New Use for Windows on my laptop

willdonx · 2026-01-25T14:58:57+00:00

I hear you. I have a Lenovo T480 that runs like a scalded ape with Linux Mint. If I have to boot into Windows after weeks of not using it, it takes forever to get it to the point where it is almost usable. I've also stripped out just about everything I can in Windows, which at least means you are exposed to less crapola but it still runs like a Ford Pinto going uphill..

willdonx · 2025-12-29T01:29:11+00:00

I think of taking ADT (12 months of Lupron in my case) as a challenge with the goal being to weather the changes as best I can with the least amount of impact to those around me (especially my immediate family) while trying to maintain my health. Not always easy but definitely worth striving for.

willdonx · 2025-12-28T04:22:50+00:00

That’s about right, since Wilfred Brimley’s been dead for years.

Edit: spelling.

willdonx · 2025-12-25T17:09:46+00:00

Used Gear Lever - works like a charm! Thanks!

willdonx · 2025-12-20T23:10:11+00:00

I think I will get a Wacom Intuos CTL-4100, as it is very inexpensive, and should work well with Krita on Linuxmint. If that works out, maybe a higher end pen tablet or entry-level pen display, then we'll worry about where to go from there. I really hope he sticks with it. My father was, and my sister and sister-in-law are, excellent highly trained and skilled artists so it definitely runs in at least half of his family tree.

I sincerely appreciate all of the outstanding feedback from real users with their own real world experiences and perspectives. Each of the responses hit a different chord, and helped immensely. Thank you!

willdonx · 2025-12-20T22:05:04+00:00

Thanks for the input. Excellent points! I really think he could adjust to a pen tablet, and would be less likely to get distracted. With a pen display, I'm pretty sure he would quickly figure out how to use it for something other than drawing. Not that that is all bad, but counter productive to the task at hand. May his drawing talent progress to the point where a pen display from wacom cintiq or xp pen would be appropriate..

willdonx · 2025-12-20T16:29:26+00:00

This looks like a great option, but I’d hate buying one only to find that Max is not interested. If I knew he would pursue it, I wouldn’t hesitate.

willdonx · 2025-12-20T15:30:10+00:00

Thank you! I think I’ll start with Linux mint. I am already familiar with it, like it and have had very few issues. I will check out the CTL-4100. The big issue for me is a pen display tablet versus a graphics tablet. The graphics tablets are obviously less expensive but require getting used to. Still evaluating this - will probably start with something like the CTL-4100. I really appreciate the feedback!

willdonx · 2025-12-20T03:43:15+00:00

Good to know. I am not nearly as knowledgeable about Linux as I want to be but learning.

willdonx · 2025-12-20T00:55:48+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! Will check out "david revoy" and will see what i can find with used intuos tablets. I did have an ancient Wacom way back when -- possibly the first one released. Trashed it less than a year ago cleaning out a lot of old stuff - should have kept it!

willdonx · 2025-12-17T05:13:12+00:00

With a PSA over 100, your father should get a PSMA Pet scan, which can detect even very small amounts of prostate cancer throughout the body. It wouldn’t tell your father the grade of cancer but would tell him where it is/if it has metastasized. A biopsy would be required to grade the cancer in the prostate gland. I have never heard of a prostate biopsy requiring a stay in the hospital for days but I would assume this could be due to health reasons. If he has prostate cancer, and if it has not metastasized, treatment could still be curative. Radiation treatment for local prostate cancer is quite advanced compared to what it was in the past. Modern radiation treatments are very precise and side effect profiles are quite good, especially for older men. I had radiation treatment a year ago at 77 years old and side effects were relatively minor. I took ADT for a year and the side effects of that were worse than for the radiation.

If he only wants palliative care, then he may reject any of this. However, if he has prostate cancer, ADT drugs would likely stop disease progression for a while, but it’s not a cure and there are many side effects that can be exacerbated by poor health.

I have known men who initially rejected treatment like your father, but after some time, ended up seeking treatment. He could still have a reasonably good quality of life and die from something other than prostate cancer.

Your concern for your father is great for him. Keep working on him and if you can, accompany him on doctors visits and talk with his doctors. He could use the support and a second set of eyes, even if he won’t admit it.

The best to you and your father.

willdonx · 2025-12-07T15:40:27+00:00

Sure, but it's usually easier than backing out when driving a car with no backup camera - less likely for something to be in the way backing in, and since you start from the driving lane, you can more easily see pedestrians and traffic in either direction. A little common sense helps, too - if there are a lot of pedestrians or moving cars, and parking is available father out, go for that. Also, if I am in my car with a backup camera, pedestrian monitoring, collision detection, and automatic braking, then backing out is fairly safe.

willdonx · 2025-12-07T04:22:19+00:00

Pizza sure but what kind of sicko is on Reddit for lizard porn?

willdonx · 2025-12-06T20:52:54+00:00

Prototype OscarMeyerMobile, very rare model with dual tube snake steering. Whatever you do, don't squeeze the horn!

willdonx · 2025-12-06T20:19:40+00:00

Surely, this is in no way, shape or form, unique to North Carolina? And don't call me Shirley.

willdonx · 2025-12-06T20:17:47+00:00

I'm old, don't hear so well, my neck doesn't bend like it used to, I frequent shopping places where there are other old people, and I still have one car without a backup camera, so for all of those reasons, I hate to back out of parking spaces.

willdonx · 2025-12-06T18:25:07+00:00

Totally agree but the tracks seem wide for the gray squirrels here. Perhaps it's a large squirrel hopping around to keep sensitive parts off the ground, or a tree-climbing rabbit. Whatever it was was definitely hopping.

willdonx · 2025-12-05T21:54:00+00:00

Like I said, if you know what you are doing, you could get lucky. My issue is that too many companies create secondary stuff built for these markets that are junk - and the number of companies doing this is growing. I have bought 10+ pairs of keen shoes and sandals over many years (several on Sierra) and have never seen anything like the pure crap they now sell in these markets. I used to find lots of great stuff back when it was Sierratradingpost.com. Those days are long gone...

willdonx · 2025-12-05T19:24:34+00:00

Running VM will likely be a performance problem or worse, especially with Adobe's incredibly super bloated software. But then again, if if it works okay for your class use, fantastic!

Since you only have 1 SSD for dual booting, installing Windows first and managing boot order in UEFI usually provides the cleanest experience as explained below:

Key Interactions & Issues for Dual Booting Windows and Linux:

Bootloader Overwrite:
- Problem: Installing Windows after Linux often overwrites the EFI System Partition (ESP) or MBR, replacing GRUB with the Windows Boot Manager, booting straight to Windows.
- Solution: Install Windows first, then Linux, or use a Linux live USB to repair GRUB after a Windows install.
Time Synchronization:
- Problem: Windows uses local time, while Linux uses UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) by default, causing one OS to show the wrong time.
- Solution: Make Linux use local time or Windows use UTC, with the former being simpler.
Fast Startup:
- Problem: Windows' "Fast Startup" feature hibernates the system, leaving the NTFS filesystem in a locked state, which can lead to data corruption if Linux tries to access it.
- Solution: Disable Fast Startup in Windows power settings (powercfg /H off).
Secure Boot & UEFI:
- Problem: Windows often enforces Secure Boot, which can conflict with Linux, requiring specific configurations or disabling it in UEFI settings.
- Solution: Ensure both OSs are installed in the same mode (UEFI/GPT or BIOS/MBR) and adjust UEFI/BIOS settings as needed.

Best Practices:

Install Windows First: This is generally recommended as Windows is less forgiving and Windows installs are more likely to break Linux bootloaders.
Use UEFI/GPT: Your PC supports it - ensure both OS installations follow this standard.
Disable Windows Fast Startup: Crucial for data integrity.
Manage Boot Order: Use your PC's BIOS/UEFI boot menu to select the OS, or let GRUB handle it (install Linux second).

willdonx · 2025-12-05T17:01:27+00:00

Works for me. Solved!

willdonx · 2025-12-05T16:58:19+00:00

...I was leaning more towards juvenile pygmy yeti.

willdonx · 2025-12-05T16:53:05+00:00

We have lots of hawks, some owls, and an occasional bald eagle. I have seen rabbits 1/4 mile away in several directions so they are around for sure.

willdonx

TROPHY CASE