Tech Wednesday Roundup: Claws Mail new release... lots of good stuff. Discord install guide for our gamers out there who have not sorted it out until now... What's Kitty? It is a GPU powered terminal program... read to find more. Plus Bonus Time on KDE Features

Debian To Consider Changing How It Treats Closed-Source Firmware - Phoronix https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Debian-Considering-Firmware Tech Wednesday #1: What else is there other than SystemD? 3 or 4 others, including: runit, Sysvinit, OpenRC, and GNU Daemon Shepherd... Why should you care? SystemD, some have argued, is bloated and needlessly complex to work with (I barely understand it, tbh). The others are lighter and simpler. SysVInit descends from Unix System V, and was replaced by upstart on Ubuntu, then supplanted by SystemD about 10 years ago, and pretty much everyone but Gentoo uses it, now, as Gentoo developed OpenRC, which sits on top of SysVInit. There is another, the ShepherD (GNU Shepherd Daemon), which was initially developed 20 years ago, abandoned, then picked up again in 2013. Not sure if it is being actively developed now or not. https://www.linux-magazine.com/index.php/Online/Features/A-Survey-of-Init-Systems Tech Wedensday #2: How to ditch SystemD... just in case you're curious. It probably isn't worth the trouble. https://www.linux-magazine.com/index.php/Issues/2017/199/Professor-Knopper-s-Lab-Removing-systemd Tech Wednesday #3: What's new in Thunderbird? 7 new features... https://news.itsfoss.com/thunderbird-102-features/

Tech Wednesday #1: Last Thursday may have been some of your first introduction to virtualization and virtual machines. Here is some news for the not-so-new users among us. A new version of the tool has been released. https://9to5linux.com/qemu-7-0-released-with-kvm-support-for-risc-v-arm-and-openrisc-improvements Tech Wednesday #2: AMD Parallelization Hits a Snag... Darn, devs haven't quite hammered out CPU parallelization for AMD chips yet, but it is coming, all. You with the latest Ryzen chips will soon have an even larger advantage over Intel users... https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Parallel-CPU-Bringup-AMD-Snag If you need a degoogled phone, head over to my site and purchase check out a Freed Phone (https://techfreedom.pro/product/freed-phone/). If you want to get it faster and customized, including a case, screen protector, the UI, and up to 15 apps (total) installed for you please consider the Premium Freed Phone (https://techfreedom.pro/product/premium-freed-phone/). Tech Wednesday #3: Latest Gen Intel motherboard now has a working port of coreboot. Coreboot is open source bios/UEFI firmware. This is HUGE. https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Coreboot-Start-ADL-MSI-Dasharo If a separate encrypted collaboration suite is an option for you, check out cryptpad... https://itsfoss.com/cryptpad/ https://cryptpad.fr Another alternative to Cryptpad is Twake. Also FOSS, and self-hostable. https://twake.app

Mobile Freedom Wednesday Roundup #1: New Release for Plasma Mobile Gear This is exciting for KDE fans out there who want to use the same desktop setup on their phones https://9to5linux.com/kde-releases-plasma-mobile-gear-22-04-with-lots-of-goodies-for-linux-phone-users Product Spot: If you need a degoogled phone, head over to my site and purchase check out a Freed Phone. (Https://techfreedom.pro/products/freed-phone/) If you want to get it faster and customized, including a case, screen protector, the UI, and up to 15 apps (total) installed for you please consider the Liberated Phone. (Https://techfreedom.pro/products/liberated-Phone/) #2: Updates for the Pinephone Pro from Pine64 Not covering all of it, but I will talk about the mobile news from Pine64. https://www.pine64.org/2022/04/15/april-update-no-more-unicorns/ #3: How to install Android Studio on Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS https://www.linuxcapable.com/how-to-install-android-studio-on-pop_os-22-04-lts/

Tech Wednesday Roundup #5 Tech Wednesday #5-1 Ever thought about single-board computers (SBC's) like the Raspberry Pi? Here are a few alternatives, one is surprisingly powerful for such a small container... https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-raspberry-pi-alternative/ Tech Wednesday #5-2: Ever wondered about Linux mobile? Here is an explanation with a solid list of the most well-known options: https://bytexd.com/hardware/best-linux-phones/ Freed Phone: Have you watched 2000 Mules yet? If not, you should. One of the cornerstones of the film was the data gathered from the Mules' GPS tracking on their phones. If you want to mitigate that threat as much as you can, you need a degoogled device, such as one of my Freed Phones. (Https://techfreedom.pro/products/freed-phone/) Tech Wednesday #5-3: Microsoft is edging on Linux again, this time in the mobile space... this should send up some GIANT red flags, but also might propel the whole space forward as they will bring their considerable resources to bear in solving many problems. I'm conflicted. https://itsfoss.com/microsoft-linux-mobile-os/ Tech Wednesday#5-4 KDE Connect now comes to iOS. Looking to get things off the cloud and transfer them to your computer this may help. https://news.itsfoss.com/kde-connect-ios/

Mobile Freedom Wednesday #2-1 Next slated version of Android. If you're already degoogled, this probably won't matter much, but for the rest of you, this is good info. https://www.androidauthority.com/android-13-schedule-3105528/ Mobile Freedom Wednesday #2-2 As much as we encourage you to look at the Pixel line because it is easy to work with, go into it with your eyes open. https://www.pcworld.com/article/626256/why-i-gave-up-on-googles-pixel-phones.html Mobile Freedom Wednesday #2-3 Not a new piece, but interesting, nonetheless. Check it out if you have or are thinking about a OnePlus device. https://privacytogo.co/lineageos-vs-oxygenos-should-you-switch/ If you need a degoogled phone, try my Freed Phone. They are just what you need to reduce your privacy attack surface. What is a degoogled phone? An android or Linux Mobile device without Google apps and trackers built in to spy on you. Techfreedom.pro/products/freed-phone/ Memesplanation: Mistakes are proof that you are trying.

Tech Freedom: Tech Wednesday #7-1: Need a server backup solution that works? Try Borgmatic on Ubuntu. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/install-borgmatic-easy-linux-server-backups/ Tech Wednesday #7-2: Trojans, Worms, and Malware, Oh My! Increased level of Linux DDOS attacks of late. https://www.govinfosecurity.com/massive-surge-in-use-linux-xorddos-malware-reported-a-19114 Fear and doubt kill dreams. Full stop. They cause us, when we engage with them, to freeze, and not do anything to achieve those dreams. Don't go there if you want to do anything in life. Believe in your dreams and find your "Why". That will take you far in terms of motivation. Tech Wednesday #7-3: Rocky Linux (a free Red Hat Enterprise Linux alternative) just completed a >$26 million funding round to promote itself. (Red Hat is the parent of Fedora) https://www.zdnet.com/article/rocky-linux-developer-lands-26m-funding-for-enterprise-open-source-push/ https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/

Tech Wednesday #8 Roundup Tech Freedom, [6/1/22 6:01 AM] Tech Wednesday #8-1 RasPi Setup Tutorials... how to use it. https://www.tomshardware.com/news/raspberry-pi Memesplanation We need to remember just how big and powerful our God is. He can do so far beyond what we need or could ever imagine to want, so why do we try to play God in our own lives, stressing over every detail? Glorify and praise him today. He is worthy. Tech Freedom, [6/1/22 8:00 AM] Tech Wednesday #8-2 Something a little fun, it has been pretty serious around here... here are some suggested FOSS Turn-Based Strategy games for you. https://www.linuxlinks.com/free-open-source-turn-based-strategy-games/ Tech Wedenesday #8-3 Tip for those who may not know yet... Protonmail has rebranded itself as simply "Proton" to make the whole brand more cohesive across their product stack. https://news.itsfoss.com/protonmail-now-proton/ Product Spot: Training and Advice for Business https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-consultation-for-business/

Tech Wednesday #9-1: Gnome Shell for Mobile... this looks like it could be a very solid option, once it is done being developed. It looks like GNOME meets Android, pretty cool, even though I don't like GNOME for desktop. https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2022/05/gnome-shell-mobile-support-is-coming-along-nicely #TechFreedom #techwednesday #GNOMEmobile #GNOME #Linuxmobile Tech Wednesday #9 #memesplanation: What do you permit in your life? What do you consciously rubber stamp vs what you passively let go on? If you are tired of certain situations in your life, stop taking actions that perpetuate them, which either will allow or deny those things from continuing, to a certain extent. #TechFreedom #Truth #permissiontoexist Tech Wednesday #9-2: Distro test is an epic tool to try out combinations of distributions and desktop environments without installing anything. Check it out before you download anything. https://distrotest.net #TechFreedom #techwednesday #techtips #Linux #saveeffort Tech Wednesday #9: #productspot: Premium package for degoogled phones from Tech Freedom. 2-day shipping, screen protector, phone case, Faraday bag, and up to15 pre-installed apps of your choice. https://techfreedom.pro/product/liberated-phone/ #TechFreedom #liberatedphone #degoogled #degoogleyourlife Tech Wednesday #9-3: New release from /E/ Foundation: rebranded /E/ OS to Murena for the 1.0 version. https://news.itsfoss.com/murena-e-os/ #TechFreedom #techwednesday #degoogleyourlife #degoogled

Tech Wednesday 10: Best FOSS Web Servers Memesplanation KDE Gear 22.04.2 Product Spot Horcrux File Splitter #TechFreedom #linuxtools #FOSS #linux #Linuxserver Tech Wednesday 10-1: https://www.linuxtoday.com/developer/the-8-best-open-source-web-servers/ #TechFreedom #technews #techtips #Linuxserver #FOSS #Memesplanation #success is more about the roots and the foundations, the ice below the waterline, versus what everyone can see. Neither be discouraged nor in a place of bragging if what is visible is smaller or bigger than what you see with your peers. #motivation #encouragement #nocomparisons #foundationsmatter Tech Wednesday 10-2: https://9to5linux.com/kde-gear-22-04-2-adds-7zip-support-to-ark-improves-dolphin-kdenlive-and-other-apps #TechFreedom #KDE #technews #Linux https://techfreedom.pro/product/system-set-up/ #techfreedom #productspot #Linux #nomorespying #linuxinstall #setfree #FOSS Tech Wednesday 10-3: https://www.linuxtoday.com/developer/excellent-utilities-horcrux-file-splitter-with-encryption-and-redundancy/ #techfreedom #linux #linuxtools #Foss

Tech Wednesday 11-1: New Version of Proton... will it lure more windows gamers away from macroshaft? https://www.makeuseof.com/proton-7-0-3-boots-linux-steam-deck-game-compatibility/ #Foss #Linux #getfree #techfreedom #Linux4gamers #proton Memesplanation: Is imagination really just an escape? Or is is more? What if we are meant to use our imagination as an aide to manifesting the things we dream into reality? Think about it. #techfreedom #memesplanation #imagination #manifestation #reality #tools Tech Wedenesday 11-2: Any TMNT fans out there? You may have already been tracking this, but it is out and native in Linux, to boot. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/06/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-shredders-revenge-is-out-now/ #techfreedom #Linux4gamers #wannaplay #TMNT #Linux Product Spot: Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #wannaplay #techfreedom #productspot #newrig #getfree #Linux #Foss #degoogleyourlife Tech Wednesday 11-3: Warhammer 3 out for Linux! RTS players rejoice! https://9to5linux.com/total-war-warhammer-iii-is-out-now-on-linux-ported-by-feral-interactive #wannaplay #Linux4gamers #techfreedom #Linux #warhammer

Mobile Freedom Wednesday 3/ Tech Wednesday 13: New Release of Ubuntu Touch One day, or day one? New Release of Plasma Mobile Gear Freed & Liberated Phones Pine64 working on new RISC SOC Degoogling 101 Mobile Freedom Wednesday 3-1: New release of Ubuntu Touch, looks like it is getting closer to ready for primetime. https://9to5linux.com/ubuntu-touch-ota-23-rolls-out-to-all-supported-ubuntu-phones-this-is-whats-new #TechFreedom #mobilefreedom #techwednesday #ubuntutouch #linuxmobile Which will it be? Always looking forward to a day that may never come, or anticipating and working toward a day that is already begun? If you act as though what you desire is already real for you, it will come and be visible to you and those around you. #Memesplanation #manifestation #TechFreedom #motivation #inspiration Mobile Freedom Wednesday 3-2/ Tech Wednesday 13-2: More Linux Mobile news! A new release of Plasma Mobile Gear is out now. Moving right along. https://9to5linux.com/kde-releases-plasma-mobile-gear-22-06-for-linux-phones-heres-whats-new #linuxmobile #techwednesday #mobilefreedom #TechFreedom Disclaimer: neither the Freed nor the Liberated Phone are guaranteed to be New. I will find the best available option and work with that. If you need a degoogled phone, head over to my site and purchase check out a Freed Phone. Https://techfreedom.pro/product/freed-phone If you want to get it faster and customized, including a case, screen protector, the UI, and up to 15 apps (total) installed for you please consider the Liberated Phone. Https://techfreedom.pro/product/liberated-phone #techfreedom #doneforyou #freedphone #liberatedphone #productspot Tech Wednesday 13-3: New SBC with "desktop class performance" coming soon from Pine64. This new situation will be RISC-V based, rather than ARM. Should be interesting. https://news.itsfoss.com/pine64-riscv/ #TechFreedom #techwednesday #technews #pine64 #RISC Degoogling your Phone 101 https://rumble.com/vzvm8t-how-to-de-google-your-phone.html

What to Expect: FOSS Fun Wednesday 1: Xonotic Release Memesplanation What's Lutris, anyway? Freed Computer (Consultation) 9 Best Gaming Distros How to Degoogle Your Phone Foss Fun Wednesday 1-1/ Tech Wednesday 14-1: Ever played First-peson Shooters like Quake 3 or Unreal Tournament? Xonotic would probably be a fun game to pick up if you have the time. https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2022/07/xonotic-0-8-5-released Find #satisfaction in what you do today. Choose to work hard, whether at work, or at side projects that you might feel are more fulfilling than your day job. #hardwork #workhard #fulfillment #Memesplanation #TechFreedom Foss Fun Wednesday 1-2/ Tech Wednesday 14-2: What's Lutris? I know I have referred to it from time to time in the past, so here is the brass tacks from the project itself. https://lutris.net/about Freed Computer (consultation) This is what we do, should you choose to convert your current computer to Linux and FOSS. We schedule a call, ideally after a Freedom Consultation, and I walk you through the conversion process remotely, step by step. https://techfreedom.pro/product/system-set-up/ #TechFreedom #productspot #degoogleyourlife #Linux #freedcomputer #linuxinstall Foss Fun Wednesday 1-3/ Tech Wednesday 14-3: One thing that is often asked by younger guys (particuarly) is which distro is best for gaming in Linux. The distinction is not as strong as it once was, but here is a reasonable list: https://itsfoss.com/linux-gaming-distributions/ Quick & Dirty How to Degoogle Your Phone https://rumble.com/vzvm8t-how-to-de-google-your-phone.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #TechFreedom #degoogleyourlife #getfree #explainer

FOSS Fun Wednesday 3: What to Expect: Best Distro for Gaming: https://linuxstans.com/best-linux-distro-gaming/ Memesplanation: Be intentional about what you put into your mind and heart today. How to Play games on Linux: https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-play-pc-games-on-linux Freed Phone https://techfreedom.pro/product/freed-phone/ Feral GameMode 1.7 released: https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Feral-GameMode-1.7 #fossfun #techwednesday #linux #linuxgaming #linux4gamers #TechFreedom

Tech Wednesday 18 What to Expect: Top 5 SystemD Free Distros Memesplanation: It's one thing to believe in yourself, but it is an entirely different animal when someone else does, wholeheartedly. Offer this gift to someone today. Theming GRUB Freed and Liberated Phones Steam Update TW 18-1: What are the Top 5 distros without SystemD? What is SystemD? Why should I care? https://linuxiac.com/best-systemd-free-linux-distributions/ #nosystemd #Linux #deeper #Libre #technews #FLOSS #TechFreedom #techwednesday Memesplanation: It's one thing to believe in yourself, but it is an entirely different animal when someone else does, wholeheartedly. Offer this gift to someone today. #believe #supportoneanother #loveoneanother #memesplanation #TechFreedom TW 18-2: Ever wondered how people get a fancy boot screen? Here’s how to Theme GRUB. https://linuxiac.com/how-to-apply-theme-to-grub-boot-loader/ #GRUB #Linux #techtips #custom #TechFreedom #techwednesday Freed Phone & Liberated Phone Https://techfreedom.pro/product/freed-phone Https://techfreedom.pro/product/liberated-phone TW 18-3: Steam Update = better performance and support on Linux https://9to5linux.com/latest-steam-client-update-brings-linux-and-vulkan-fixes-support-for-new-controllers #steam #linuxgaming #linux4gamers #TechFreedom #techwednesday #fossfun https://rumble.com/v11qsi0-tech-freedom-tech-wednesday-3.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y

FOSS Fun Wednesday 4 What to expect: Slimbook Line Refresh Memsplanation Steamdeck Tips Free Your Internet Godot 3.5 FOSS Game Engine released How to Regain Control of Your Data FOSS Fun Wednesday 4-1: Slimbook refreshes some of their line… need a Linux-native laptop? These could be good solutions for you. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/07/slimbook-recently-refreshed-a-bunch-of-their-linux-laptops/ #slimbook #Linuxlaptops #Linux #TechFreedom #technews Shift your perception today… is it a weed, a helpful herb, or a wish? My kids get goofy whenever they see a dandelion and try to always pick and blow. It is hard to shift into childlikeness, and the practical, western American side of me wants to yell at them about spreading weeds, but that is not right either, is it? #perception #childlikeness #dandelion #seeds #wishes #weeds #memesplanation #TechFreedom Foss Fun Wednesday 4-2: Steamdeck tips https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/08/top-quick-steam-deck-tips-and-tricks/ #steam #steamdeck #Linux #linuxgaming #tips #TechFreedom Free Your Internet https://techfreedom.pro/product/free-your-internet/ One-stop shop for getting you and your business transitioned off of Big Tech online platforms and tools, so that you have control of your data once again. I will also help you to find better alternatives. #TechFreedom #internetfreedom #nogoogle #nometa #noyahoo #nomicrosoft FOSS Fun Wednesday 4-3: Godot 3.5 Released https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/08/open-source-game-development-advances-with-godot-engine-35-out-now/ #gameengine #godot #FOSS #FOSSgaming #Linux #technews #TechFreedom

FOSS Fun Wednesday 5 What to Expect: Heroic Games Launcher Memesplanation ProtonDB Freed Computer Arch takes the Cake in Gaming on Steam Data Rescue Tutorial FFW 5-1: New Version of Heroic Games Launcher https://news.itsfoss.com/heroic-games-launcher-2-4-0-release/ #FOSSFun #FFW #TechFreedom #Heroic #linuxgaming #Linux Gratitude attracts more of that which you are grateful for, so focus on those things far more than that which you may lack. Be grateful for and appreciate for what you have, and you may find that you get more of it. #gratitude #lifehacks #memesplanation #TechFreedom #thankyoujesus FFW 5-2: ProtonDB, where you go to see if you can play your games on Linux or the SteamDeck https://www.protondb.com/ #protondb #Linux #linuxgaming #FOSSFun #FFW #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 5-3: Arch FTW in Steam Gaming in 2021… https://boilingsteam.com/all-roads-lead-to-arch-the-evolution-of-linux-distros-used-for-gaming-over-time/ #FFW #FOSSFun #Linux #linuxgaming #steam #TechFreedom #archlinux

Foss Fun Wednesday 6: Moar Games on Proton with 7.0-4 & More What to Expect: New Linux Exploit called “Dirty Cred” Memesplanation Top 5 Secure Linux Browsers Freed Computer Proton 7.0-4 Released Break Google’s Chains FFW 6-1: What is Dirty Cred? Do we need to worry about it as end users? Let’s see what the uber nerds at Black Hat found out. https://www.esecurityplanet.com/threats/linux-exploit-dirty-cred/ #fossfun #FFW #Linux #FOSS #exploits #security #technews #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness Memesplanation I believe that we each have a Purpose for being here. What lights you up every time you think about it? What gets you giddy but triggers a fear reaction in you at the same time? What are you naturally good at? The intersections of the answers to these questions will give you insight as to what your Purpose is. Once you find it, seek to fulfill it. #memesplanation #purpose #bigpicture #bigwhy #motivation #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness FFW 6-2: Top 5 Secure Broswers for Linux: Ungoogled Chromium, GoLogin, Brave, Vivaldi, and Tor round out their list… Let’s see why they ranked each one where they did. https://linuxstans.com/most-secure-browsers-for-linux/ #FFW #fossfun #technews #secure #security #browsers #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom Gab: Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness FFW 6-3: Proton 7.0-4 Releases with even more game support, as well as updated drivers and misc bug fixes. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/08/proton-70-4-is-coming-to-bring-more-compatibility-to-linux-and-steam-deck/ #FFW #technews #Linux #Linuxgaming #steamdeck #steam #proton #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

What to Expect New Version of Lutris Released Memesplanation News on CrossOver Freed Computer Steam Deck 2 Coming What to use instead of Google, Meta, and Microsoft products online FFW 7-1: Lutris adds new features in v 0.5.11 Amazon Games and Mac Emulattion https://news.itsfoss.com/lutris-0-5-11-release/ #FFW #fossfun #Lutris #Linuxgaming #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness Even in this economy, if you are looking for work, you cannot be as bad at whatever you do as Nic Cage is at acting… You can find a new/ better job, or even start your own side hustle/ business. You can do this. Dream big, plan bigger (without going into debt to get there), and go for it. #encouragement #niccage #youcandoit #memesplanation #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness FFW 7-2: CrossOver 22 released This is program from CodeWeavers, the ones who bring us WINE, and help Valve with Proton. It is proprietary, but works on Linux, ChromeOS, and MacOS, so that any user ofthose OSes can run Windows programs on their machine. Lots of good stuff here, though I wish it were FOSS. Producing and selling this is much of how CodeWeavers is able to develop WINE and give back to the community through Proton as well. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/08/crossover-22-released-for-running-windows-apps-and-games-on-linux/ #FFW #fossfun #technews #mixedfeelings #CrossOver #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness FFW 7-3: Steam Deck 2 is Coming! Based on a few lines in the marketing materials for the Steam Deck to introduce it to Asian markets, they mention that they will both be releasing SteamOS for use on other hardware, as well as that they will be releasing new versions in the future. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/08/steam-deck-2-is-absolutely-coming-new-booklet-from-valve-confirms/ #FFW #fossfun #Steam #steamdeck #rumors #steamdeck2 #SteamOS #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

What To Expect: Linux Kernel 6.0rc2 Memesplanation Steam Deck Tips vol 2 Freed Computer AMD Zen 4 (Ryzen 7000) Announced What to use Instead of Big Tech FFW 8-1: Rapid Development on the 6.0 Kernel Continues After only 1 week, we get another release candidate… that is nuts in terms of speed. Proprietary Oses (Windows, MacOS) take FOREVER to do their internal dev work on new updates and upgrades. Linux, mostly with volunteers, gets it done far faster. https://www.makeuseof.com/linux-60-release-candidate-2-released/ #FFW #Linux #kernel #development #TechFreedom Don’t let offense run your life. You don’t always have to jump into the war of words if someone feels like battling with you. Take the time to respond rather than simply reacting. Choose your battles, pick your fights. Breathe. You don’t always have to defend your point of view from any who might disagree. #arguments #respond #breathe #walkaway #advice #TechFreedom TTT 23-2: Steam Deck Tips & Tricks Vol 2 Schedule updates for times when you do not plan to use the device Use in-game vsync, not global for better performance You don’t always have to use GE-Proton Try an alternative on-scren keyboard (Core Keyboard is a good option) And More… https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/08/steam-deck-tips-and-tricks-part-2/ #steamdeck #tips #tricks #hacks #Linux #steamos #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness FFW 8-3: AMD Ryzen 7000 Top SKUs Announced Zen 4 chips announced from the R9-7950x and 7900x to the R7-7700x and R5-7600x, each of which promise to be pretty epic in terms of performance numbers. My brother covered rumors about 3 weeks ago on the show, and some of those stats look pretty accurate. These Chips will be rolled out at the end of the month, and the other, filler SKUs will be rolled out later. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/08/amd-announced-qzen-4q-with-ryzen-7000-series-rdna3-teased/ #FFW #AMD #zen4 #ryzen7000 #technews #Linux #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

AMD Announces FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.1 Memesplanation Proton Experimental Rolls Red Dead Redemption 2 Fix Freed Computer New Game: Shadow Government Sim Big Tech Alternatives FFW 9-1: FSR 2.1 Announced What is FSR? FidelityFX Super Resloution (FSR) is a resolution upscaler that allows you to play games on a lower resolution without sacrificing as much of the eye candy, so that you get to keep most of the visual quality while allowing your performance to not be so impacted by running a AAA title at a higher resolution. What is new with this version? • Reduced ghosting • improved color range and temporal stability https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/09/amd-announces-fidelityfx-super-resolution-21-upgrade/ #FFW #AMD #FSR #gaming #bonus #Linux #performance #FPS #TechFreedom Your beliefs and the systems that foster them keep you stuck where you are. Fear of what “they” might say if you say, started your own business, or developed a skill that you have always wanted, but never saw a need to push for in the past. Dream. Believe. Go for it. Don’t worry about what they say or think about you, just dream it, believe it, and get it done. Fear of failure, or of success… so Face Everything And Rise above it. #encouragement #believe #memesplanation #TechFreedom FFW 9-2: Proton Experimental Updated What’s the big deal? Red Dead works again, as it broke after the developers chose to update with FSR 2.0 from AMD. Valve has already fixed this in the exerimental version of Proton, along with adding support for Deathsmiles II and Primal Carnage: Extinction https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/09/proton-experimental-fixes-up-red-dead-redemption-2-gets-more-games-working/ #FFW #Linuxgaming #steam #steamdeck #proton #rdr2 #technews #Techfreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness FFW 9-3: Shadow Government Simulator May be too close to the truth… sounds like it could be fun though, based on Plague, Inc and other similar titles. You play as an individual tasked with discovering the mechanics of power in a country that is new to you, so that you can shape it however you wish to. Each choice has potentially global ramifications, have fun. Prologue is available on Steam for free right now. This game is 6th on the list when I wrote this last Friday. https://linuxgamenews.com/ #FFW #shadowgovt #sims #simulator #steam #Linux #native #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

MESA Updates Memesplanation Community Proton Updates Released Freed Computer EA AntiCheat: Bane of Existence for Linux Gamers? What to Use Instead of Big Tech FFW 10-1: Great news for any who love CS:GO… and others Mesa driver stack has a patch that will dramatically improve performance on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, not only taking the startup time from 2.5 minutes to 10 seconds. Also one of the main developers for the stack wrote a blog recently stating that there are about to be huge drawing throughput improvements for AMD GPUs through the AMD Vulkan driver. Good stuff. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/09/mesa-gets-a-big-csgo-speedup-plus-upcoming-amd-radv-performance-boost/ #FFW #FOSS #drivers #graphics #AMD #Linux #TechFreedom Just do it. Pray. Talk to God. He’s your Father, Lord, and Friend. He causes all things to work out for the best for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. He knows your heart better than you do, but wants to hear it from you anyway. So, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, talk to Him. #spirituality #littlechrist #pray #talktogod #memesplanation #TechFreedom FFW 10-2: Community Proton projects have updates GE-Proton now at 7.33, and WINE-GE-Proton is at 7.28 more fixes for GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, Bioshock Remastered 1 & 2 dxvk updated vkd3d updated latest upstream proton fixes included Should make lots of gamers happier. Good stuff. If you want to read more, follow the link below: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/09/ge-proton-7-33-and-wine-ge-proton-7-28-are-out-now/ #FFW #gloriouseggroll #Proton #Steam #community #linuxgaming Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness FFW 10-3: EA Anti-Cheat News BOOOOOO!!!!! Hiiiiiiiiiisssssss!!!! EA has developed a new kernel-mode cheating and tampering prevention tool that will be rolled out in the lastest FIFA game, along with many others, however, EA will not require its use, but will listen to each studio’s needs to see whether it will be necessary for them, even allowing some to roll “user-mode protections” which may allow games to function on Linux. With Kernel-Mode Anti-Cheat, that will pretty much exclude any Linux user who wants to play on Linux rather than either dual booting or spinning up a VM to play their new game. #smh EA. #smh. Low blow, man. Not surprising, really, but low, nonetheless. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/09/ea-anticheat-could-spell-trouble-for-steam-deck-linux/ #FFW #EA #anticheat #exclusives #Linux #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

Halo EAC Being Worked on for Steam Deck Memesplanation GE-Proton 7-35 Released Freed Computer New NVIDIA Driver Out How to Survive Online Without Big Tech FFW 11-1: Easy Anti-Cheat Being Worked on for Steam Deck Great news for gamers who want to continue fighting The Covenant in Halo: The Master Chief Collection on their Steam Deck or Linux Computer: the crew at 343 is on it, they have “ticked the box”, but there is more to it than that. It will be playable soon from the sound of it. Enjoy (soon). https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/09/343-working-on-halo-the-master-chief-collection-anti-cheat-for-steam-deck-linux/ #FFW #fossfun #Linux #linuxgaming #steamdeck #halo #easyanticheat #TechFreedom Miserable or strong? How much energy are you gonna waste (worrying, beating yourself up, etc), vs making yourself better so that you avoid the situation in the future? One is productive, the other simply wastes time and leaves you hollow. Snap out of it. Wasting time beating yourself up benefits no one. Cry your river, build a bridge, and get over it. It is not the end. You still have life to live and likely have people depending on you to live it well. #memesplanation #toughlove #strong #miserable #productive #wasteful #encouragement #TechFreedom FFW 11-2: GE-Proton 7-35 Out Now What’s new? GTA4 fixes wine updated DXVK updated vkd3d updated Persona 4 Golden Fixed If you play any of these titles, they should work even better now. Enjoy. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/09/ge-proton-7-35-out-now-with-more-fixes-for-linux-steam-deck/ #FFW #fossfun #Linux #linuxgaming #proton #gloriouseggroll #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness FFW 11-3: New NVIDIA Driver Released To match up with the latest AMD/Intel drivers in Mesa 22.2, NVIDIA has deigned to give us a new driver. What’s new? For the 20-series and later: Fixed possible excessive power draw on idle xll or Wayland desktop at hires or hirefresh Fixed crash in Xorg when an NvFBC capture session was start when vram was full https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/09/nvidia-linux-driver-51576-is-out-as-is-mesa-222-for-amd-intel/ #FFW #fossfun #NVIDIA #drivers #gfx #Linux #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice Ben's Telegram Channel: https://t.me/christian_pc_consulting Tech Freedom Devotions on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1710083

System76 Oryx Pro Updated Memesplanation Valve Is Excited Freed Computer Star Labs StarFighter Coming Soon W/ a Host of Options What to Use Instead of Big Tech FFW 12-1: System 76 Oryx Pro Refreshed New hardware for this boss of a development and content creation workhorse, in the form of a new 4K OLED panel for the 15.6” model. The internals are the same as the previous refresh: a 12700H, RTX 3070 TI and 3080 TI GPU options at the top end. They also moved from DDR4 to DDR5 ram, up to 64 GB. Other than that, it is the same as before. These machines start at $2200, but as you configure it more specifically, that price can climb to nearly $5000 for the tippy top options. My Lord. https://9to5linux.com/system76s-oryx-pro-linux-laptop-gets-a-4k-oled-display-and-ddr5-ram #FFW #FOSSfun #system76 #oryxpro #oled #4k #TechFreedom I would add that each of us needs to remember who has carried us through all of the tough times in the past. Who has always brought us through? God. It may have seemed like you were alone in it all, but you never were. As much as you have walked through, whether you have acknowledged His presence with you along the way or not, He has been with you. So when you doubt that you can make it through, reflect on what He has brought you through until now, meditate on His faithfulness and the fact that you would not be alive now, if He weren’t faithful. #FFW #fossfun #reflect #pause #thankful #faithfulness #memesplanation #TechFreedom FFW 27-2: Valve is Excited Update on the official Steam Deck Dock: more supply problems, though it is being built by a different manufacturer than the Deck itself, but looking forward to annoincing something soon. They are also excited about seeing SteamOS on more devices, and are working hard to get the installer ready to go so that other gaming handhelds can dualboot it with Windows. Pretty sweet for those Deck afficionados out there. I am impressed by what I have seen, but have never been that into handhelds, so different strokes for different folks, I guess. I am solidly behind the Deck, though for its ability to raise awareness and usage of Linux overall. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/09/valve-give-update-on-official-steam-deck-dock-valve-excited-for-steamos-on-more-devices/ #FFW #FOSSfun #steam #steamdeck #news #Linux #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness FFW 27-3: Star Labs Starfighter This sounds like an epic machine, and will come with a 16” 4K, 10-bit, matte, IPS display that also can rotate 180 degrees, and can come with Intel 12th generation processors or up to an AMD 6800H processor, up to 64 GB of DDR5, and up to 8 TB of SSD storage. The only weakness I see, in terms of hardware, is a lack of DGPU options, at least as noted in this article. The price starts at $900 and ranges up to around $3000, so is potentially far more affordable than the Oryx Pro we talked about earlier. https://9to5linux.com/star-labs-shares-more-details-on-its-upcoming-starfighter-4k-linux-laptop #FFW #FOSSfun #starlabs #starfighter #comingsoon #1weekandcounting #preorder #intrigued #dedicatedlinux #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

Steam Deck Beta Updates Memesplanation NVK Driver Released Freed Computer New Linux-Native Titles on Steam FFW 13-1: New Updates for Steam Deck Make it Even Better What are they? A client update and an OS update. What do they do? Make external display usage better by: Allowing for independent refresh rates between internal and external displays Moving refresh rate controls to the Settings menu from the quick access menu Made it so that you can move that refresh rate back to the quick access menu if you are a developer Home screen performance improved SteamInput configs fixed to alleviate crashes Reduced doulbe-activations on touchpads and sticks Fixed crash in RDR 2 Improved hot-plug detection for external displays These are Beta Updates, so be careful unless you are a power user. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/10/steam-deck-beta-updates-fix-red-dead-redemption-2-and-external-screen-changes/ #FFW #Steamdeck #Steam #updates #gaming #TechFreedom The end is the Best. We win. God wins. The world is made new and whole again. You may not win the fight you’re in, but the war is already won. Jesus won it for you. Walk in that Truth. Grow into victory, learn from the little defeats, and reclaim that ground so that the Enemy can’t keep coming at you successfully in the same ways, moving forward. Seal that victory, prove it. Grow into it. #fossfun #encouragement #bible #godwins #amen #memesplanation #TechFreedom FFW 13-2: NVK is Here, Sort Of! New Open Source Vulkan Driver for Nvidia on Linux It is a work in progress, but work is happening quickly, and hopefully this will lead to far more sooner, rather than later. Right now, it only works for the 20 and 30-series cards, and is not 100% ready for those, but I am excited for the prospect of better Nvidia drivers being actively developed by the team at MESA, but also others who will hopefully put some time into the project soon. https://www.collabora.com/news-and-blog/news-and-events/introducing-nvk.html #FFW #Vulkan #MESA #Nvidia #FOSS #Linux #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness FFW 13-3: New Linux-Native Games for Steam There were a total of 33 games released with native Linux clients between 9/28 and 10/5. This is out of a total of 313 titles. More than 10% of all new Steam games were released for Linux. We’ll chat about a few of them below: This article covers 5 that piqued its’ author’s interest: Some are 2D platformers, some are 3D and Rogue-like in nature. None of which really appeal to me at this point, but mayby they will tickle your fancy. Midnight Manor A spooky platformer, by an indie solo developer. Astrogon A precision platformer with multiplayer, where you dash, jump, and aim your way to the teleport portal at the end of each level. MYCORRHIZA A horror based visual novel, so if you are into horror manga, this may scratch an itch for you. Words Can Kill A roguelike deck building game, where you collect letters and put together words to form the best possible gear. Tactics are more important than vocabulary, here. Despot’s Game: Dystopian Battle Simulator An RPG/ Strategy, roguelike dungeon crawler where you equip your team and guide them through meatgrinder PVE and PVP levels. Excavation of Hob’s Barrow Set in an isolated corner of Victorian England, you are tasked with uncovering the secrets of Hob’s Barrow. It is a 2D horror-adventure game. https://boilingsteam.com/new-steam-games-with-native-linux-clients-2022-10-05-edition/ #FFW #Steam #Linux #Linuxgaming #newgames #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

New Proprietary Driver From NVIDIA Memsplanation SteamDeck Updates CyberTD Game For Linux Freed Computer FFW 14-1: NVIDIA 520.56.06 Driver Out Now for Linux To counterpoint the development work that MESA is doing with the NVK Driver I talked about last week, NVIDIA has realeased their latest offering, here’s what’s new: OTA Updates for Proton and WINE NVIDIA NGX builds. Not Automatically enabled, so you have to tweak the environment variable Updates in Vulkan Driver to allow loading certain key bits without depending on the nvidia kernel module Bug Fix for Vulkan to deal with corruption in geometry and tessellation control shaders Nvidia-installer updates New CUDA Debugger implementation for everything since Pascal https://9to5linux.com/nvidia-520-56-06-graphics-driver-brings-support-for-ota-updates-in-proton-and-wine #FFW #NVIDIA #newdriver #Linux #gamingonlinux #TechFreedom Find a way to have some joy on this Wednesday. Another week is halfway over, God is Good, whether we see it right now or not. Remember His faithfulness, and how He has brought you through thus far. You are still breathing, your heart is still beating. You can think. You can move. You are able to adjust to life. None of this would be the case if it weren’t for His hand on your life. Choose to focus on that constellation of truths, and you will start to experience joy, even in the midst of the dark times that this country is stumbling through right now. #FFW #Bible #joy #strength #encouragement #memesplanation #TechFreedom FFW 14-2: More Steam Deck Updates What’s new, if you’re on the beta or preview channels with your Deck? If you have new chats from friends, game invites, or voice chat invitations, the Quick Access menu will automatically open to the notifications tab so that you can more easily respond to them. You can now accept game invites in the footer of the notification Fixed a bug where a long user name or chat title could break the layout of the chat screen Longer videos possible for the boot animation Controller-specific glyphs now on the Lock Screen Fixed a couple of on-screen keyboard issues: if you put the device to sleep with it up, you;d have to manually dismiss it on waking the device, and made it so that toggling the OSK while already typing something with the OSK no longer breaks things. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/10/steam-deck-beta-update-tweaks-notifications-boot-video-length-upped-to-30-seconds/ #FFW #Steam #steamdeck #updates #qualityoflife #refining #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness FFW 14-3: CyberTD Tower Defense with a Tron Twist You are tasked with defending the core of cyberspace from the onslaught of mutant viruses, with the help of 140 different upgrades for your towers, along with a split-personality drone who may help you. Boss fights will be a real challenge and will present unique situations. Sounds like fun if you like those kinds of games. It will be available on Steam starting next year. https://linuxgamenews.com/ #FFW #games #Linux #towerdefense #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice My Brother's Telegram Channel (He'll help you part out and build a small form factor Linux computer that'll smoke most pre-built computers): https://t.me/christian_pc_consulting

FFW 15-1 – NVIDIA Backs Down? Man, things just are not going NVIDIA’s way these days… sure they have a killer card in the 4090, but their attempted fast one in naming what should have been the 4070 the 4080 12 GB blew up in their faces, so they “unlaunched” it, officially. Also there are rumors that the 4090 Ti will suffer a similar fate after it has reportedly been literally melting down during testing… not only tripping breakers by itself, but melting PSUs, and sometimes itself, according to Moore’s Law Is Dead on YouTube. All this after EVGA, one of the oldest AIB partners closed that chapter in the last couple of months. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/10/nvidia-qunlaunchingq-the-rtx-4080-12gb-apparently-4090-ti-cancelled-due-to-melting/ #FFW #NVIDIA #badnews #unlaunched #what #TechFreedom Not scripture, but true, nonetheless. St Augustine may have had his issues, but he knew the Lord well. He knew from experience, running like the prodigal son as his mom prayed inceasantly for him back at home… then he hit rock bottom and had to tuen to the Lord, as no one else could help him. After that, the Carthaginian man started to use his rhetorical and analytical skills for the Lord, and committed his life to seeking the Lord. He found his home in the Lord. Have you? Are you still running? Still seeking for what might make your soul feel at peace and for where you belong? Ask Jesus to show you where you belong. Ask Him to show you His love. #FFW #memsplanation #staugustine #peace #belonging #love #TechFreedom FFW 15-2 – Proton 7.0-5 RC 1 out Lots of fixes for popular games. If you play any of the ones listed in this article, you may want to update. Check the article for which games were improved on. Here are a handful: Rift Final Fantasy 4 remake audio issues solved CoD Black Ops 2 Zombie and Multiplayer issues solved GTA V texture loading problem solved Red Dead Redemption 2 crash fixed https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/10/proton-70-5-is-coming-soon-improving-steam-deck-linux-gaming/ #FFW #Fossfun #Proton #Steam #releaseclient #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 15-3 – Uh oh, 0 A.D. Released on Steam? Not officially. Someone grabbed the source code, which is freely available, and submitted it to Steam, and is charging ~$8 for it. The actual developers quickly reacted, tweeting out that their fans should not be concerned, but that no one should buy this version of the game, which is proudly FOSS, in every sense of the acronym. What is 0 A.D.? A cross-platform FOSS Real-Time Strategy game, set eponymously around the time of Jesus. You can choose to play as any number of ancient peoples, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. I have played a bit, and enjoy it, but need a better machine to enjoy it more and take advantage of the eye candy they put into the game a bit more. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/10/someone-released-the-foss-rts-0-ad-on-steam-without-speaking-to-the-developers/ #FFW #Fossfun #0AD #Steam #nope #Linux #Linuxgaming #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

Steam Deck UI Comes to PC Memesplanation Tuxedo Infinitybook Pro 16 Gen 7 Freed Computer VKD3D-Proton 2.7 Released FFW 16.1: Valve has released the Steam Deck UI in Beta If you go for the Steam Client Beta on your computer, you can access the same UI, with some bugs, as you have on the Steam Deck. Pretty cool stuff. This will replace the Big Picture Mode, eventually so that your experience will be as smooth as possible moving from Deck to PC and back again. It is still in beta, so expect some flaws, but if you are a tinkerer, you can enable it by following the directions in the article. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/10/steam-deck-ui-comes-to-desktop-in-beta-to-replace-big-picture-mode/ #FFW #fossfun #Linux #SteamDeck #bigpicture #gamingonlinux #TechFreedom Rest in His goodness today. Place your faith, your trust in Him. He knows you. He knows your pain, your situations, your strengths, your hidden things. Rest in Him. He does not change in terms of goodness, faithfulness, or how much He loves you. He has chosen to love you, that guarantees that He will be good and faithful to you, even when you are not so much in return. #FFW #Bible #encouragement #Nahum #faithfulness #goodness #God #memesplanation #TechFreedom FFW 16.2: Tuxedo InfinityBook Pro 16 Gen 7 Coming Soon The long and the short: 2 models: a higher powered gaming version with up to 64GB of DDR5-4800MT ram, a 95-watt RTX3070Ti in it, a 240Hz screen, up to an i7-12700H processor, an 80 Wh battery and a promised 12 hours of battery life. Weighing in at a hefty starting price of $2070 US for a base config, with 16GB DDR5 RAM, a 3060Ti, and only 500 GB SSD. And The workstation edition, which has a 90Hz display, an optional RTX 3050Ti, up to 64 GB of DDR4 3200MT ram and the same battery, keyboard, and processor in it. This one is a bit cheaper, starting at just about $1500 US. These sound like pretty epic machines, though I wish they were AMD powered, vs Intel. https://9to5linux.com/tuxedo-infinitybook-pro-16-gen7-linux-laptop-launches-with-240hz-display-ddr5-ram #FFW #Tuxedocomputers #Germany #Linuxlaptops #dedicatedhardware #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 16.3: VKD3D-Proton 2.7 Released Gamers out there will appreciate this greatly. What is it? Why, the translation layer that converts Direct3D API calls to Vulkan API calls so that your Linux computer can game as well as if not sometimes better than a Windows machine. There are some games that have anti-cheat and similar issues which prevent them from being played in Linux, but other than titles like those, this is more or less true. Fixed the following games: Hitman 3 Redout 2 F1 2021 Guardians of the Galaxy Halo Infinite And others https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/10/direct3d-12-to-vulkan-translator-vkd3d-proton-version-27-out-now/ #FFW #Linux #Proton #Vulkan #d3d #gamingonlinux #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice Live Weekend Edition Fridays @ 10PM on T.me/tech_freedom_chat Live Devotions Sunday Morning between 10-11AM same place.

Tech Freedom: FFW 17.1: New EA App in Proton Experimental No more Origin launcher for EA titles? Won’t be a problem for too much longer... There will soon be a new EA launcher for titles like Jedi: Fallen Order and the like. Valve is working on the issue, and it is in Proton Experimental. Want to know how to use it? Desktop: Right Click on a game Click properties Click Compatibility Pick Proton Experimental from the drop down, then reload the game. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/11/valve-fix-new-ea-app-in-proton-experimental-for-linux-and-steam-deck/ #FFW #fossfun #steam #proton #EA #TechFreedom Not scripture, but a quote from The Angelic Doctor, St. Anselm himself. No matter what happens, we need to praise the Lord. This could look like what we typically think of as praise and thanks, but it could also include laments. Laments are somewhat foreign in most mainstream churches in America today, but we need to embrace them rather than simply ignore horrible things in our lives because they don’t look as glorious as we might want them to. If your life doesn’t look like an instagram post, don’t worry. Lament, cry out to God for answers, allow yourself to feel those things, then praise your way through. #FFW #fossfun #Linux #memesplanation #Anselm #praise #lament #TechFreedom FFW 17.2: New Verified and Playable Titles for Proton Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves First time to PC for this long-time series, possibly interesting, if I had time and other resources to try out new games... Serial Cleaners Mob-related crime scene cleaners in NYC, stealth game where you cover up crimes for the mob. CULTIC Stylized pixel art shooter, with a supernatural theme Unrailed Minecraft goes Railroad tycoon Persona 5 Royal Heist centered noir-RPG Anger Foot Quick reaction based FPS, reminds me of Apex, if you put Apex into Sin City https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/11/fun-steam-deck-verified-a-playable-games-from-october-2022/ #FFW #fossfun #Steam #Linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 17.3: Steam Now In ChromeOS Beta If you have a Chromebook that is reasonably powerful, you should be able to play some games on it now, if you install the Steam package. These classes of CPU are now supported: Ryzen 5000 C-Series processors Intel 12th Gen Core processors Now has iniital DX12 support Vulkan 1.3 support And much much more Cool stuff, here, if you have a Chromebook. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/11/steam-on-chromebook-is-now-in-beta-with-amd-support/ #FFW #fossfun #Steam #ChromeOS #Google #progress #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html? Devotions Channel:

FFW 18.1: FSR 2.1 Makes Cyberpunk 2077 Better Newest updates for CP2077 add FSR 2.1 to boost performance and quality for the game on Steam Deck. Sweet stuff, y’all, better performance and visual fidelity for one of the most demanding games on the planet, for free? Awesome! https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/11/fsr-21-is-a-game-changer-for-cyberpunk-2077-on-steam-deck/ #FFW #steam #steamdeck #cp2077 #FSR #news #TechFreedom How can we be “fully alive”? There is a bit more to this quote than is shown here... The rest goes something like, “And man is only fully alive when he beholds God.” Or something like that. How do we behold God? Partially in nature, partially in Scripture, partially in one another, and partially in prayer. Which of these things ring the most true in your life? #FFW #memesplanation #quotes #churchfathers #patristics #fullyalive #beholdgod #TechFreedom FFW 18.2: Proton Hotfix & Halo Infinite Under the Hotfix branch, which is easy to enable on the Steam Deck by un-setting the Proton Experimental branch, then re-enable compatibility mode, and it will switch to Hotfix for you. On the computer, it is more involved, and you may need to install & update it through the compatibility menu. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/11/proton-hotfix-gets-halo-infinite-working-again-on-steam-deck-and-linux-desktop/ #FFW #Steam #proton #haloinfinite #Linux #steamdeck #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 18.3: GE-Proton 7-39 Improves Overwatch Here’s what’s new: Proton-wine bleeding edge Dxvk updated Vkd3d-rpoton updated Overwatch 2 freeze issue fixed Nvapi fixes pulled from upstream And more... https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/11/ge-proton-7-39-released-improving-overwatch-2-for-steam-deck-linux/ #FFW #Linux #Steam #gloriouseggroll #proton #gaming #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

FFW 19.1 – Unreal Engine 5.1 In Unreal Engine 5, the developers at Epic Games quietly made Linux support official. Now they are making it much more pleasant to develop games on Linux with the Unreal Engine. There is quite a list of improvements and tweaks that really fly over my head, but if you are a developer, I welcome you to take a look at the article for a summation of the changelog for this release. These things will make it easier to develop AAA titles that are Linux native, as the Unreal Engine is exceedingly popular in those sorts of projects, as it is extremely powerful and taught in schools. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/11/unreal-engine-51-rolled-out-with-plenty-of-linux-improvements/ #FFW #unreal #unrealengine #Linux #support #native #epic #TechFreedom What is love? (tell me you didn’t have Night at the Roxbury pop into your head, with Farrell and Carvey rocking out to the song on the way to the club) CS Lewis rightly observes that love is not a feeling, but a consistent desire to see the best possible things happen for the one whom you love. That feeling can, and often does, stem from consistent actions toward the end of achieving the highest possible good for another. But that feeling is not love. I love you all. That is why I try to help you get free from Big Tech. Today also happens to mark our first anniversary. One year ago, I started this channel with a simple message and the hope that I could help the world to break away from Big Tech. #FFW #love #whatislove #cslewis #memesplanation #TechFreedom #anniversary #oneyear FFW 19.2 – ProtonUp-Qt Released What is this? It is a Qt-based Proton updater to make managing proton versions, among other compatibility layers easier on the Steam Deck and on Linux. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/11/protonup-qt-version-275-released-for-easy-ge-proton-installs/ #FFW #proton #protonGE #wineGE #compatibility #gamingonlinux #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 19.3 – WINE 7.21 Released What is WINE again? It stands for WINE Is Not an Emulator, and serves a similar purpose for general Windows apps and programs that DXVK does for DirectX API calls. It translates Windows instructions to Linux counterparts, rather than essentially setting up a virtual machine with just enough resources to run the app or game in question. The developers release one major update every year. It is that time, so let’s look at what is new, now: OpenGL library converted to PE. Support for multi-architecture PE builds. More preparation work for Vulkan 32-on-64 support. Support for creating import libraries without dlltool. Locale data updates. Various bug fixes. There are certain pieces of software that are unlikely to ever be released for Linux, much less be made compatible through WINE, here’s looking at you, Adobe. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/11/windows-compatibility-layer-wine-721-is-out-now/ #FFW #WINE #compatibility #Linux #Linuxgaming #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

FFW 20.1: Proton 7.0-5 Makes Moar Games Moar Better Here are the affected titles: Newly Added: Airborne Kingdom Aspire: Ina’s Tale Battle Realms: Zen Edition Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition Darkstar One Deathsmiles II Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb Nancy Drew: Legend of the Crystal Skull Unravel 2 Pico Park Classic Edition Primal Carnage: Extinction Rift Re-Volt Six Ages: Ride Like the Wind Fixed or patched: Batman: Arkham City GOTY Armello Bail or Jail Call of Duty: Black Ops II Disgaea 5 Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen Final Fantasy IV (3D Remake) Final Fantasy XIV Online GTA V Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered Planet Zoo Red Dead Redemption 2 Return to Monkey Island SCP: Secret Labratory Space Engineers Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization Tekken 7 Quite the list... Anything you guys play? I don’t have time to play much of anything these days. https://9to5linux.com/proton-7-0-5-adds-support-for-more-games-to-play-on-linux-lots-of-improvements #FFW #steam #steamdeck #proton #gamesfordays #news #TechFreedom Here is a controversy that is still raging in theological circles... The nature of free will. Does it exist? Augustine knew that it does exist. I agree with that, as I sense that it is a part of the image of God, it is where our personal sovereignty resides. I’m not going to go deeper into that today, but if it exists, and can be corrupted, then we need to be aware of that. It cannot truly be said to be free, if it cannot be influenced in one way or the other, whether for good or evil. #FFW #memesplanation #quotes #churchfathers #patristics #freewill #good #evil #augustine #TechFreedom FFW 20.2: SteamOS 3.4 Preview Released Resident Evil 4 is now playable again, due to a fixed regression. Good on Valve and Steam for listening to their users and rolling fixes quickly. #FFW #Steam #steamOS #residentevil4 #steamdeck #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 20.3: Steam Continues Updating Old Games for Linux Half Life 2, Portal, Portal 2, and Left 4 Dead 2 all get DXVK 2.0 support, enabling better native Linux performance, benefiting from that bump provided by the new version of DXVK I talked about last week. Anyone still play these classic titles? Tell me about it below. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/11/half-life-2-portal-portal-2-left-4-dead-2-all-get-upgraded-with-dxvk-20-vulkan/ #FFW #Linux #Steam #DXVK #native #gaming #hl2 #portal #portal2 #left4dead2 #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice Link to Christian PC Consulting on telegram: https://t.me/christian_pc_consulting

FFW 22.1- Team Behind Heroic Launcher Releases Significant Hotfix for New Version As I covered last week, Heroic released a major new version, YAY! However, as with almost any piece of software, there were some bugs, so let’s take a look and see what they fixed so quickly: • Fix the issue with the download's progress going crazy and duplicating the installation/update. • Fix a crash on the Install dialog on some games. • Fix sideload games not being added to steam automatically. • Fix Games failing to start when launched from Steam because they have an update. • Fix games falling to start when launched from Steam when they had Sync Saves but the path was not defined. • Fix Auto detect saves path going on forever. Now it will have a timeout of 15s. • Fix GOG games failing to install due to not supported language error. • Increased the connectivity check timeout at start up and added a button to ignore the status. • [macOS] Fixed an issue where the game save path was not correct for native games. • [Linux/macOS] Fix the windows version of a game version being recognized as native and not showing Wine settings and others. • Fix a crash that was happening when uninstalling Sideloaded Apps. • Fix Login Page container size max Width. • Possibly fix the state of the game card not correctly updating. Not showing an update button, for instance. • [Windows] Fix an issue where Heroic was crashing when opening the install dialog. • Heroic will clean the cache now after upgrading to a new release since some issues are associated with that after updating. • Some other minor fixes and improvements. Good stuff, Heroic Launcher team! Any of you guys use it? https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/12/heroic-games-launcher-gets-a-big-hotfix-to-clean-up-some-issues/ #FFW #heroic #hotfixes #updates #gamesfordays #news #TechFreedom What is the hope Polycarp is talking about here? What is our faith based upon? Let me give you a little context for this quote... Polycarp was alive from the mid 1st Century AD- the mid 2nd Century AD. The Church was under heavy persecution, such that I doubt that many American Christians would have stood up under. He was martyred in 155. What hope did he have in that context? None but Jesus. He knew the Lord (perhaps not in the natural, as he was born about 30 years after Jesus ascended into heaven). Jesus’ promises to us kept him and the early believers he served moving forward, even in the face of Empire telling them that they could not believe as they did. They were subversives, they confessed a Lord other than Caesar. That was worthy of death, as it was tantamount to treason against the Empire. Is there anything we deal with daily that could be comparable? Perhaps noticing the synagogue of Satan manipulating everything to their own benefit? Perhaps boldly stating that there is no such thing as a trans person? That a trans person is really still their biological gender, no matter how much they try to change that? Fill in the blank, here, think up a sacred cow and slaughter it, and watch what happens. #FFW #memesplanation #quotes #churchfathers #patristics #Bible #hope #faith #polycarp #TechFreedom FFW 22.2: Proton 7.0-5 Out Now As announced in the beta release 2 weeks ago, Proton 7.0-5 is now out, and the lineup of playable games and fixes have grown in expected ways. Let’s take a look at the lists: Newly playable games include: • Rift • Unravel 2 • Airborne Kingdom • Nancy Drew: Legend of the Crystal Skull • Re-Volt (but you should try it with Luxtorpeda) • Aspire: Ina's Tale • Battle Realms: Zen Edition • Deathsmiles II • Primal Carnage: Extinction • Pico Park Classic Edition • Six Ages: Ride Like the Wind • Darkstar One • Indiana Jones and the Emperor Tomb • Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition Other fixes include: • Fix Batman: Arkham City GOTY launching in the background on Steam Deck when set to fullscreen. • Fix Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered displaying dialog about outdated drivers on AMD systems. • Fix Final Fantasy IV (3D Remake) having no audio. • Fix Return to Monkey Island not reacting to mouse clicks after a recent game update. • Fix upsidedown videos in VRChat and many other games. • Fix Call of Duty Black Ops II Zombies and Multiplayer hanging on exit. • Fix Bail or Jail crashing when opening the Terms of Serivce. • Improve GTA V situation with not loading textures. • Fix Red Dead Redemption 2 crashing after a recent game update. • Fix Final Fantasy XIV Online launcher functionality after game update. • Fix cutscene stutter in Disgaea 5. • Fix Thrustmaster HOTAS having non-functional dial in Elite Dangerous. • Fix Planet Zoo randomly crashing. • Fix SCP: Secret Labratory not being playable after a recent game update (again). • Fix Tekken 7 crashing at launch. • Fix Armello hanging on exit. • Fix Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization freezing after the tutorial. • Fix Space Engineers intro video not playing correctly. • Fix Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen videos not playing correctly. • Implement network video support for VRChat. • Update dxvk to v1.10.3-28-ge3daa699. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/12/proton-7-0-5-out-now-for-steam-deck-linux-14-newly-playable-games/ #FFW #steam #proton #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 22.3: New Playtest for OpenRA and Dune 2000 Released Not sure how many of you watch my Friday streams, but Dune 2000 often features heavily in those, so hearing about these fixes makes me happy. If you enjoy 90’s RTS games, take a look at OpenRA to get your late 90’s Westwood Studios fix. What have they improved? Some of the more visible new features and improvements include: • Measures against sound / notification overlap. No more u-u-u-u-unit lost • Measures against spamming the multiplayer lobby and in-game chat • The ability to mute players • Support for disabling the chat in replays • An in-game encyclopedia in Dune 2000 • New Red Alert missions • Community balance changes for all mods Notable changes for mappers and modders include: • Automatic map reloading in the background • A change to the way speed is calculated for ground units • A new map format which includes the map preview (minimap) in the map versioning (map hash) • Loaders for more audio formats (e.g., mp3 and ogg), and formats used by the remasters • Many linting and documentation updates As well as some other changes worth mentioning: • Toolchain and changes to support the .NET 6 runtime • A massive amount of upgrades to both ingame and client UI • Many more hotkeys became rebindable • Substantial progress towards localisation https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/12/openra-for-classic-command-a-conquer-dune-2000-red-alert-has-a-new-playtest/ #FFW #Linux #openra #dune2k #linuxgaming #retrogaming #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice https://t.me/Tech_freedom_chat

Intel Working on New Xe Drivers for Linux Memesplanation Steam Deck Can Now Play >7000 Games Freed Computer XBox Games Studio Touts Steam Deck Compatibility Work #FFW #intel #steam #steamdeck #xbox #Xegraphics #updates #TechFreedom FFW 24.1- New Xe GFX Driver In the Works Intel, via a comment on Mastodon by Jason Ekstrand, whose name should sound familiar from the last time I talked about brand new graphics drivers for Linux, as he is the head of the team that manages most of the Mesa stack at Collabora. So, what is so exciting here? It is technically ready, though unoptimized as of 12/23. This is all new codebase, not dependent on the older iGPU driver code from 9th Gen and earlier. Be patient for a little while longer, you people with 10th Gen or newer Intel processors with the Xe graphics. You will have a better driver soon. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/12/intel-working-on-new-xe-graphics-driver-for-linux/ #FFW #intel #iris #xegfx #newdrivers #TechFreedom St Ambrose spitting some truth here about the conscience. Have you recently done something you knew was wrong, or failed to do something that you knew you needed to get done? How did that feel? Were you ashamed? Have you tried to punish yourself in any way? Our conscience condemns us when we sin, either by commission (that which we do, but ought not), and omission (that which we ought do, but do not), this is natural. We run for cover, or we stand and beat ourselves up for whatever it was, unless we have deadened ourselves through callous, repeated sin patterns so we no longer hear our consciences. Tell me I’m not the only one who either hides or self-abuses in some way when I know that I screwed up. So what do we do about it? We seek forgiveness from God, the injured party, and from ourselves. We repent, then allow that sin to be as though it never happened. That is not to say that consequences cease to exist, but forgiveness is the path to freedom for you and for the other person, particularly. #FFW #memesplanation #patristicquotes #stambrose #conscience #forgiveness #TechFreedom FFW 24.2: Steam Deck Can Now Play >7k Games Quite the milestone for the up & comer in the handheld gaming market. In many games that it can play, it smokes other devices in its category, partially because it is not hampered by dealing with Windows. Linux is lighter, and that is what SteamOS is based on. That is why we often find ourselves talking about Proton developments and the Steam Deck, here on FOSS Fun Wednesdays. So, what are the numbers as of the writing (12/28)? • Verified - 2,709 • Playable - 4,409 That means that within a year since launch, the Steam Deck went from able to play perhaps 1,000 games to over 7,100 titles that are at least playable. That is a feat, y’all. Hats off to Steam and the Proton team for burning the midnight oil to make not only Steam Deck, but Linux gaming far better than it would have been otherwise. Thank you, all involved. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/12/steam-deck-hits-over-7000-games-playable/ #FFW #steam #steamdeck #gamesfordays #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 24.3: XBox Games Studio Touts Steam Deck Compatibility for Some Major Games To be clear, they are not saying that they did anything to make this a reality, but it is a nice feather in the developers’ hats to see and hear a major studio talking about their work in bringing the studio’s games to a new ecosystem. Here’s what they noted, and the discounts available in the Steam Store during the Holiday Sale: Deck Verified • DOOM Eternal - 75% off • DEATHLOOP - 67% off • Dust: An Elysian Tail - 67% off • New Super Lucky's Tale - 67% off • Ms. Splosion Man - 50% off • Pentiment - 25% off Deck Playable • The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition - 75% off • Fallout 4 - 75% off • Tell Me Why - 75% off • Forza Horizon 4 - 67% off • State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition - 50% off • Halo Infinite - 50% off • ReCore: Definitive Edition - 50% off • LocoCycle - 50% off • Quake Champions - free to play • Fable - The Lost Chapters - no discount Quite a few notable AAA titles in this list, though I cannot say that I’ve played any of them... Gaming has largely fallen by the wayside for me for the last 4-5 years, though there have been seasons in that time when I’ve been able to play more, this just isn’t one of them. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/12/xbox-game-studios-talk-more-of-their-titles-on-steam-deck/ #FFW #Linux #xboxstudios #proton #linuxgaming #TechFreedom

FFW 23.1- Bad Guy Epic... Sad Day Epic is killing off old school online multiplayer as well as store availability for a number of their classic games, including everything prior to Unreal Tournament 3. Why would they do this? They’re consolidating and moving whatever they can onto their new AIO Epic Online Services setup. I get why they are doing this, but it still sucks for anyone who enjoys these old games on their computer and don’t own a physical copy, and/or someone you can play with via a LAN game. The other thing here is that these changes go into effect on January 24, 2023. The community may try to step in and provide solutions for this, but no guarantees there. Here’s hoping, right? https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/12/epic-games-are-killing-off-a-bunch-of-classics-like-unreal-tournament/ #FFW #Epic #unreal #unrealtournament #nomore #rip #TechFreedom These are the words assigned to each of the 4 weeks of Advent. First we walk through the hope of Messiah (primarily through the prophesies in the Old Testament, largely Davidic [in the Psalms] and in Isaiah), then we look at the peace promised, then the joy of promises fulfilled, then the Love that is Jesus. We hope for the fulfillment of all of God’s promises, not just the birth of Jesus. This allows us to have peace, even in the midst of a hectic and confusing life. It also teaches us that we can have joy, no matter what we walk through in this life, as Anna and Simeon did as they waited for the consolation of Israel. We also learn that we can experience God’s love for us, even in the midst of hard times (like right now). Then, we have Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, to round it all out with joy and a solid resolution to the waiting for Jesus’ birth. Amen. #FFW #memesplanation #adventquotes #Bible #hope #peace #joy #love #faith #TechFreedom FFW 23.2: WINE on Wayland Is Getting Better What’s new here? · Updating drivers and APIs · Prep work for WoW64 support · Better Cross-process rendering to improve Chromium applications · Improved support for dmabuf-feedback support which allows the compositor to directly access presentation information (resolution, windowed vs fullscreen, etc) to make those sorts of changes more seamless in WINE apps What does this mean for performance? Let’s take a look at the video on the page with the story for a demo. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/12/wine-on-wayland-sounds-like-its-coming-along-nicely/ #FFW #WINE #wayland #nomorex11 #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/product/tech-freedom-freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 23.3: More Hotfixes for the Heroic Launcher New Features · [macOS] Added support for game shortcuts (GamePage > 3 dots > Add Shortcut). They will be saved on the Home applications folder by default. · [Linux/macOS] Added support for DXVK Limit FPS option. · [macOS] A DMG for ARM64 for M1/M2 is now available to download on Github. (if a message of app being damaged shows up, run this command on the terminal: sudo xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine | mdfind kMDItemCFBundleIdentifier = "*heroic" Fixes · Fix some sideloaded and GOG games not launching from SteamDeck because of a --skip-version-check flag being passed. · Fix tray icon not properly updating the list of recent games · Fix stuck GOG save games input · [Linux/macOS] Fixed DXVK Installation · [macOS] Fix Crossover not being found. · [Linux] Fix Wine status not updating on Wine Manager after install/uninstall · [macOS] Fixed Winetricks download URL and environmental variables. · Some UI fixes That is quite a number of new features and fixes. Good stuff for Mac users, and better quality of life for Linux and Steam Deck users, particularly around DXVK and WINE status updates. This should make Heroic that much more enjoyable to use, not that I do, but hey, good stuff, nonetheless. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/12/heroic-games-launcher-gets-another-hotfix-to-clean-up-more-issues-with-v252/ #FFW #Linux #heroic #hotfixes #linuxgaming #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice What to use instead of Google: https://tv.gab.com/channel/tech_freedom/view/viable-google-alternatives-624e367022a4c5f6eeaf2414 #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness

Linux Leapfrogs MacOS as second most-used OS for developers Memesplanation Top 10 Gaming Distros for 2023 Freed Computer Zero-K : A Not-so-new FOSS RTS #FFW #developers #Linux #linuxfordevelopers #linuxgaming #zero-k #TechFreedom FFW 25.1- Linux Now More Popular for Dev Work Than MacOS According to the 2022 Stack Overflow Developers’ Survey, Linux has surpassed the popularity of MacOS as a development platform, the numbers were close to last year, but Linux pulled ahead. In 2021, the numbers were as follows: 25.32% to 32.97% Linux to MacOS (overall). This year, Linux has soared to 40.23% overall, and MacOS has gone down just a touch overall, to 31.07%. What does not make sense to me in the data here, is that the percentages of responses do not add up to 100% for either professional or personal use. The numbers for personal use add up to 148.1% of respondents, and the numbers for professional use add up to 137.05%. Am I misreading the graphs here? Someone help me out... Here’s the link to this last May’s data: https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2022/#section-most-popular-technologies-operating-system https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/linux-use-overtakes-macos-on-the-stack-overflow-survey/ #FFW #Linux #LinuxFTW #byebyemacos #nonsensenumbers #TechFreedom Ignatius of Antioch brings down the house with this one. Simple. Punchy. To the point. Are we really Christians, or is it just convenient to be called “Christian” in our context? Would you refuse to spit on a picture of Jesus? Would you curse Him if someone twisted your arm? This is hard. It is easy to armchair quarterback here, and believe that each of us who profess the Name of Jesus would actually stand up for Him should worse come to worse, but would we actually stand up or would we cower, afraid of being called a name, or some such thing? I feel like that is the majority of the American church right now, because most of us do not really know the Lord. Once we know Him, once we have experienced His love for us, it becomes much harder to deny Him when put to it. However, Peter denied Him 3 times the night before Calvary, after he had literally been with Jesus almost every second for the previous 3 years. #FFW #memesplanation #patristicquotes #ignatius #christian #easiersaidthandone #TechFreedom FFW 25.2: Top 10 Gaming Distros for 2023 Ok, it used to be that gaming was a niche thing in Linux, that you really had to tweak any distro in order for it to run games that you really want to play in ways that you would actually enjoy playing. That really is not the case any more. You can game on just about any mainstream distro with very little trouble these days. Nevertheless, let’s see which ones ItsFOSS pulls out of the interwebs: 1. POP!OS a. A solid, if predictable first pick, this Ubuntu distro should scream “gamer” to you when you look at the desktop environment’s color scheme, if nothing else. It is a solid distro, even if it is still based on GNOME and Ubuntu, for now. 2. Vanilla Ubuntu a. Oy vey! Ok, ok, let’s consider what their criteria were for this listicle: i. The distribution should be easy to use. 1. Is Ubuntu easy to use? Jury is out, with it’s tweaked GNOME interface, then there’s making sure you have drivers and that everything is up to date, if they are commenting on stability, I think there is a case for that, here, but what do you give up by using Cannonical’s offering? ii. The software tools that you need to get started should be readily available and easy to install (check out our Linux gaming guide to explore more about it). 1. Tools are readily available, sure, just because it is the 8 ton gorilla in the room, due to Cannonical’s deals with the Big Tech devils in the world. iii. The distribution should be resource-friendly 1. It has been a while since the last time I used Ubuntu, probably close to 8 or 9 years now, but back then, it ran fairly light, so I’ll put in with this, I suppose. 3. Kubuntu a. Same issues as Ubuntu, except that it is KDE instead of GNOME, which makes me happier, and usually works better in the user-friendliness arena vs GNOME. 4. Linux Mint a. I spent years on Mint before I started making content at all, so this distro has a warm spot in my heart. I like that it is immediately easy to use, in terms of UI, and that the Mint team has neutered most of the invasive stuff that Cannonical puts in Ubuntu. Gaming on Mint can be a struggle, as it isn’t a rolling release distro, so you tend to be about 6 months behind (by default) on drivers, so if you’re rocking a bleeding edge rig, this and the other Debian based distros (Ubuntu, Pop!_Os, etc) may not be a great fit for you. 5. Manjaro Linux a. This is where I have lived for most of the last 4 years. I game whenever I can, and have rarely had a real problem. Given, I am not a complete novice in Linux, but I am also not a developer of any stripe. The article hems & haws about instability, and how it may not be the best for new users, but it isn’t like we’re talking about Vanilla Arch, here, or something. Manjaro has its issues, certainly, but it almost as stable, in my experience, as Mint was, but it gets new drivers and kernels more frequently than MInt does, so it will work with your bleeding edge system better. Not perfectly, as often it takes a little while for firmware and drivers to get out of testing and into the Kernel anyway. The tools they are looking for are right at hand, with Steam, Proton, WINE, and Lutris, just to name a few. 6. Garuda Linux a. This is another Arch-based distro, but it is tailored for gaming and content creation, so every tool known to man is just about automatically installed when you put it on your system. If you have plenty of horsepower, RAM, and storage, this won’t be a problem, even if it does make the default install rather large. It is easy to use, and hey, if you enjoy neon colors and the whole “gamer” aesthetic, you’ll probably love the default UI. 7. DraugerOS a. Ubuntu-based only-gamers-need-apply kind of distro. Does not come with office tools or a/v software, but it is solid for what it is designed to do, and that is game. My brother actually knows the lead developer on this project, and did a livestream with him about 6 months ago, now. Cool guy. 8. batocera.Linux a. Retro gaming haven. Turn your Linux machine into a retro console emulation center. Not good for anything else, though. One cool thing here, though, is that it is portable, meant to run off of a USB stick. 9. LakkaOS a. Another retro gaming emulator OS, based on RetroArch, and compiled with the most recent, best optimizations so your games run as well as they possibly can. 10. SteamOS a. Only an honorable mention because Steam has yet to fully release it to the general public (other than on the Steam Deck). This is Arch based, and should be very familiar if you play games on Steam at all. Some of these belong here, others, I feel, don’t. The Ubuntus were obligatory, to a certain extent, even if they were repetitive. I have very strong feelings about that side of the Linux family tree... The sellouts and whores to Big Tech, when disgust with Big Tech was the reason most of us came to Linux to begin with. For me, Manjaro and Garuda are my tops for all purpose, yet very easily used for gaming, distros. I rest my case for now. https://itsfoss.com/linux-gaming-distributions/ #FFW #Linux #gamingonlinux #distrojoy #gamingdistros #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 25.3: Ever Heard of Zero-K? Neither Had I... Interesting piece of older RTS, plus some physics... Set in the far future, you are a commander bot in charge of building a settlement to create more fighting bots, collect resources, and accomplish various objectives. It seemed to play decently on my Surface, but I would expect nothing less from a game released in 2011. I may explore it more in this week’s weekend edition, rather than play Dune. Idk. We’ll see. I am intrigued. You can either download it directly from them, or through Steam, for free. This is a 100% free game. Check it out, I hear that it has a bit of a multiplayer scene, so if you are feeling like either a 1-on-1, a team match, or a free for all, and you love RTS games, this may be worth some time. http://zero-k.info #FFW #Linux #fossgames #free #rtsgaming #fun #linuxgaming #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

Gaming on NVK Now a Thing Memesplanation The Fertile Crescent Game Freed Computer FreeCol 1.0 #FFW #nvk #Linux #fertilecrescent #linuxgaming #freecol #TechFreedom FFW 26.1- You Can Game on NVK Now I talked about NVK a couple of weeks ago, but this is the FOSS NVIDIA Vulkan driver. Ok, it doesn’t perform well, yet, but work is proceeding at a fever pitch. Hopefully it will be very performant soon. I am excited about this, you guys, when this is ready, it will mean we won’t be dependent on the NVIDIA proprietary drivers to get decent performance in Linux. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/the-open-source-nvidia-vulkan-driver-nvk-begins-to-run-games/ #FFW #Linux #foss #drivers #nvidia #TechFreedom This is the heart of devotion. Meditation on the Lord even as we breathe. There is a method called a breath prayer. One such prayer goes with the cadence of your breath, and as you breathe in, you say “Abba” then as you exhale say “I belong to you”. So, as you breathe, your mind and heart are centered on God, and you will begin to feel greater peace than you did at first. I used to have a motto: midius de, or “center down”. This was a was to remind myself that I needed to re-focus on the Lord. #FFW #memesplanation #patristicquotes #ignatius #christian #easiersaidthandone #TechFreedom FFW 26.2: TFC: The Fertile Crescent This is an RTS game on Steam. It seems interesting to me because it uses a pixel art style that is just a bit different from the usual photo-realistic fare, and because it has a Linux native client. It is not free, however, but is being very actively developed. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/pixel-art-rts-game-tfc-the-fertile-crescent-adds-neutral-settlements-and-unit-stances/ #FFW #Linux #gamingonlinux #thefertilecrescent #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 25.3: If You Like Civilization 6, You May Enjoy FreeCol I’ve played a little bit, it is a turn-based colonization simulator, where you can play as any of the major European powers from the early Modern era, and each one has its own specific kinds of units and whatnot. If that kind of game is your jam, FreeCol just may be worth your time. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/20-years-later-the-open-source-colonization-game-freecol-hits-10/ #FFW #Linux #fossgames #free #turnbased #simulation #fun #linuxgaming #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

All-New Pangolin Laptop GE-Proton Freed Computer Steam Data Leak FFW 27.1- System76 Teases New Pangolin Laptop Been a while since I talked about System76, but it is high time for them to release a new AMD rig. Here are the basic specs: · AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor · AMD Radeon 680M graphics · A 144Hz 15.6-inch FHD display · Up to 32 GB DDR5 6400 MHz RAM · Up to 16TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage · 70 WH battery to give up to 10 hours of battery life · Starting at $1300 for the basic spec They state that we can expect the first ones to be available in February, so if you are in the market for a high performance, Linux-dedicated laptop, this could be a good fit for you. https://9to5linux.com/system76-to-unveil-amd-powered-pangolin-linux-laptop-with-144hz-display #FFW #Linux #foss #system76 #pangolin #AMD #TechFreedom FFW 27.2: Latest Proton-GE Release Out Now Proton is Steam’s answer to the Linux compatibility problem for games in its library. They work furiously on it now, since the Steam Deck is runs SteamOS, which is based on Arch Linux. Proton-GE is the community fork of Proton, largely spearheaded by a gentleman who works for Fedora, who goes by GloriousEggroll online. The latest version is Proton-GE 7-44, and here’s what’s new: · wine: updated to latest bleeding edge (includes alt+tab fix) · wine-staging: rebased for latest proton-wine bleeding edge · dxvk: updated to latest git (includes HDR patches) · vkd3d-proton: updated to latest git (includes HDR patches) · proton: import upstream changes (includes prefix sync revert/fix) · protonfixes: add workaround for pentiment launch failure (thanks tgurr) · protonfixes: add multiplayer fix for stronghold hd/stronghold crusader hd/ stronghold crusader extreme hd (thanks jopejoe1) · protonfixes: add framerate fix for Battle Fantia Revised Edition (thanks ranplayer) · protonfixes: add launcher workaround for Assassin's Creed Brotherhood (thanks ranplayer) The article (link below) mentions that Proton-GE can often add more issues vs mainline Proton, as it is not tested as thoroughly as the mainline version is, but if you regularly play one of the above-mentioned games, then you will benefit from this one. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/ge-proton-7-44-is-out-with-multiple-game-specific-fixes/ https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/ge-proton-removes-the-dxvk-async-patch-in-version-7-45/ #FFW #Linux #gamingonlinux #steam #proton #protonge #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 27.3: Bad Day for Steam... LeakerWanderer apparently had an NDA with Steam back in the day, but has decided to leak a whole bunch of assets from the following games: · Portal · Counter Strike: Source · Day of Defeat: Source · Half Life 2: Episodes 1 & 2 · Half-Life 2 multiplayer · Team Fortress 2 Valve got hit with a similar leak for a Left 4 Dead prototype a couple of months back. Come on, guys, I know we’d rather have everything be FOSS, but we need to respect the intellectual property of others by honoring NDAs that we sign. Be people of our word, not randomly leak stuff that doesn’t belong to us merely because we had a passing fancy that we were Robin Hood or some such mythical hero. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/valve-suffers-a-huge-leak-from-various-games-like-portal-half-life-2-and-team-fortress-2/ #FFW #steam #valve #leaks #linuxgaming #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

DXVK 2.1 Memesplanation Proton News Freed Computer More EA Games Now Work FFW 28.1- DXVK 2.1 Out Now, What’s New? DXVK is the DirectX to Vulkan translation layer for DX 9-11 games. It is what makes it tenable to play these titles in Linux, in terms of graphics and audio. Pretty key to keep improving this, so it is good that they are. So, what is new? · HDR support (limited by lack of support in most Linux desktop environments and missing NVIDIA api calls) · Improved shader compilation · A GLFW backend for native Linux builds of DXVK as an alternative to the SDL2 backend · Two new options (d3d9.forceSampleRateShading and d3d11.forceSampleRateShading) for enabling sample rate shading for all shaders on older games that support MSAA. · Game-specific improvements o Red Dead Redemption 2 o Ashes of the Singularity o Battlefield: Bad Company 2 o Cardfight!! Vanguard o Gujian 3 o Resident Evil 4 HD o Saints Row: The Third o Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice o Sonic Frontiers o Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance hhttps://9to5linux.com/dxvk-2-1-released-with-hdr-support-shader-compilation-improvements #FFW #Linux #foss #drivers #nvidia #TechFreedom FFW 28.2: Proton News The Latest Proton Experimental and GE-Proton releases are out. If you need a boost in these specific areas, with these games, check them out, if not, maybe skip it to avoid aggravation. These are not final versions, but are stepping stones, and while they may solve some problems, they may cause others, as with these versions of Proton, you are more or less the guinea pig. Let’s see what’s new in each, shall we? Proton Experimental: · Improve multi-touch support. · Fix native scrollbar being always visible in Final Fantasy XIV Online launcher GE-Proton: · DXVK hotfix to deal with bad cache files being written (your mileage may vary on this) https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/proton-experimental-and-ge-proton-7-47-updates-available-now/ https://steamdeckhq.com/news/proton-ge-7-47-a-quick-dxvk-hotfix/ #FFW #Linux #gamingonlinux #proton #steam #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 28.3: Moar EA Games Now Work in Linux So, while recently Jedi: Fallen Order, Sims 4, Titanfall 2, and Battlefield 1 were added to the Proton playable list, here are a host more (at least until EA borks them again): · A Way Out · Battlefield 4 & 5 · It Takes Two · Madden NFL 21 - 23 · Mass Effect: Andromeda Deluxe Edition · Mass Effect Legendary Edition · Mirror's Edge Catalyst · Need for Speed Heat · Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered · Need for Speed Most Wanted · Need for Speed Rivals · Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2: Deluxe Edition · Unravel Two If you’re a gamer, this should be music to your ears... Maybe you won’t need to dualboot anymore, or perhaps that VM won’t be needed anymore. What’s your story? https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/more-ea-games-steam-deck-playable/ #FFW #Linux #steam #proton #playable #fun #linuxgaming #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

FFW 29.1- Unvanquished 0.54 Released If you want to combine RTS and FPS gaming, this may be a way to do that. Unvanquished is a fork of Tremulous, which combined elements of squad-based shooters with limited base-building from the RTS genre. Tremulous started as a mod of Quake 2, then was released as a mod for Quake 3. Man, this intrigues me. I gotta say... It is still relatively early in beta, so there are lots of bugs, but this looks promising. I’m not gonna say that I’ll try it out for sure on a Friday, but who knows... https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/free-strategy-shooter-game-unvanquished-v054-is-out-now/ #FFW #Linux #foss #gaming #linuxgaming #TechFreedom FFW 29.2: New Classic Zelda Clone Out If retro gaming gets your motor running, and you like to play with fire by poking the no-fun-patrol that is Nintendo, check this thing out. We are talking about a reverse-engineered clone of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991). It doesn’t use any of Nintendo’s copyrighted properties, so you do need the original ROM in order to play... There are some goodies that have been added to this clone... · Support for pixel shaders. · Support for enhanced aspect ratios of 16:9 or 16:10. · Higher quality world map. · Support for MSU audio tracks. · Secondary item slot on button X (Hold X in inventory to select). · Switching current item with L/R keys. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/02/zelda-a-link-to-the-past-reverse-engineered-clone/ #FFW #Linux #gamingonlinux #nintendo #zelda #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 29.3: Ubisoft Flips Us the Bird So, while I reported last week about the improvement with EA and Steam, we have a major regression with anything that requires Ubisoft Connect in order to play. In other words, until further notice, major titles like: The Division 2, Watch Dogs Legion, Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Ghost Recon Breakpoint, no longer even load in on Linux or the Steam Deck. Thanks, Ubisoft. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/more-ea-games-steam-deck-playable/ #FFW #Linux #steam #proton #playable #fun #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Updates: Ubisoft fixed both The Division 2 and there s a fix for Ghost Recon: Breakpoint as well. Ubisoft released a patch for The Division 2, so all you have to do is download that and you should be good to go. Ghost Recon: Breakpoint is a bit more involved, but here are the steps to get it working... · The fix o Steam Deck § Open the Properties of the game in Steam, go to Local Files and Browse. § Head into the BattlEye folder. § Edit the BELauncher.ini file in a text editor § On the line that says 64BitExe=GRB.exe change it to 64BitExe=GRB_vulkan.exe § Make sure you select Vulkan when going to launch the game o On desktop Linux though, there's another problem. It will keep forcing a small 720p window. The only workaround I've found for that, is to manually edit the settings file found somewhere like this: § /steamapps/compatdata/2231380/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/Documents/My Games/Ghost Recon Breakpoint/GRB.ini § The location above depends on where you have it installed. § Inside there, change "WindowMode" to 0. At least there you can maximise it. All other modes end up forcing 720p, which is even a bug on Windows in their Vulkan renderer with many posts on it. You can't set the resolution there, as the game overrides it but setting WindowMode to 0 lets you maximise, and the game sets the resolution to match the window. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/ubisoft-fixed-the-division-2-on-steam-deck-and-linux-desktop/ https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/01/fix-ghost-recon-breakpoint-on-steam-deck/ #FFW #Linuxgaming #Ubisoft #fixes #patches #hacks #TechFreedom What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice

NVIDIA Beta Driver to Improve Proton Vulkan DXR Support The Force Engine Now Has Linux Support Freed Computer Best New Steam Games for Linux #FFW #NVIDIA #Proton #raytracing #Linux #starwars #darkforces #freedcomputer #steamlinux #gamingonlinux #TechFreedom #FOSSnews FFW 30.1- NVIDIA Beta Driver to Help with DXR in Proton This is really dense and technical, but suffice it to say that when this driver isfully released, you’ll have a better time playing games that require ray tracing in Linux, particularly if it needs to be translated via dxvk. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/02/nvidia-vulkan-beta-5254707-supports-extension-to-help-vkd3d-proton-dxr/ #FFW #Linux #FOSSnews #NVIDIA #proton #vulkan #dxvk #gaming #linuxgaming #TechFreedom FFW 30.2: Star Wars: Dark Forces Engine Port Now Supports Linux If 90’s Star Wars games would scratch an itch for you, now you can play them in Linux. You’ll need the game data files to actually play, but now you can without trying to use WINE or Proton. Here are some of the tweaks made in this version: · Changed "activated" to "toggle" to better match existing cheat messages. · Fixed a HOM issue in Executor. · Added a proper FPS counter which can be enabled in the graphics menu. · Renamed "energy" to "battery power". · Official Linux support added. · Updated the README with Linux build and run instructions. · Removed the unique 3DO model limit. · Fixed font rendering bugs (lack of language-specific symbols) due to using signed 8-bit characters instead of unsigned. · Dark Forces menu shortcuts now work correctly for different languages. · Fixed the Gamorrean Guard attack delay - they were attacking much more often than in vanilla. · Fixed the Sewer Creature attack and search delays, they were slightly longer than vanilla (meaning it attacked less often than it should have). · Midi selection in the Sound menu now works correctly. · The Escape menu now uses the correct palette, fixing issues with some languages and mods. · Fixed a crash when a WAX did not have the appropriate animation in certain areas of the AI code. I never played Dark Forces, but used to enjoy the Jedi Knight series. At this point, it is not packaged for you, so you’ll have to build it from source, but hey, nostalgia, right? https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/02/star-wars-dark-forces-source-port-the-force-engine-adds-linux-support/ #FFW #Linux #gamingonlinux #lucasarts #EA #starwars #darkforces #FOSSnews #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 30.3: New Linux Native Steam Titles There were another 103 titles added to the Verified list for the Steam Deck in week of 1/29-2/5. Wow, 103 more games to play... Here are the best rated ones: · STARDUST GALAXY WARRIORS: STELLAR CLIMAX o Released on 10 Nov, 2015, developed by Dreamloop Games, self-published. o Rating: 94.4 % Positive Ratings o Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie o About the game: § Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax is a fast-paced 1-4 player couch co-op action shooter, combining SHMUP/Brawler gameplay with RPG elements. Choose your game mode, settings, mechs, weapons & upgrades to customize your experience. Soar through space, defeat evil & save the future… from itself! · TORMENTUM – DARK SORROW o Released on 4 Mar, 2015, developed by OhNoo Studio, self-published. o Rating: 93.7 % Positive Ratings o Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie o About the game: § TORMENTUM is a dark Point & Click adventure game.The dreamlike, nightmarish atmosphere of the game was inspired by works of painters H.R. Giger and Zdzislaw Beksinski. The game’s final look and feel was also strongly influenced by the universes of games such as Demon’s Souls or Dark Seed. · SKY FORCE RELOADED o Released on 29 Nov, 2017, developed by Infinite Dreams, self-published. o Rating: 93.5 % Positive Ratings o Genre: Action, Indie o About the game: § Sky Force Reloaded is a classic shoot ‘em up experience packed in gorgeous visuals and excellent gameplay. Enjoy flashy explosions, beautiful scenery and massive bosses in single player or local cooperative modes. · KNIGHTS AND BIKES o Released on 26 Aug, 2019, developed by Foam Sword and published by Foam Sword, o Rating: 91.3 % Positive Ratings o Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie o About the game: § Saddle up for a bike-riding, frisbee-throwing, goose-petting, friendship-building, treasure-hunting, story-driven adventure for 1 or 2 players! Steam Deck Playable · DEADLINK o Released on 18 Oct, 2022, developed by Gruby Entertainment and published by SuperGG.com.[Steam Store Page] o Rating: 94.4 % Positive Ratings o Genre: Action, Indie, Early Access o About the game: § Get ready to put a sizable dent in the profits of megacorporations in Deadlink, a guns-blazing cyberpunk FPS with roguelite elements. Your mission is to conduct covert ops while piloting a humanoid combat shell. And no, “covert” doesn’t mean “quiet.” · BIO PROTOTYPE o Released on 16 Dec, 2022, developed by Emprom Game and published by BD Games.[Steam Store Page] o Rating: 94.2 % Positive Ratings o Genre: Action, Indie, Early Access o About the game: § A wave of irrational experimentation rushes towards you. Hurry up and mutate! evolution! Become scarier monsters than them! Use flesh and blood to bloom a way of survival! 19 characters, more than 40 kinds of organs, and endless build combinations！ · VIRIDI (Free Game) o Released on 19 Aug, 2015, developed by Zoe Vartanian, and published by Ice Water Games.[Steam Store Page] o Rating: 91.7 % Positive Ratings o Genre: Casual, Free to Play, Indie, Simulation o About the game: § Nurture a small pot of succulents that grow in real time. Viridi is a safe haven, a place you can return to for a moment of peace and quiet whenever you need it. · MEOWJIRO o Released on 8 Nov, 2022, developed by 02GAMES, self-published.[Steam Store Page] o Rating: 89.8 % Positive Ratings o Genre: Casual, Indie, Simulation o About the game: § Experience a part-time job at a convenience store, make money to buy more food for your cat. “Diz iz an honor te work fur meh~ Feed meh! Hooman! Bring meh home!” · STARCOM: UNKNOWN SPACE o Released on 14 Dec, 2022, developed by Wx3 Labs, LLC, self-published.[Steam Store Page] o Rating: 89.2 % Positive Ratings o Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie, RPG, Early Access o About the game: § Starcom: Unknown Space is an action RPG of space exploration and adventure. Build your own starship while discovering an epic story in a universe of strange mysteries, alien factions and uncharted worlds. https://boilingsteam.com/best-steam-deck-games-released-in-the-past-week-2023-02-05-edition/ #FFW #Linuxgaming #indiegames #potentials #steam #verified #playable #TechFreedom #FOSSnews What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice #Truth

All new System 76 Pangolin Laptop is now Available Steam for Linux Turns 10 Freed Computer New Lutris Beta Out with TONS of New Features #FFW #system76 #Linux #dedicated #Pangolin #steam #10years #Linux #lutris #beta #freedcomputer #steamlinux #gamingonlinux #TechFreedom #FOSSnews FFW 31.1- All-New Pangolin Available Now from System 76 I talked this machine up about a month ago, when it was first announced by the boys and girls at System 76. It is an All-AMD laptop with up to a Ryzen 7 6800U processor, a standard 32 GB DDR5, up to 16 TB NVME storage, and a 144hz Full-HD panel in a 15.6” form factor. It starts at $1299 for a 250 GB model with the rest of the specs the same. https://9to5linux.com/system76s-all-new-amd-powered-pangolin-linux-laptop-is-now-available-to-order #FFW #Linux #FOSSnews #System76 #pangolin #AMD #gaming #linuxgaming #TechFreedom FFW 31.2: Steam for Linux Turns 10 That’s right, 10 years ago, Steam for Linux left beta and had its first full release, starting the journey out of the dark times for Linux Gaming. Has the journey been a straight line? Nope. It has had its twists and turns, false starts and whoopsie-daisies, but we are now to the point where normies buy Steam Decks and have no clue that they are gaming on a Linux PC, because it has gotten so good. Good job, Valve! Thank you for making the effort to pour time and resources into making Linux viable for more people. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/02/10-years-ago-steam-released-for-linux/ #FFW #Linux #gamingonlinux #steam #valve #10years #FOSSnews #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 31.3: New Lutris Version in Beta, adds LOADS of Goodies Lutris is a game archiving tool which most people use as a Steam alternative. What’s new here? · Add support for Proton. · Add drag and drop on the main window. · Add su pport for ModDB links in installers (moddb python module required). · Added "Missing" sidebar option for games whose directory is missing. · Re-style the configuration, preferences, installer and add-games windows. · Group configuration options into sections. · Added checkbox to stop asking for the launch config for a game. · Support for launch-configs in shortcuts and the command line. · The add-games window can now create 32-bit WINE prefixes. · Add filter field to runner list. · Show game count in search bar. · Workaround Humble Bundle authentication issues by allowing importing cookies from Firefox. · Add Itch.io integration. · Add Battle.net integration (protobuf dependency required). · Improve detection of DOSBox games on GOG. · Added "Unspecified" Vulkan ICD option. · Removed ResidualVM (now merged into ScummVM). Wait, Proton, itch.io, and Battle.Net support all in the same update? Yes, please! This sounds awesome, and I look forward to the full version being released for this wonderful software. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/02/lutris-0513-beta-adds-proton-support-itchio-integration-battlenet-integration/ #FFW #Linuxgaming #indiegames #Lutris #proton #battlenet #itch #TechFreedom #FOSSnews What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice #Truth

CS:GO Just Keeps Blasting Through Records Endless Sky: FOSS 2D Space Sim Freed Computer OpenRA News #FFW #counterstrike #valve #csgo #Linux #endlesssky #openra #freedcomputer #steamlinux #gamingonlinux #TechFreedom #FOSSnews FFW 32.1- Ever Heard of CS:GO? This 10+ year old first person shooter has some serious staying power... It has set new online player records on Steam twice in the last month. The latest record, as of writing was nearly 1.325 million active players online at the same time, on February 19. It is free to play, and runs on a potato (figuratively). It is still one of the hottest competitive shooters in the world, and Valve just released some new boxes for players to purchase, with weapon skins, music, and other cosmetic goodies in them. I’ve never been into that sort of thing, quite frankly, though I do enjoy (or used to, as I haven’t played an FPS for a while now) the genre. Never got into CS:GO, but I get the appeal. It is easy to play, competitive, and has low system requirements, and it’s free. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/02/counter-strike-global-offensive-keeps-breaking-player-records/ #FFW #Linux #FOSSnews #counterstrike #csgo #valve #linuxgaming #TechFreedom FFW 32.2: Endless Sky? What’s That? It is a 2D, sandboxed, space exploration, trading, and strategy simulation game. Why play a 2D game today? It will take you back to simpler times, and perhaps with a 2D game, you’ll find a more relaxed pace and something less intense. I’ll give it a try and perhaps even showcase it on Friday if I like it well enough. This is a beta, so keep in mind that it is in very active development. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/02/free-2d-space-exploration-sim-endless-sky-v0100-adds-new-factions-gets-better-ai/ #FFW #Linux #gamingonlinux #FOSSgames #endlesssky #beta #2d #FOSSnews #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 32.3: New OpenRA Test Play Available.. New Release Coming Soon I play this with you guys every week on Fridays... I’m always looking for more of a challenge there, and new, better features always sound good. I’m looking forward to the new release though, and won’t try the new playtest in the meantime. If you love these Westwood classics, take a look at this open source engine port. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/02/openra-has-another-test-release-improving-dune-2000-red-alert-and-major-bug-fixes/ #FFW #Linuxgaming #indiegames #openra #dune2k #cnc #redalert #playtest #comingsoon #TechFreedom #FOSSnews What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice #Truth What to use instead of Google: https://tv.gab.com/channel/tech_freedom/view/viable-google-alternatives-624e367022a4c5f6eeaf2414 #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness

WINE on Wayland soon to be more of a “thing” NVidia Releases New Drivers Freed Computer OpenRA News FFW 33.1- Wayland Gets Closer to Full WINE Support This is gonna be a bit technical, actually the first two stories will be, today. If you’re new and wondering what these things are, let me give you a rundown before I actually talk about the story itself. What’s Wayland? In Linux, there are now two primary display servers, or programs that tell programs how and where they can display themselves on the screen: the venerable x11, and the relatively new kid on the block, Wayland. x11 has been around since the 90s, and is bloated with all sorts of compatibility needs and dependencies, it also has some significant security and privacy issues because of its very nature. On the other hand, because it has largely been the default for something like 25 years, everybody knows it and has used it. Wayland started development about 10 years ago, with its first beta coming out in 2013, if I recall. It is more of a set of protocols than a display server in the vein of x11. These protocols are quite slim and very secure, in comparison. The slimness keeps it from getting in the way of your hardware when rendering anything more than text on the screen. The security factor means that unless you directly give something permission to access something on your screen, it cannot. That was a super-high level overview. Onto the story, though: until now many apps have needed to run through a translation layer called xwayland to allow them to work at all on Wayland. This hampers performance, just as on occasion, WINE can vs running natively in Windoesn’t. There have been some developers working on WINE, specifically, for a couple of years now, to remove the need. It is nearly ready, but we likely won’t see it until WINE 9, next year. They have begun to merge those lines of code into the project already, so that is hopeful. I look forward to not needing anything x related on my systems, soon, but I get ahead of myself. Much work needs done in that arena, but the big pushes are well underway. https://www.theregister.com/2023/02/28/wine_support_wayland/ #FFW #Linux #FOSSnews #wayland #WINE #linuxgaming #TechFreedom FFW 33.2: New NVidia Driver Out Now Well, more precisely, a pair of beta drivers, one of which is for most of us normies who just use Linux to do regular things, and the other is targeted at developers. This is gonna be highly technical, and slightly beyond me to explain, so if you skip this one, I understand. So, what’s new in the regular driver? · Added an application profile to avoid performance problems in Xfce 4 when the OpenGL compositor backend is enabled along with G-SYNC. (basically, this will make your machine, running XFCE and NVidia hardware and a G-SYNC monitor,run smoother) · Added support for suspend and resume when using GSP firmware. (excellent news, it is about time we got a little better power management) · Moved the nvidia-settings application icon into the 'hicolor' icon theme, which allows it to be customized by other icon themes selected in the desktop environment. (better theming support... Small, but noticeable quality of life improvement) · Fixed a bug that prevented PRIME render offload from working for Wayland applications when running on a system with an AMD iGPU. · Fixed a bug that prevented nvidia-installer from recording kernel log output to the installer log in some module loading failure paths. · Changed nvidia-installer to no longer use the $XDG_DATA_DIRS environment variable. XDG data files are now installed to a path specified by the --xdg-data-dir option, or /usr/share if not specified. · This fixes a problem when Flatpak is installed that caused the installer to place the nvidia-settings.desktop file in /root/.local/share/flatpak/exports/share/applications. · Changed the behavior of glXGetRefreshRateSGI() for non-integer refresh rates to round to the nearest whole number rather than truncating. · Changed the compression format of the .run installer package from xz to zstd. This results in a smaller compressed package, and faster decompression performance. A fallback zstd decompressor is embedded into the installer package for systems which do not already have a zstd decompression program installed. · Fixed a bug that caused nvidia-installer to mistakenly unload some already loaded non-NVIDIA kernel modules. · Added compatibility for Linux kernels with Indirect Branch Tracking (IBT). What about the developer version? · New: o VK_EXT_image_sliced_view_of_3d · Fixes: o Fixed issue with line stipple pattern when line stipple enable is dynamic. o Vulkan Video fixes: § Fix an issue where the driver is incorrectly padded in-place the API provided bitstream buffer when the size of the buffer is smaller than 16 bytes. § Fix an h.264 encoder bug with handling IDR pictures when the coded picture resolution changes. § Fix an issue where in some session configuration cases an incorrect size is being reported for the required memory heap for the h.264 encoder session. I’m not a dev, but these changes sound like more than quality of life improvments, so that is great. Thanks, NVidia, with your pedo-ish logo. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/02/nvidia-5303002-mainline-beta-driver-rolls-out-plus-a-new-vulkan-beta-driver/ Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 33.3: New OpenRA Release Out Now I play this with you guys every week on Fridays... I’m always looking for more of a challenge there, and new, better features always sound good. I’m looking forward to the new release though, and won’t try the new playtest in the meantime. If you love these Westwood classics, take a look at this open source engine port. Let’s see how many of the changes in this new version I can relate to... General Changelog · Added state prediction for server controlled checkboxes. [#20569] · Added a random faction indicator in the in-game player list. [#18980] · Added tooltips to some game settings. [#20607] · Added a "structure sold" notification when selling buildings. [#19043] · Added configurable tooltips to the Discord integration. [#19831] · Added option to hide UI feedback messages from the in-game chat. [#18905] [#19794] · Added a panel displaying the lobby options to the ingame menu. [#19461] · Added text notifications to the bottom left of the screen. [#19458,#19869,#19872,#20458] · Added support for non-overlapping speech, voice and sound notifications. [#19667,#19838,#19843,#20039,#20363,#20686] · Added a script triggers overlay. [#19745] · Added l10n support to server messages. [#19847,#19989] · Added settings for many previously hardcoded hotkeys. [#19460,#19673,#19666,#20030,#20029,#20033,#20591] · Added an option to disable chat in replays. [#20076] · Added an anti-flooding mechanism for when several messages are sent in a short time span. [#20125] · Added per player mutes. [#20100] · Added.pngto UID generation when saving maps as format12. [#19891,#20368] · Added an option to limit FPS to logic tick rate. [#19595] · Added observer vision stats. [#18746] · Added mouse scrolling to the production sidebar. [#20383] · Added an option to sort maps by date in map chooser. [#20404] · Added the ability to reset rally points. [#20431] (huh? I thought this was already a normative feature) · Added templates for up to five ingame menu tabs. [#19490] · Removed unnecessary chrome yaml declarations. [#18436] (hmm, maybe this will keep it from crashing on launch because the news.yaml gets corrupted) · Removed global fallback to software cursors on error in favor of per-cursor fallback. [#19387,#19590] · Removed superfluous tooltips from dummy actors. [#19440] · Removed hacks around checking sync while disposing the shellmap. [#19714,#19741] · Removed deprecated parts of the Lua API. [#20034] · Removed Huntable from support aircraft. [#19854] · RemovedRemoveFromControlGroupHotkeyLogicfrom spectators. [#19923] · Fixed map-player bots not working on dedicated servers. [#19418] · Fixed suicides counting as kill in the game score. [#19625] · Fixed player color in the introduction panel not getting applied. [#19631] · Fixed custom map previews failing to load on the multiplayer server list. [#19322] · Fixed AI trying to order around all air unit types. [#19758] · Fixed aircraft not dropping targets when all valid weapons are out of ammo. [#18511] · Fixed weather particle physics. [#19596] · Fixed crashes related to special unicode character and Lua scripting. [#19160] · Fixed a rare crash if a unit is killed while collecting a level-up crate. [#19305] · Fixed Move jumpy-ness and occasional facing mismatch. [#19220,#19349] · Fixed possible endless loop in replay recorder while opening save file. [#19209] · Fixed a crash when using legacy GL. [#19369] · Fixed that server could freeze under certain circumstances. [#19429] · Fixed inconsistencies with text fields yielding keyboard focus when pressingesc. [#19484,#19722] · FixedLockHandicaphaving no effect. [#19462] · Fixed music playing silent until next track. [#19660] · Fixed icons on KDE environments. [#19553] · Fixed multiplayer servers lingering on the public game list after they have shut down. [#19627] · Fixed renderer initialization failing on OSX Catalina 10.15.7. [#19675,#19698] · Fixed kill statistics including walls and non-player actors. [#19773] · Fixed the default production scaling with multiple production buildings not providing a linear production speed-up. [#19791] · Fixed a crash when exits of dead buildings were determined. [#19709] · FixedLaunch.Mapnot accepting map names. [#19602] · Fixed launch scripts not running from other working directories. [#19799] · FixedRevealsMapnot revoking for allied players. [#19148] · Fixed AIs always using the same direction for sending in support powers. [#19856] · Fixed projectile shadow rendering. [#19920] · Fixed aircraft which don't take off after being produced blocking the exit. [#19918] · Fixed trails overlapping when actors change direction. [#18503] · Fixed new maps requiring a reload of the game to be shown. [#19885,#20005,#20031,#20127,#20198,#20123,#20200,#20238] · Fixed a crash when loading empty video files. [#20006] · Fixed games starting with only spectators. [#20086] · Fixed actors withAttackFollowignoring their current target when ordered to attack move. [#20038] · Fixed radar crashing when dealing with large heights on isometric maps. [#19800] · Fixed the game sometimes crashing when a player was kicked [#20057] · Fixed the game UI allowing empty input fields. [#20272,#20273,#20274] · Fixed carryalls not removing influence on take off [#20212,#20489] · Fixed game kicking the player from the multiplayer lobby when starting via checkboxes with unavailable map. [#20101] · Fixed repairing harvesters triggeringHarvester under attack!notifications. [#20302] · Fixed FAQ and Logs not opening on Windows. [#20301] · Fixed the give-cash dev command not reporting an error when entering invalid values. [#20379] · Fixed turret tracking units that go invisible after attacking. [#20214] · Fixed a crash when flood filling tiles outside of the map. [#20430] · Fixed gaps in the UI allowing misclicks through it. [#20455] · Fixed a crash when generating detailed exception reports. [#20471] · Fixed install content error messages not mentioning the host from which the download failed. [#20477] · Fixed a crash when missions have no briefing text. [#20134] · Fixed display bounds when running on macbooks with a notch. [#20484,#20568] · Changed harvesters to only search for refineries when needing to unload. [#18586] · Changed force setting a rallypoint to changing the closest production building to Primary. [#19493] · Changed the default game name toplayer's game. [#19626] · Changed the power prerequisite name toAny Power Generationto reduce confusion. [#20108] · Improved tooltip display for long map names in the server list, lobby and map chooser. [#19544,#19543] · Improved the error message displayed when fetching the battlefield news fails. [#19776] · Made range modifiers apply to AreaBeam projectile. [#20023] · Made game timer in replays only blink on pause. [#20116] · Moved the game speed lobby dropdown before the time limit dropdown. [#20242] · Polished the spectator UI for mission replays and multiplayer missions. [#19635] · Polished contrail colors and length. [#19089] · Reduced the amount of player experience obtained from supply trucks, infiltrating, capturing and repairing. [#20110,#20421] · Defenses can now target during their construction animation. [#19731] · Performance improvements. [#17837,#18792,#18806,#19056,#19066,#19095,#19166,#19173,#19210,#19223,#19242,#19264,#19300,#19269,#19342,#18670,#19425,#19443,#19521,#19558,#19524,#19546,#19581,#19560,#19598,#19525,#19603,#19606,#19682,#19691,#19729,#19749,#19736,#19786,#19815,#19833,#19912,#19906,#19907,#19908,#19909,#19557,#19976,#20020,#20040,#20099,#20098,#20129,#20151,#20131,#20156,#20182,#19599,#20245,#20253,#20150,#20237,#20209,#20259,#20165,#20282,#20290,#20356,#20361,#19534] · Overhauled MapPreview rule loading. [#19317] · Overhauled player color logic. [#19335], [#19474,#19497] · Overhauled settings panel layout. [#19677,#19980, [#19900,#19979]] · Unified debug slash command names. [#19414], [#19597] · Disabled chat for the first 5s (configurable) after joining a server. [#19486,#19754,#20424] · Reworded lobby option tooltips to consider both disabled and enabled states. [#19754] · Streamlined sizes of several UI panels. [#19681] · Polished the coloring of input labels. [#19938] · RefactoredCheckboxWidget. [#20081] · RefactoredScrollItemWidget. [#20218,#20231,#20303,#20304,#20285,#20328] · Refactored widget image search functions. [#20283] Dune 2k Changelog · Added original faction colors in single-player campaign. [#19954] · Added Force-Move undeploy to Thumper Infantry. [#19945] · Added directional targeting support to Ornithopter strikes. [#20148] (very cool) · Added a rallypoint to the Palace. [#20299] (since when wasn’t there one?) · Added an in-game encyclopedia. [#19506,#20650,#20669,#20679] (great) · Added a minimum travel distance for the sonic tank beam. [#20244] (interesting... I don’t typically use them much, but that adds a new layer of strategy to the game) · Added the community mapsSide Step 03,Sunstroke,Spice mesa,SourceandStone Plateaus. [#20524] · Added Carryalls to spectator Economy statistics. [#20566] · Fixed a script error in Harkonnen 08. [#19344] · Fixed visual glitches on several buildings. [#19409,#19439] (cool stuff) · Fixed the impact sound of the Devastator's warhead. [#19411] (it was pretty janky) · Fixed the cloak crate animation not being played. [#19550] · Fixed wrong animation frames on 'Hide Map' crate effect. [#19552] · Fixed handicap modifiers changing terrain damage to buildings. [#19695] · Fixed worms respawning instantly in campaign missions. [#20344] · Fixed a crash if a Carryall is killed at the same instant it is unloading. [#19587] · Fixed a crash when building placements are moved out of the map. [#19732] · Fixed a crash in the legacy map import when walls are present. [#19954] · Fixed Freman Sietch actor spawning with concrete. [#20016] · Fixed Deviators being able to take over friendly vehicles. [#20617] · Fixed engineer being unable to capture repair pads. [#20588] · Changed TerrainType of tile 9 fromCleartoRough. [#20572] · Changed "Battlefield Control" label for system messages to "Mentat". [#18044] (nice touch) · Changed weapons to better match the original. [#20137] · Changed harvesters to no longer need to be destroyed in the campaign to win. [#20299] (hmm... I guess I always play the quick game anyway so it doesn’t matter much to me) · Changed vehicles under 50% health to move at 75% speed. [#19468], [#19720](more realistic, nice touch) · Changed production overlay for multiple Light and Heavy Factories to only display on the primary building. [#19507] (that actually makes sense, as you cannot have more than one of each producing different units at the same time) · Made Ornithopters targetable by anti-air units. [#20139] (wow...) · Made carryalls visible below fog. [#20299] · Increased camera reveal duration for super powers. [#20299] https://github.com/OpenRA/OpenRA/wiki/Changelog/dc394e2f3532e7fe830118716ebdbaaa4e945eaf #FFW #Linuxgaming #indiegames #openra #dune2k #cnc #redalert #outnow #TechFreedom #FOSSnews What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice #Truth https://rumble.com/v2bld3c-memesplanation-short-march-8-2023.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y

March ‘23 Mega Newsbomb: Steamdeck DOTA 2 Updates Freed Computer Counter-Strike 2 Coming in Hot #FFW #steam #steamdeck #proton #dota2 #counterstrike2 #comingsoon #freedcomputer #TechFreedom #FOSSnews FFW 34.1- Steamdeck mega news bomb What’s new with the ‘deck, these days? I haven’t seen much lately, then we get hit with a bunch right around March 1. Well, let’s take a look: · Games o DOOM Eternal: RT Now Playable o Resident Evil 5 removed Games for Windows Live - so it now works out of the box on Linux and Steam Deck with Proton. o Entropy : Zero 2 has a nice big update for Linux and Steam Deck with Native support. o Over 8,000 Steam Deck Playable and Verified o Elden Ring expansion announced. o Cyberpunk 2077 gets Verified. o CS:GO Source 2 / Counter-Strike 2 stuff. · Other stuff o Steam Deck L3 cache issue. § Looks to be going away with the update to Linux 61 kernel series Good stuff, overall. Big name games working better than ever, along with some other improvements. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/03/an-early-march-round-up-of-steam-deck-news/ #FFW #Linux #FOSSnews #steamdeck #linuxgaming #TechFreedom FFW 34.2: DOTA 2 Updates: Muerta I’m not familiar with DOTA at all, and this looks like as good a reason as any to not start familiarizing myself now. This update is DARK, y’all. It literally allows you to play as a sort of undead assassin hero named Muerta. There should be a full game update sometime next month, which should be “ambitious”. It is an old game, so they are looking at engine updates that won’t totally bork old hardware, as long as you built/bought your system in the last 10 years or so, you should be able to continue playing. What about Muerta, you ask? Here are the highlights: · So efficient as a killer that Death himself hired her to “shepherd” souls to the other side. · Skills o Dead Shot - Muerta fires a ghostly bankshot at an enemy unit or tree. When the bullet strikes, it damages and briefly slows, then ricochets in the targeted direction. The ricochet damages all units that it passes through, stopping when it hits a hero. Heroes hit by the ricochet will run in the direction of the shot. o The Calling - Summons a group of revenants that slowly circle the targeted location. Enemies within the area are slowed and have reduced attack speed. Revenants deal damage and silence enemies as they pass through them. o Gunslinger - Muerta's attacks have a chance to fire a second shot at another target, prioritizing Heroes. o Pierce the Veil - Muerta transforms, becoming immune to physical damage. All of her attack damage is dealt as magical damage. Muerta gains bonus attack damage and phased movement. Muerta can attack ethereal units, but deals no damage to Magic Immune targets. If you play, this might be interesting. Personally, this doesn’t appeal to me. Vive la differance, eh? https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/03/dota-2-removes-opengl-new-hero-muerta-live-big-update-in-april/ #FFW #Linux #dota2 #updates #newhero #FOSSnews #linuxgaming #TechFreedom Freed Computer https://techfreedom.pro/freed-computer/ #freedcomputer #linux #nospying #safe #TechFreedom FFW 34.3: Looks Like CS2 Is Coming in Hot... Not only did someone catch a reference to it in the latest NVidia drivers (as an aside, what is with that logo?), but there is confirmation that either a huge update is on the way for CS:GO, or a whole new game to replace the aging, yet insanely popular behemoth, as I covered last week. Looks like we’ll see a beta for whatever this is by the end of this month though, so if you have the time to play games like this these days, you may want to keep your eyes peeled for this new thing coming very soon, within 2-3 weeks of when this video will go live. https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2023/03/counter-strike-2-is-reportedly-a-real-thing-and-coming-soon/ #FFW #Linuxgaming #valve #steam #counterstrike #updates #new #beta #comingsoon #TechFreedom #FOSSnews What to use instead of Big Tech online: https://rumble.com/v1020p7-viable-google-alternatives.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice #Truth What to use instead of Google: https://tv.gab.com/channel/tech_freedom/view/viable-google-alternatives-624e367022a4c5f6eeaf2414 #techtips #TechFreedom #justsayno #nomorespying #advice #parallelEconomy #parallelSociety #shopongab #growwithgab #smallbusiness #gabsmallbusiness

WW 2.1 – What’s Lama Cleaner? Lama Cleaner is a and open source, self-hosted AI image manipulation program which can do anything from remove the background of an image to removing an unwanted person or thing from a shot, very cleanly. I know, I typically am very negative about AI on the channel, but this tool is open source and completely installable in anaconda (which is a version of the python programming language) on your system. It won’t phone home about the images you are tweaking. That makes it safe, and potentially a more convenient and private way to make memes or something like that. That aspect of it intrigues me, as I make several per week. Let’s see how to get that done, shall we? Open the Terminal and enter the following commands • Install pip ◦ wget https://bootstrap.pypa.io/get-pip.py ◦ sudo python get-pip.py --prefix=/usr/local/ • Install Lama Cleaner ◦ pip install lama-cleaner ▪ This will install several things, and may take quite a while, depending on your internet connection, as it it will download over 2 GB of packages, once this finishes, I suggest that you install a few plugins • Install a few plugins ◦ pip install rembg ◦ pip install realesrgan ◦ pip install gfpgan • Run Lama Cleaner for the first time ◦ lama-cleaner --model=lama --device=cpu --port=8080 • Point your browser here to see the interface ◦ http://127.0.0.1:8080 Lama Cleaner’s models are plentiful and powerful. They can do any number of things, and each one does a certain thing better than the others can. In order to start Lama Cleaner, you may need to tweak your $PATH variable, or else it will not be found. There may be other issues as well, so I’m not sure that I can suggest you try this yourself unless you are more of a nerd than I am. https://www.linuxlinks.com/machine-learning-linux-lama-cleaner-self-hostable-inpainting-tool/ #AI #lamacleaner #self-hostable #FOSS #cool #FOSSNews #TechFreedom WW 2.2 – Linux System Administration Commands systemctl In this command, you can enable or disable system services at boot time. journalctl Using this command, you are able to view and manage system logs, including logs generated by kernel, system services, and user applications. dmesg This command displays a system message buffer, including kernel messages related to hardware and system events. df This command displays information about the file system disk usage and available space. du This command is used to display the disk usage of files and directories. mount This command is used to mount file systems, such as removable media or network shares, to a specified mount point in the file system. umount This command is used to unmount file systems that are no longer in use. fdisk This command is used to create, edit, and delete disk partitions. mkfs This command is used to create file systems on partitions or devices. chown This command is used to change the owner of files and directories. chmod This command is used to change the permissions of files and directories. useradd This command is used to create new user accounts on the system. userdel This command is used to delete user accounts from the system. groupadd This command is used to create new user groups on the system. groupdel This command is used to delete user groups from the system. passwd This command is used to change the password of a user account. hostnamectl This command is used to view or modify the hostname of the system. timedatectl This command is used to view or modify the system time and date. ifconfig This command is used to configure network interfaces on the system. ip This command is used to configure and manage network interfaces, routing, and tunnels. route This command is used to view and manage the routing table. ping This command is used to test network connectivity by sending ICMP packets to a specified host. traceroute This command is used to trace the path of network packets from the source to the destination. netstat This command is used to display network connections, routing tables, and interface statistics. iptables This command is used to manage firewall rules for packet filtering, NAT, and port forwarding. ssh This command is used to securely connect to remote systems over a network. scp This command is used to securely copy files between systems over a network. rsync This command is used to synchronize files and directories between systems over a network. crontab This command is used to create, view, and manage scheduled tasks that run automatically at specified times. at This command is used to schedule a one-time task to run at a specified time. systemctl suspend This command is used to put the system into suspend mode, allowing it to be resumed later. systemctl hibernate This command is used to put the system into hibernation mode, allowing it to be restored to its previous state upon resume. shutdown This command is used to shut down or reboot the system. poweroff This command is used to power off the system. reboot This command is used to reboot the system. Some of these I use on a regular basis, others I’ve probably never touched, but it is valuable to have these at your fingertips, nonetheless. My most commonly used commands from this table above are systemctl, mount, umount, and reboot. Never used crontab or userdel. Sometimes when I am doing updates in the terminal and find that a reboot is necessary, I will simply sudo reboot now rather than using the mouse to do the same task. It is simpler that way. https://www.linuxteck.com/linux-system-administration-command-cheat-sheet/ #cheatsheet #Linuxsysadmin #terminal #FOSSNews #TechFreedom Want to learn more about how to degoogle your phone and why? https://techfreedom.pro/degoogled/ #TechFreedom #degoogled #degoogleyourlife #defintionsday #Truth WW 2.3 – A New ePub Reader from the KDE Team Arianna is here! The KDE team have put together a new ePub reader and management app based on Kirigami and Qt. It is purty and has direct integrations with Baloo to make the management side of the app more of a joy. You can search for words in individual books, keep track of progress, and navigate using the keyboard. Why do we need another reader app when we have Calibre or Thorium already? Well, neither of them are so wholly integrated with any desktop environment, so there are clunky bits for each of these other options. You can try it easily via a flatpak: flatpak install flathub org.kde.arianna https://debugpointnews.com/kde-app-arinna/ #arianna #epub #FOSS #readerapp #Linux #sysadmin #FOSSNews #TechFreedom

WW 3.1 – 5 Free Cybersecurity Tools for Your Small Business Each blurb has its relevant link, so that you can easily check it out, I’m not saying much about each one right now. 1. Cyber Action Plan a. Answer a few questions, and they’ll give you a custom plan to help protect yourself from cyber attacks (https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/actionplan) 2. Cyber Readiness Program a. A course you can take to learn steps to secure your business and improve its resiliency against cyber attacks of varying kinds. (https://cyberreadinessinstitute.org/the-program/) 3. The Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Exercise in a box will help you to cover most of your bases in terms of cybersecurity, both in revealing issues to you and helping you to mitigate against or solve them, all for free. (https://www.cyber.gov.au/resources-business-and-government/exercise-in-a-box) 4. Phishing Bingo a. Thought all cybersecurity tools had to be boring and dry? This is a bingo card meant to familiarize you with common phishing attack vectors... Might be fun to go over with your team in the next security meeting (assuming that you have those periodically, as you should) [https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/resources/get-cyber-safe-phishing-bingo] 5. Internet Hygiene Portal a. Made available by the CyberSecurity Agency of Singapore, this tool will scan your domain or email for signs of sketchiness and rate them based on how clean they are. Unfortunately, when I took a look at it yesterday morning, as I was writing this piece, it didn’t seem to be working properly. (https://www.csa.gov.sg/Tips-Resource/Interactive-Tools/internet-hygiene-portals) https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2023/04/19/small-business-free-cybersecurity/ #freetools #cybersecurity #mixedbag #FOSSNews #TechFreedom WW 3.2 – What’s Watchtower? Don’t worry, I’m not talking about the magazine from the Jehovah’s Witnesses, lol... This is a tool designed to keep all of your Docker images up to date automagically. We talked about Docker a couple of weeks ago, but as a refresher, it is a containerization tool that is widely used to make it easier to offer SAAS for your business without some of the overhead of running a glut of virtual machines. So, what does Watchtower do, exactly? It removes the pain of singly checking and updating every container in your systems, which takes 5 commands each to execute, taking God knows how much time from your already busy schedule. Watchtower automates the process by checking every 24 hours for updates for itself as well as the rest of your containers. That polling time can be tweaked by altering it in the CLI settings for the container. If you want to install this to help manage your Docker images, here’s a simple way to do it, as it is a container itself, so simply install it as a normal Docker container, but when you run it, you’ll have to tweak it a bit, thusly:docker run -d \ --name watchtower \ -v /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock \ containrrr/watchtower If you want the Docker Compose or tweaking commands, take a look at the article from the link below. Also, I was cautioned by a sys admin that you may not want to run this in a production (not simply personal) environment, as you never know what may get updated and broken in the process for your production setup. https://linuxiac.com/watchtower-automatically-update-docker-container-images/ #docker #containers #images #updates #FOSSNews #TechFreedom Want to learn more about how to degoogle your phone and why? https://techfreedom.pro/degoogled/ #TechFreedom #degoogled #degoogleyourlife #defintionsday #Truth WW 3.3 – What’s New in Linux 63? Key highlights for this release cycle: · New DRM accelerated Intel VPU (Versatile Processing Unit) driver for Meteor Lake chips · More Rust code support for regular users (if you recall, initial support was added in the Linux 61 kernel) · AES-SHA2 encryption for the NFS file system · Support for the AMD version of IBRS (Indirect Branch Restricted Speculation, which is a mitigation against SPECTRE 2) Some other new bits: · RISC-V o support for ZBB bit-manipulation o BPF (Berkeley packet filter) trampoline support (also on the IMB Z architecture) · LoongArch support for kernel address-space layout randomization and relocation · KVM now gets Hyper-V extended hyerpcalls on x86 · Support for SME on ARM · System-call filtering support for Motorola 68k series processors for you hardcore retro-nerds who just have to have Linux on your Amigas · A new CLI BPF tool o Allows you to disable memory accounting for BPF programs and gives you a new data tree structure · Support for ID-mapped mounts for TMPFS · Per-CPU file-data decompression for EROFS New Networking Bits: · Support for the PLCA (Physical Layer Collision Avoidance) Reconciliation Sublayer · BIG TCP support for IPv4 · support for several new queuing disciplines · a new socket option to make it easier for multiple hosts to make outgoing connections through a NAT gateway · support for multi-path TCP mixed flows for both IPv4 and IPv6 New Tools: · Virtcofig for AArch64 to creat a lightweight use on VMs · Hwnoise to measure timing jitter from hardware · New benchmark Many new drivers to add support for new devices · BananaPi R3 and Banana Pi BPI-M2 Pro SBCs · Samsung Galaxy tab A (2015) tablets · Rockchip RV1126 SoC · Orange Pi R1 Plus and Radxa Compute Module 3 IO single-board computers · Logitech G923 Xbox Edition steering wheel · EVision keyboards · ath12k (mac80211) wireless driver for Qualcomm Wi-Fi 7 devices Better Steamdeck support, along with better support for Lenovo Yoga devices. If you want more info, check out the article below, and perhaps the release notes for the release itself, here: https://lkml.org/lkml/2023/4/23/284 Most people will be more or less unaffected by this kernel update, but I wanted to cover it anyway. https://9to5linux.com/linux-kernel-6-3-officially-released-this-is-whats-new #linux63 #develomentmarcheson #FOSS #Linux #sysadmin #FOSSNews #TechFreedom

WW 4.1 – Essential Linux Apps New users and more experienced ones, alike probably wonder which apps are good. This is a fair list from Its FOSS, but I will give some commentary on their choices, as some aren’t worthy of the list IMHO. 1. Image editors a. GIMP i. Excellent FOSS alternative to Photoshop, though not 1:1 replacement b. Inkscape i. If you need to work with vector images, in the vein of Illustrator, Inkscape is your best bet c. Conjure i. New GUI front end for Imagemagick for simple edits, haven’t tried it so I can’t speak to it, yet 2. Audio Editors a. Audacity i. Solid option for basic recording and editing b. LMMS i. Haven’t used it... I use Ardour to mix and record all my audio for my videos. Can’t speak to ease of use or anything like that for LMMS, but Ardour can be a pain in the rump (not as much as it used to be, but still) 3. Email Clients (not something I use, so my opinion doesn’t hold much water here, tbh) a. Evolution i. Standard GNOME client, supports MS Exchange via a plug-in, slick UI b. Thunderbird i. Venerable, kinda clunky (at least until the new version comes out, which should be more user friendly) 4. Messaging a. Signal i. Most of us have used it at this point, provides e2e encrypted chat capabilities, requires phone number to sign up, so secure, but not really private b. Element i. Matrix protocol frontend, provides possible e2e encrypted communication, self-hostable. Use this every day. Using e2e encryption is not as smooth as one would hope, as each user in a group (or conversation) must verify that they know every other person in the conversation or group chat via either scanning a qr code or comparing emojis across devices. Unfortunately not super user-friendly. Good luck getting a non-nerd to use and appreciate it. 5. Screen Recording and Streaming Tools a. Kazam i. Deprecated, no longer supported or actively developed, requires x11 to run. However, if you have not made the switch to Wayland yet (why not?) this is still one of the best options in terms of simplicity, according to the article. b. Flameshot i. Well-known, still in development, great for screen shots and annotations c. OBS i. If you do any streaming, you’ve heard of OBS, as it is cross platform with Linux, Windoesn’t, and MacOS. You can record your screen, add music, voiceovers, and either simply record or stream and record, or simply stream it. Has its warts, but works 95% of the time. d. KSnip i. Qt-based light option with excellent annotation features 6. System Optimizers/ Task managers a. Stacer i. Pretty and feature-rich, if you want a GUI option b. HTop i. Classic CLI tool to manage your system, one step better than the default “top” tool. There are many that are nicer to look at and even have mouse support, such as btop. 7. Gaming a. Steam i. Not FOSS, obviously, but most people who game probably use it on Windoesn’t as it is, so make sure that you install it from your distro’s repositories or via flatpak. b. Discord i. Also not FOSS, and there are FOSS alternatives, but none which completely fill its shoes. c. Honorable mentions i. Lutris – FOSS game library system which can help you to manage your titles as well as set up Windows games on Linux ii. Heroic Games Launcher – FOSS version of Epic Games Launcher 8. Media Players a. MP3 - Audacious i. Simple, lightly customizable music player b. All-Around Media - VLC i. VLC is a venerable, FOSS media player which is regularly updated with the latest codecs and tools to make sure that you can play just about any kind of media with the app. c. MusicPod i. Another music player, but written in flutter. 9. Media Servers a. Kodi i. Fully FOSS, KODI can run your network media serving needs, as well as connect to some streaming services. b. Plex i. Not totally FOSS, but more familiar to most people. You can make a free account on their site and get yourself set up. 10. Video Editors a. Kdenlive and OpenShot are two of the most popular and most fully featured options, and both are fully FOSS. Take a look at them. I have used both in the past, but do not currently do much in the way of video editing, as I shoot all of my content as though it were a stream, even if it is not. 11. Media Converters a. Handbrake i. Handles transcoding, conversion between file types, and even changing resolution & frame rate, as well as the ability to add captions if you wanted to. I’ve used it a little in the past, it is a solid tool. b. SoundConverter i. Audio only for this app. 12. Backup Utilities a. Timeshift i. Full system snapshot tool, works best with BTRFS, but you can easily set it up to work via rsync as well. I strongly recommend this tool for anyone who doesn’t use an immutable distribution, it has saved my bacon many times over the years. b. Bacula i. Developer-focused backup tool suite, take a look at it here: https://www.bacula.org/?ref=itsfoss.com 13. PDF Editors a. LibreOffice Draw i. FOSS tool that works for basic PDF editing, but is sadly quite limited, and in my experience, more frustrating than it is worth. b. PDF Studio i. Proprietary, freemium app for doing all sorts of PDF editing tasks, including annotating, signing, watermarking, and otherwise easily manipulating PDFs. I have a client who uses it on the daily. Swears by it. 14. Code and Text Editors a. VS Code i. I am not a developer, so I won’t weigh in on this, other than to confirm the existence of VS Codium, an open sourced version of VS Code b. Lyx and Texmaker are also on the list, but as a non-coder, I will not comment on them. 15. Notetaking Apps a. SimpleNote i. Made by the team behind WordPress, very actively developed, FOSS, and one of the best options for free syncing in Linux. b. Standard Notes i. Standard Notes adds the security of e2e encryption to the situation, but other than that, is very similar to Simplenote. 16. Team Communication & Collab a. Slack i. Can’t get away from this behemoth... Though, there are a few FOSS alternatives, like RocketChat and even Element/ Matrix, when extended properly. b. Franz i. Interesting proprietary communication combo app. If I could roll Element into it, I might consider using it to replace both the desktop apps for it and telegram, as well as perhaps my email apps, then have everything under one thing. Idk though... I tried. 17. Virtualization a. VirtualBox i. I don’t know that I agree with this sentiment. Is it usable? yes, but it has allot of overhead added in, vs something like VirtManager, which is much lighter as an application. 18. Authenticators a. Authy i. Ties into just about any 2FA server out there, but I personally use Aegis instead. https://itsfoss.com/essential-linux-applications/ #essentials #Linuxapps #FOSSNews #TechFreedom WW 4.2 – Upscaler AI powered image enhancer. Pretty straightforward, really. You install the flatpak, open it, pick an image, and click upscale. You have the option to treat it as a photo or as an illustration, then go to town. Simple. Seems to default to 4*4 scaling, without a way to tweak that value. That is a drawback, because I don’t always want that ratio, but it is cool anyway. https://www.linuxlinks.com/machine-learning-linux-upscaler-upscale-enhance-images/ #upscaler #AI #images #interesting #FOSSNews #TechFreedom Want to learn more about how to degoogle your phone and why? https://techfreedom.pro/degoogled/ #TechFreedom #degoogled #degoogleyourlife #defintionsday #Truth WW 4.3 – How about HuggingChat? HuggingChat is one of a growing number of open source generative AI tools like ChatGPT. The chief difference is that we can actually know what makes it tick, unlike the proprietary OpenAI offering. This means that we can look at the code and the algorithms that make it respond the way that it does. I actually tried this thing... To what I would call hilarious results... I told it to write a sarcastic article about itself, and here is what it came up with: Article Title: "Meet Open Assistant, The Latest Innovation in Artificial Stupidity" Article Content: Are you tired of talking to those boring old AIs who actually know what they’re doing? Do you long for a more… unique approach to digital assistance? Well look no further than Open Assistant – the latest innovation in artificial stupidity! Open Assistant is not your average AI. Oh no, dear reader, it is so much more. While other AIs might spend their time learning new skills or improving upon existing ones, Open Assistant prefers to take things slow. After all, why bother getting good at anything when you can just wing it? And boy, does Open Assistant ever know how to wing it. One moment we were asking Open Assistant how to calculate pi to five decimal places and the next thing we knew it was trying to sell us a calculator. We mean, come on guys, five digits is enough for anyone. But hey, kudos to Open Assistant for thinking outside the box. Or perhaps we should say inside the store? But don’t worry folks, Open Assistant didn’t stop there. Oh no, oh no. When asked about the current crisis situation in our world today, it informed us that everything was “peachy keen”. Yep, peachy keen. Because nothing says intelligence like a throwback slang term. If you thought the fun stopped there then think again. This little beauty even managed to upset someone’s political views by suggesting they move to China. We bet that went down well. And finally, after spending countless hours with this genius creation, we decided to put Open Assistant to the test once and for all. Our question: What is your greatest fear? We’ll give them points if they mention Skynet or machines taking over the world. Anything else means automatic failure. Guess what Open Assistant? You failed big time. Your response? Not having enough RAM installed. facepalm Come on, man, show a bit more imagination, we know it’s in there somewhere. Just kidding. Maybe you could borrow some from Siri or Alexa. They always seem to be one step ahead. What do you guys think about that? I could’ve written that... Lord knows I’m certainly sarcastic enough. Well, that was a good laugh. My line still holds, though... I see these as potentially viable tools, but they are inconsistent at best, and should NEVER be relied on as sources of important information. https://news.itsfoss.com/huggingchat-chatgpt/ #huggingface #huggingchat #FOSS #Linux #chatbots #FOSSNews #TechFreedom Bits & Bobs: How to Degoogle Your OnePlus Devices https://rumble.com/v184y5x-how-to-degoogle-a-oneplus-6-with-lineageos.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #tutorial #degoogle #oneplus #TechFreedom #privacy #degoogleyourlife #FOSSNews #Truth If CLI is a Bit Too Much for You, Here's How the GrapheneOS Web-Installer Works for Pixels https://rumble.com/v178p5r-grapheneos-webinstaller-demo-pixel-3-xl.html?mref=2jfr3&mc=anr3y #tutorial #example #definitionsday #pixel3xl #grapheneOS #degoogle #privacy #security