I found this on Facebook and it’s a meme designed to remind people of a certain generation they are old. I am a member of Generation X and this entire list is aimed primarily at people like me. In a way, it’s OK because it reminds me of a good time when you did stuff on this list and there was less technology involved. If you need an explanation of what some of this is I can help.
Oh, by the way, I have done all of these things.
So, Apple announced a new iPhone today (shouldn’t we be at 20 by now?), and as usual, there are new features, and it costs a lot of money. I must admit I am a long-time Android user, and we get made fun of for being Android users. So I sit here looking in from the outside.
I find it curious that Apple has to release something new every year. They do make a killing off those phones. For Apple, new phones each year are a business decision they have made with some research, and their customers spend a ton on upgrading. It would be interesting to see the collection of phones some users have gathered over the years.
I can upgrade to a newer phone every two years with my Android. I don’t feel like I am missing out on waiting a while longer. Yes, I know not every iPhone user will upgrade every year. But for those who upgrade, doesn’t the whole thing make upgrading your phone less of a special event?
I can say I am an Android guy living in what seems to be an iPhone world. And I won’t understand, and that is OK. The universe of Android phones does great things, just saying.
I am all for progress when it comes to civil rights and being sure all people have the same freedoms to love and live as they want. We are too slow in that area.
However, when it comes to technology perhaps we are moving too fast. People need the time to catch up. I hope there is continual progress in creating a safe environment and healing those who are hurting. But I think we need to put some brakes on things like Artificial Intelligence. I think too many people are going to be harmed there. The actors and writers on strike are making that point clear.
One of my favorite movies has a line that says “You can’t stop progress” but you know maybe slowing it down would be a good thing. What we are seeing is the potential for economic and institutional harm. Of course, the marketplace will dictate the speed of adoption because there is money to be made.
My friends, it’s OK to use technology that makes sense and is not always on the bleeding edge. This post is being written on an older model Dell desktop computer using a Linux operating system on the Firefox web browser. Sounds kind of old-school but I like it like that.
I do like having technology that improves my writing of blog posts and the like. But I don’t want it to be used in misinformation and other nefarious actions. We have already seen bad people doing bad things using available technology to advance their views and agendas.
Let’s slow down, make sense of things and use technology wisely and be sure that technology doesn’t use us.
I have a hand-me-over laptop from Mrs. Soup Diva that I have installed Ubuntu, the open-source Linux operating system Ubuntu 22.04, and Windows 10. I am running them via a dual-boot setup. Both operating systems will still be supported with some updates for the next couple of years so I feel comfortable in saying that I will shoot for a new laptop then and most likely it will be a good refurbished unit that costs under $300. Recently I installed more memory and a solid-state NVME drive so it’s running great right now. I don’t think I am going to have to make any further changes as long as I take care of what I have. I also have a desktop with the same configuration.
I believe it’s good to save your pennies where you can on technology and other things. Soon I am going to adorn the laptop with some stickers to give it a hipster personalization vibe (I’ll share that in a later post). I hope you all have setups that make you happy and productive.
Technology is our friend most times.
Technology is life and life is technology, that makes sense, right? We all depend on it so it seems. It’s personal too and we all use various systems, devices, and software depending on what will make life a little easier.
I have been testing Linux desktop operating system distros lately and I have discovered that the world of open source is in good hands. However, you have to find that information out by experiencing it for yourself. Like anything you have to do research and see what others say and then see if their conclusions meet your expectations.
I have both Windows 11 and Ubuntu 22.04 on my laptop. On my desktop, it’s Ubuntu 22.04 and Windows 10. I currently dual-boot them based on my mood and needs. My daily driver is Ubuntu 22.04 because it allows me to connect with others and manage my digital life. The bonus is that I get updates and upgrades without cost.
Many of my friends run Apple products but that stuff is expensive and they update way too often and keeping up is pricy. I am an Android user without shame. I do see way more damaged Apple devices than Android’s out there so there is something to be said about that.
This Artificial Intelligence stuff is fascinating and scary in equal measure. Have we not learned anything from the movies.
And yes, I am a total nerd.
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