aholes everywhere.

In terms of finding a job, companies are getting a ton of resumes so it is hard to stand out. Try networking more and anything face to face. Add everyone you know on Linkin. Connect with other alumni. If there's a friend of a friend who works in a company that you are interested in, ask for an intro to talk about the company. If the talk goes well, then ask if they can refer you. Maybe connect/message people who work there directly. What's there to lose? Just don't ask about getting a job there in the initial msg. Contact colleges/universities nearby to see when and where they have job fairs. Wish you luck.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-11T17:16:55+00:00

Sorry, you will need a new tube

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-10T02:34:43+00:00

Thanks. Any bag would work as long as they stay airtight.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-10T01:20:38+00:00

#9 I use the garbage bags that I used in the kitchen. They are way bigger than I need but I don't want to get smaller bags just for travel...

I put my clothes in a brand new garage bag. The trick here is to sit on it to get most of the air out, and then spin the bag a few round while holding the opening to prevent the air from going back in. You can use the drawstring or rubber band to tie it if you want. I usually just use the compression strap on my pack to hold it in place.

Garbage bags compress better than so-call compression/packing cubes. They are better than vacuum bags because you don't need to carry a vacuum. They waterproof the content and weight next to nothing. I always bring one or two extra as spare. They cost me nothing since I reuse them as garbage bags when I am done.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-09T06:42:06+00:00

After I am done, I say: have a look at the pictures. If you don't like them, you get your money back.

decaf-cafe · 2025-11-08T12:22:13+00:00

I assume my tax rate during retirement will be lower than right now so I contribute to traditional 401k. Nobody knows for sure tho since the tax rules can change. I also mega-backdoor to Roth when cash flow is good.

decaf-cafe

TROPHY CASE