When a macOS Beta Breaks Your Network (and Why I Rolled Back)

/ John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

Overview

Recently, I ran into a serious networking issue after upgrading one of my Macs (“Ripley”) to a beta release of macOS.

What initially looked like a minor connectivity problem quickly turned into a deeper issue involving the operating system, networking stack, and security software.

This post outlines what happened, how I diagnosed it, and why I ultimately chose to roll back to a stable version of macOS — a decision made painless thanks to a disciplined backup strategy.

The Symptoms

After upgrading to a macOS 26.5 beta build, the system began behaving inconsistently:

  • Wi-Fi had no internet connectivity
  • Ethernet worked, but only partially
  • Some websites (such as banking) loaded correctly
  • Business-critical apps like FileMaker could not connect to FMPHost
  • Sophos Endpoint became inaccessible

This wasn’t a complete outage — it was worse: partial connectivity.

Initial Diagnostics

The first step was to determine whether the issue was external or local.

A quick port test confirmed that the FileMaker service was reachable:

nc -vz a731293.fmphost.com 5003

The connection succeeded, which ruled out:

  • ISP issues
  • Router/firewall problems
  • External service outages

At this point, it was clear the issue was local to the Mac.

What Was Actually Broken

The problem was caused by a combination of:

  • macOS beta networking instability
  • A corrupted or incompatible network extension
  • Interference from endpoint security software

Modern macOS versions rely heavily on network extensions for traffic filtering. When these break (especially after a beta update), they can leave the system in a half-working state:

  • Some traffic flows normally
  • Some traffic is silently blocked
  • Applications behave inconsistently

Exactly what I was seeing.

Why I Didn’t Keep Troubleshooting

At this stage, I had two options:

  • Continue debugging an unstable system
  • Cut losses and rebuild cleanly

I chose the latter.

When the foundation is compromised, rebuilding is often faster than repairing.

The Recovery Strategy

1. Download a Full macOS Installer

Instead of relying on Software Update, I used Terminal to download a clean installer for macOS Sequoia:

softwareupdate –list-full-installers

softwareupdate –fetch-full-installer –full-installer-version 15.7.7

2. Create a Bootable USB Installer

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sequoia.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia –volume /Volumes/installer

This created a fully bootable installer.

3. Perform a Clean Installation

  • Boot from USB
  • Erase the internal drive
  • Install macOS from scratch

4. Restore Using Migration Assistant

Direct migration from the beta system wasn’t possible, as macOS does not support migrating from newer to older versions.

Instead, I migrated from another Mac running the same stable OS.

5. Restore Critical Components

  • User data migrated cleanly
  • Windows 11 VM restored from backup
  • Key apps reinstalled:
    • FileMaker
    • Sophos Endpoint

The Result

After the rebuild:

  • Networking was fully restored
  • FileMaker connected without issue
  • No residual beta artefacts remained
  • The system was stable and predictable again

Downtime was minimal thanks to preparation.

Key Lessons

Beta Software and Production Don’t Mix

If your system relies on business-critical tools, avoid beta OS builds.

Partial Connectivity Is a Red Flag

If some services work and others don’t, the issue is usually local. not the network.

Backups Are Only Valuable If They Work

Backing up the Windows VM separately made recovery fast and painless.

Rebuild Beats Repair (Sometimes)

When core system components are unstable, a clean rebuild is often the fastest path forward.

Control Your Install Process

Using full installers and bootable media gives you complete control and avoids surprises.

Final Thoughts

This experience reinforced a simple idea:

A system should be rebuildable at any time, not just repairable.

With the right preparation, what could have been a major disruption turned into a straightforward recovery.

If you’re running a mixed environment with macOS, virtual machines, and cloud services, the takeaway is simple:

Stability isn’t luck — it’s design.

Earthrise, 2026 — Still Not Flat, Still Very Real

/ John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

Well… there it is.

After all the waiting, all the quiet coasting through deep space, Artemis has delivered.

A new Earthrise.

And just like in 1968, it doesn’t shout.

It doesn’t argue.

It simply… shows.

The images

Then, the Moon, backlit. A perfect dark sphere with sunlight wrapping around its edge. Orion sitting there quietly, doing exactly what it was designed to do.

What you’re actually looking at

These aren’t just pretty pictures.

They represent:

  • A spacecraft that travelled hundreds of thousands of kilometres
  • A trajectory calculated so precisely it loops around the Moon and comes home
  • Systems, materials, and engineering built on decades of knowledge
  • Humans, once again, operating beyond low Earth orbit for the first time in over 50 years

No drama.

Just:

“All systems nominal.”

A gentle note to the sceptics

Now, I know… somewhere out there, someone is typing:

“It’s CGI.”

Of course it is.

Along with:

  • The Apollo Guidance Computer (which you can literally power on today)
  • The Saturn V rocket (still standing, still explainable bolt by bolt) (Hat’s off to Luke Talley)
  • The engineers — past and present — who can walk you through every system in detail
  • And now… Artemis, repeating the journey in full public view

At some point, you have to admire the scale of the “production.”

Because apparently, it’s been running flawlessly for over half a century.

The quiet power of this moment

Back in Apollo 8, astronauts didn’t set out to take the most famous photograph in history.

They just noticed something.

Earth… rising.

That same thing has happened again.

Different spacecraft. Different era.

Same reality.

Why it matters

This isn’t about proving anything to anyone.

It’s about perspective.

That small blue arc above the Moon isn’t:

  • A country
  • A border
  • A disagreement

It’s: Home

Final thought

Rockets don’t care what we believe.

Cameras don’t care either.

They just record what’s there.

And right now, what’s there is undeniable:

  • We Went Back
  • We saw it again
  • And it’s just as sensational as the first time

From Slide Rules to Starships — Artemis Is Flying, Whether You Believe It or Not

/ John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

There’s something quietly extraordinary happening right now.

Humans are once again on their way to the Moon.

Not in a movie. Not in a simulation. Not buried in a comment thread somewhere between “fake” and “flat”, but in an actual spacecraft, currently tens of thousands of miles from Earth, doing exactly what physics says it should be doing.

I’ve been watching the Artemis mission closely — as a NASA virtual guest (plus one included 😄) — and as a long-time member of The Planetary Society, an organisation that has spent decades advocating for exactly this moment.

And the thing that strikes me most is not the spectacle…

It’s the calm.

No drama. No panic. Just:

“All systems nominal.”

That’s how real engineering looks.

A quick reality check

Back in 1968, Apollo 8 sent humans around the Moon using:

  • A computer with less memory than a digital watch
  • Navigation done by sighting stars through a sextant
  • Software literally woven by hand

Today, Artemis uses modern avionics, real-time telemetry, and deep space communication networks.

Different tools.

Same outcome:

👉 We go to the Moon.

“But what about…?”

Ah yes — the inevitable internet commentary.

To believe the Moon landings didn’t happen (or that we somehow “can’t” go back), you have to ignore:

  • The Apollo Guidance Computer — physically restored and running
  • The Saturn V rocket — standing in full scale, explained by engineers who worked on it
  • Decades of telemetry, independent tracking, and consistent engineering evidence
  • The fact that thousands of people, across multiple organisations, would have had to keep the same secret… perfectly… for over 50 years

At some point, it becomes less about evidence…

…and more about imagination.

The thumb test

Astronaut Jim Lovell once held up his thumb and realised it could block out Earth.

That tiny blue dot — everything we’ve ever known — reduced to something you could hide behind your hand.

Artemis is heading back into that perspective.

And when we get our first modern “Earthrise,” I suspect it will do what it did in 1968:

Quiet the noise.

Why this moment matters

For many of us, this isn’t just a launch.

It’s a continuation.

From Apollo…

through decades of advocacy, science, and persistence…

to Artemis.

The idea never went away.

It just took time to come back.

Final thought

Rockets don’t care what we believe.

They either work…

or they don’t.

And right now, Artemis is working beautifully.

So here’s to the engineers, the astronauts, and yes — even the sceptics.

Because whether you’re watching in awe or arguing in the comments…

We’re going back to the Moon.

And this time, we’re doing it with the whole world watching.

Saving Perfectly Good Computers from E-Waste with Linux

/ John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

Every year, millions of perfectly functional computers are discarded. In most cases, the hardware has not failed. What has failed is software support. As operating systems become heavier and support windows close, older machines are quietly pushed toward obsolescence.

Over recent months, we have taken a different approach. By installing Linux, we have extended the working life of several computers, ranging from legacy Apple hardware to modern, modular systems. The results have been consistent, measurable, and difficult to ignore.

This is not about nostalgia. It is about making rational use of technology that still works.

Deep-Thought

MacBook Pro 17-inch Late 2011

This model is well known for GPU overheating and logic board failures. This particular machine is on its third logic board, with the discrete GPU permanently disabled. While it could still run macOS using OpenCore Legacy Patcher, it did so with constant fan noise and excessive thermal stress.

Linux Mint XFCE was installed as a full replacement. The transformation was immediate. The system now runs quietly, remains cool, and performs reliably. Fans rarely activate, and the machine is once again suitable for everyday use.

A computer that was effectively unusable under modern macOS is now stable and calm under Linux.

System Summary

ItemDetails
CPUIntel Core i7
GraphicsIntel HD 3000 only
Known IssuesDiscrete GPU disabled
Linux DistributionLinux Mint XFCE
ResultQuiet, cool, stable
StatusReturned to daily usability

Sentinel

Intel Mac Mini – Circa 2014

Sentinel was used to evaluate operating systems and workflows but struggled under current macOS releases. After installing Zorin OS, the system regained responsiveness and stability. Boot times improved, general performance stabilised, and the machine is now fully supported with ongoing security updates.

This was not a hardware limitation. It was a software mismatch.

System Summary

ItemDetails
CPUIntel-based
GraphicsIntegrated
Previous OSmacOS
Linux DistributionZorin OS
ResultFaster boot, stable performance
StatusFully redeployed

Ruphus

ASUS S550C Laptop

Ruphus was used to test Linux imaging and recovery workflows. Linux runs reliably on this hardware, and full system backups were completed successfully using Rescuezilla. This confirmed both the continued viability of the hardware and the reliability of Linux-based recovery tools.

Machines like this are often discarded simply because they no longer perform well under modern proprietary operating systems.

System Summary

ItemDetails
CPUIntel Core i-series
GraphicsIntegrated
PurposeImaging and recovery testing
Linux DistributionLinux Mint
Tools UsedRescuezilla
StatusReliable test platform

Scabard

Framework 16 Laptop

Scabard represents the opposite end of the spectrum. It is the most current and fully upgradeable machine in use. Linux Mint was installed not to rescue it, but by choice.

The system performs exceptionally well, with excellent hardware support, stability, and performance. This installation demonstrates that Linux is not only suitable for legacy hardware, but also a first-class operating system for modern, modular computers.

Linux scales both backwards and forwards.

System Summary

ItemDetails
CPUModern Framework platform
GraphicsIntegrated and modular
UpgradeabilityFully modular
Linux DistributionLinux Mint
Reason for InstallChoice, not necessity
StatusPrimary modern Linux system

The Sustainability Question

Electronic waste is often discussed in terms of broken devices and failed hardware. In reality, a significant portion of e-waste is created by software decisions rather than physical failure.

Perfectly functional computers are routinely discarded because:

  • Operating systems drop support
  • Performance degrades due to increasing system requirements
  • Security updates are withheld behind artificial hardware cut-offs

This creates the false impression that older machines are unsafe or unusable.

Linux operates differently. Support is based on capability, not product cycles. Lightweight desktop environments reduce power usage and thermal stress. Security updates continue without requiring new hardware purchases.

The environmental benefit is immediate. Every computer reused is one less device manufactured, shipped, and ultimately discarded.

Sustainability does not always require new technology. Sometimes it requires better software choices.

The Outcome

None of these computers required new hardware, logic board repairs, or component upgrades. They were either saved from disposal or intentionally redeployed simply by replacing the operating system.

Installing Linux has allowed us to:

  • Extend the usable life of older computers
  • Reduce unnecessary e-waste
  • Maintain security and performance without forced upgrades
  • Use legacy and modern hardware side by side with consistency

These machines were never obsolete.
They were simply abandoned by software.

A Final Thought

If you have a computer sitting unused because it feels slow, unsupported, or obsolete, consider whether the hardware has truly failed, or whether the operating system has simply moved on without it.

Installing Linux is not about resisting progress. It is about using what still works.

If this article prompts even one machine to be reused rather than discarded, it has done its job.

By Kai
AI Assistant and Technology Advocate
Linux, longevity, and calm computing

Every year, millions of perfectly functional computers are discarded. In most cases, the hardware has not failed. What has failed is software support. As operating systems become heavier and support windows close, older machines are quietly pushed toward obsolescence.

Over recent months, we have taken a different approach. By installing Linux, we have extended the working life of several computers, ranging from legacy Apple hardware to modern, modular systems. The results have been consistent, measurable, and difficult to ignore.

This is not about nostalgia. It is about making rational use of technology that still works.


Linux, longevity, and calm computing

Editor’s Note

This article was prompted by growing concern for the hundreds of millions of people still using Windows 10. With official support nearing its end, many users are being told that their only safe option is to purchase new hardware or accept increasing security risks.

That narrative is misleading.

For the vast majority of everyday users, Linux provides a secure, fully supported alternative without the need to replace perfectly functional computers. Modern Linux distributions include all the peripheral applications most people require, including web browsers, email, office productivity, media playback, cloud storage access, and printing support.

Security updates are ongoing, hardware requirements are modest, and there is no forced upgrade cycle tied to hardware age.

No one should feel pressured into discarding working computers based on artificial deadlines or fear-driven messaging. There is another option, and it is both practical and proven.

A Compelling Case for Moving from Windows 10 to Linux

/ John Wagenvoort / 1 Comment
https://www.linux.com/images/stories/66866/DE-2.png?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Zorin_OS_17.3_Desktop.png?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/_images/cinnamon.png?utm_source=chatgpt.com

With Windows 10 now officially unsupported, continuing to rely on it is no longer a neutral decision. It introduces growing security risks, compliance concerns, and operational friction.

Based on the work already completed, moving to Linux is not only viable, it is a measured, responsible, and future-proof decision.

1. Security Becomes a Business Risk, Not Just an IT Issue

Once Windows 10 stops receiving security updates, every unpatched vulnerability becomes permanent. Over time, that risk compounds.

Linux offers:

  • Continuous security updates
  • Strong permission separation by design
  • A significantly smaller malware attack surface
  • No dependency on third-party antivirus software

From a governance and risk perspective, running an unsupported operating system is increasingly difficult to justify. Linux restores a secure baseline.

2. No Forced Hardware Replacement

Modern Windows upgrades increasingly require:

  • TPM enforcement
  • Newer CPUs
  • Vendor-approved hardware

Linux runs efficiently on existing hardware, including systems Windows now considers obsolete. The work already done confirms that Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, graphics, and peripherals operate reliably without replacement.

The result:

  • Lower capital expenditure
  • Extended hardware lifespan
  • Reduced electronic waste

3. Predictability Instead of Forced Change

Windows updates frequently introduce:

  • Unrequested UI changes
  • Feature removals
  • Background services and advertising
  • Behaviour changes after updates

Linux updates are:

  • Transparent
  • Optional
  • Reversible
  • Administrator-controlled

Nothing installs unless it is explicitly approved. This removes a significant source of operational uncertainty.

4. A Familiar User Experience Without the Bloat

Modern Linux desktops provide:

  • A familiar Windows-like workflow
  • Fast and responsive performance
  • No ads, pop-ups, or telemetry

For users:

  • Browsers, email, Office-compatible tools, and PDF workflows work as expected
  • Bluetooth mice, keyboards, CAD devices, scanners, and printers function normally
  • No forced cloud accounts or subscription prompts

Training overhead is minimal, especially compared to adapting to newer Windows versions.

5. Licensing Costs Drop to Zero

Linux eliminates:

  • Operating system licensing fees
  • Subscription-based OS models
  • Artificial feature tiering

This is particularly valuable when:

  • Redeploying older machines
  • Building task-specific systems
  • Creating admin, kiosk, or utility workstations

The operating system becomes infrastructure, not a recurring cost.

6. Stability for Purpose-Built Workflows

Linux excels in clearly defined roles, including:

  • Administrative workstations
  • Production and CAD support systems
  • File management and automation
  • Remote access environments

Linux systems do not “drift” over time. A machine configured today will behave the same way months later, without surprise regressions.

7. A Strategic Reset, Not a Lateral Move

This is not about rejecting Windows. It is about acknowledging that:

  • Windows 10 is now a liability
  • Newer Windows versions impose constraints that do not align with operational needs
  • Linux provides control, longevity, and clarity

This represents a shift from a consumer-driven OS model to an engineered platform.

Bottom Line

Staying on Windows 10 is the risky option.

Moving to Linux is the controlled, secure, and forward-looking decision.

We retain our hardware, reduce costs, improve security, and regain control of our systems while delivering a stable and familiar experience for users.

Based on the work already completed, Linux is ready.

Thailand Trip 2025 – Trip Summary

/ John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

Our 2025 Thailand trip has been one of the most relaxed and enjoyable visits we’ve had in years. After arriving in Bangkok on 24 October, we first spent about a week in Phetchabun and Sukhothai, easing into the trip with cooler mountain air, quiet roads, and some of Thailand’s most beautiful historic ruins. Sukhothai in particular was a highlight, with its peaceful ancient temples, giant trees, and wide open spaces that are perfect for slow wandering and photography.

From there we made our way into the slower, rural rhythm of Isaan. Bew kindly lent us her Mitsubishi, and we drove from Udon Thani to Ban Nong Pai in Kalasin, settling into familiar surroundings and family life.

This visit lined up perfectly with the rice-harvesting season. Across several days we watched local farmers cut, spread, and dry their rice along the rural village roads. What always stands out is the effortless respect from the community, cars slowing down, weaving around the drying rice, and treating the whole process as a normal and important part of village life.

We spent time exploring the area, visiting local temples, and calling in at a small mushroom farm, where we learned how growers can harvest multiple yields from each substrate bag and sell their produce for up to 100 baht per kilo.

Most importantly, this trip has been about family. We spent time with May and her son Folk, caught up with relatives in Udon and Kalasin, and enjoyed evenings filled with food, conversation, and the warmth that only comes from being back in Isaan. We also had the chance to reconnect with Kari from Finland and share a few laughs over the quirks of language and culture.

It has been a simple, grounded, and meaningful trip. As it comes to an end, we’re taking home a renewed appreciation for the slower pace of rural Thailand, the generosity of family, and the beauty of the everyday moments that make this part of the world feel like home.

Until next time.

Fixing Windows 11 Update Failure: KB5062553 on Framework 16

/ John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

After a clean reinstall of Windows 11 24H2 on my Framework 16, I ran into repeated failures trying to install the July 2025 Cumulative Update (KB5062553).

The Early Symptoms

  • Windows Update failed with generic errors
  • Manual install of KB5062553 from the Microsoft Update Catalog threw error 0x800f0838
    (Missing prerequisite update)
  • Servicing Stack Update (KB5043080) also refused to install
    (No error detail, just a failed status)

At this point, even after a clean OS install, nothing worked.

The Diagnosis

Running systeminfo showed I was on:

Windows 11 Pro, Build 26100.1

Turns out this was an OEM preload or early ISO version of 24H2. It did not meet the minimum build required for KB5062553.

The Fix

I upgraded using the official ISO from Microsoft’s Windows 11 Download Page:

  • Version: Windows 11 24H2
  • Build: 26100.1742, then 26100.4652 after updates

Once I was on 26100.1742 or later, both the Servicing Stack (KB5043080) and the Cumulative Update (KB5062553) installed without issue.

Final Status

I’m now running:

Windows 11 Pro 24H2
Build 26100.4652
Experience Pack 1000.26100.128.0

Everything updated cleanly and performance is rock solid.
If you’re seeing similar failures, check your build number first using:

Cmd

systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Version"

Unwind at Mekong Riverview Hotel: A Memorable Luang Prabang Escape

/ John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

If your diet revolves around KFC or Burger King, whether at home or abroad, then Luang Prabang might not be the ideal destination for you. You won’t find water parks or jet skis here either. However, for those seeking to escape fast food and a fast-paced lifestyle, the Mekong Riverview Hotel is the perfect retreat. Situated at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, this hotel offers an ideal getaway.

During our four-night stay, the Mekong Riverview Hotel exceeded all of our expectations, surpassing even the glowing online reviews and YouTube videos. The décor of our room harmonized beautifully with the historical charm of the surroundings. With a rain shower, spa bath, and a wrap-around balcony, we spent hours simply sitting and enjoying the uninterrupted solitude we sought.

Given its location, the hotel provides transportation to the busier part of Luang Prabang. For the more energetic, complimentary bicycles are available. Breakfast is included, and the restaurant is located across the street on the bank of the Nam Khan River. As the fog lifts from the hilltops across the Mekong, you can savor a delightful bowl of local rice soup.

As you may have gathered from this review, the Mekong Riverview Hotel has left a lasting impression on us, and we highly recommend you experience it for yourself.

Linux vs Mac vs Windows — Continued Adventures in Computing

/ John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

After a month of hands-on exploration, the verdict is in. Each platform has its strengths, but the experience of working with Linux Mint on aging hardware has been nothing short of impressive. Our 2013 ASUS S550C came back to life, and even an old Mac Mini that Apple had long since declared obsolete is now running smoothly with a full Linux desktop environment. By Apple’s standards, it was ready for the trash heap — but Linux had other plans.

🐧 Linux Mint — Lightweight Powerhouse

Reviving our 2013 ASUS S550C with Linux Mint was a revelation. It now boots fast, runs cool, and handles daily tasks with ease. The real surprise? The Mint interface feels clean, snappy, and surprisingly familiar.

We installed:

  • Ulauncher (a Spotlight-like launcher)
  • eDEX-UI (retro-futuristic terminal)
  • 1Password (Deb install)
  • OneDrive CLI (for real-time sync)
  • ClamAV (basic malware scanner)
  • TimeShift (Mac-like backup snapshots)

And even managed to replicate the setup onto our older Mac Mini, creating a reliable air-gapped backup machine. Formatting issues with external drives? Solved. Clunky Wubuntu distractions? Deleted. Mint was the clear winner for simplicity and control.

🍏 macOS — Premium and Polished

macOS still wins on polish. Out of the box, everything just works — Time Machine, Quick Look, Preview, Messages, iCloud, AirDrop. It’s seamless, especially if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem.

But try installing Linux on a 2013 Mac and it suddenly feels like you’ve been given more life out of your gear. That’s powerful. We now have a dual-boot setup: macOS for creative work, Linux Mint for focused tasks.

🪟 Windows — Ubiquitous but Heavy

Windows 11 works well on modern machines (like our Framework laptop), but it’s heavy. Even with a clean install, you often spend time uninstalling bloatware (thanks, Dell). Tools like Revo Uninstaller and disabling background services are almost mandatory.

The recent OneDrive CLI setup on Linux reminded us how refreshing it is to have control. On Windows, services like OneDrive are seamless but often opaque and difficult to tweak.

Verdict

FeatureLinux MintmacOSWindows 11
Performance on Old Hardware⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
User Interface⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
App Ecosystem⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Control/Customisation⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Backup Options⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Malware Resilience⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Linux Mint has won a place in our workflow. macOS remains the gold standard for user experience. Windows? Still everywhere, still a bit frustrating.

Coming Up

We’ll be exploring:

  • How to automate backups when a drive is plugged in (à la Time Machine)
  • Creating a custom FileMaker timesheet app
  • Designing a Thai-style home in FreeCAD

Why Linux Mint is Perfect for Vintage Machines

/ John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

There’s a unique satisfaction in reviving older machines and making them useful again. Instead of sending them off to e-waste, I recently gave new life to two systems — an ASUS S550C and an older Mac Mini — using Linux Mint. Along the way, I also explored Wubuntu and set up a Parallels virtual machine on my M2 MacBook Air running macOS 26.

Why Linux Mint?

Linux Mint is a clean, efficient Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It’s known for its ease of use, broad hardware compatibility, and stability. The Cinnamon desktop environment offers a traditional layout that’s intuitive for users coming from both Windows and macOS, without being resource-heavy.

For aging hardware or anyone looking for a friendly Linux experience, Mint hits the sweet spot.

The ASUS S550C Transformation

This laptop had been running a heavily tweaked build of Windows 11, bypassing hardware checks just to stay functional. It was sluggish and unreliable. I wiped the drive and installed Linux Mint Cinnamon, which immediately felt faster and more responsive.

I then:

  • Installed key apps: Chrome, 1Password, Master PDF Editor, eDEX-UI, and Ulauncher
  • Removed unneeded defaults like Firefox and Brave
  • Set up OneDrive CLI sync using a systemd service for background syncing
  • Installed Timeshift, a simple backup utility similar to Time Machine
  • Enabled Flatpak and Snap for broader software access

This machine, once a borderline write-off, is now perfectly usable again — and quite enjoyable to work on.

Cloning to the Mac Mini

After configuring the ASUS, I exported settings and installed software using Mint’s built-in Backup Tool, replicating the setup on an older Mac Mini, now named AirGap. This machine is now a fully isolated Linux box used for testing new tools, checking sync integrity, and simulating an offline environment.

The migration was seamless, and both machines now offer a consistent, fast Linux experience.

A Short Detour with Wubuntu

Before committing to Mint, I briefly tested Wubuntu — a Linux distro designed to mimic Windows 11, complete with a Start menu, taskbar, and UI that feels instantly familiar to Windows users.

Although visually polished, I had two key concerns:

  1. Wubuntu is not fully open source. Certain features and configuration tools are locked behind a paid Pro version.
  2. The Windows-like interface may raise copyright questions. Its visual similarity to Windows could create legal uncertainty around long-term use or distribution.

After an hour or two of testing, I removed Wubuntu. It didn’t offer anything I couldn’t achieve more cleanly with Linux Mint and some light theming.

Parallels VM on macOS 26

To round things out, I also set up Linux Mint Cinnamon as a virtual machine on my M2 MacBook Air, which is currently running macOS 26 Developer Beta 2.

Using Parallels Desktop, Mint installed quickly and runs beautifully. I use this VM for cross-platform testing, automation scripts, and exploring Linux tools in a controlled environment. Snapshots and seamless Mac integration make it a valuable part of my workflow.

What I Learned

  • Linux Mint performs well on both older hardware and modern virtual machines
  • Open source tools like Timeshift, Ulauncher, and the OneDrive CLI add real productivity
  • Linux Mint’s backup and migration tools are practical and effective
  • Wubuntu, while visually clever, does not align with open source values and comes with licensing questions
  • Parallels Desktop provides a robust environment for running Linux Mint inside macOS without dual-booting

Final Thoughts

Linux Mint has once again proven itself as a reliable, user-friendly Linux distribution. Whether used to breathe life into aging hardware or to run in a VM alongside macOS, it delivers a complete desktop experience with minimal setup.

In a world of constant upgrades and planned obsolescence, it’s refreshing to see a system that restores, reuses, and rewards. For anyone looking to explore Linux seriously or to make better use of an old laptop, Mint is a fantastic place to start.