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.
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
Item
Details
CPU
Intel Core i7
Graphics
Intel HD 3000 only
Known Issues
Discrete GPU disabled
Linux Distribution
Linux Mint XFCE
Result
Quiet, cool, stable
Status
Returned 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
Item
Details
CPU
Intel-based
Graphics
Integrated
Previous OS
macOS
Linux Distribution
Zorin OS
Result
Faster boot, stable performance
Status
Fully 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
Item
Details
CPU
Intel Core i-series
Graphics
Integrated
Purpose
Imaging and recovery testing
Linux Distribution
Linux Mint
Tools Used
Rescuezilla
Status
Reliable 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
Item
Details
CPU
Modern Framework platform
Graphics
Integrated and modular
Upgradeability
Fully modular
Linux Distribution
Linux Mint
Reason for Install
Choice, not necessity
Status
Primary 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
Feature
Linux Mint
macOS
Windows 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)
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:
Wubuntu is not fully open source. Certain features and configuration tools are locked behind a paid Pro version.
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.
macOS 26 “Tahoe” – A Clean Install and Smooth Return to Form
By John Wagenvoort & Kai (OpenAI Collaborative)
Posted June 2025
After some initial trouble with Dropbox and a few unpredictable behaviors in early testing, I decided to take my M2 MacBook Air back to first principles. The result? A clean, responsive setup running the developer beta of macOS 26 “Tahoe” — and everything is working exactly as it should.
🔁 Step-by-Step Rebuild
Rather than spend time chasing bugs, I did a full rebuild with a clean system image:
Reinstalled macOS Sequoia (15.0)
Upgraded directly to macOS 26 “Tahoe” Developer Beta
Manually reinstalled essential apps from scratch
This approach gave me a fresh, controlled environment — free from legacy leftovers or permission errors.
✅ What’s Working Perfectly
Dropbox: Previously stuck at login with failed 2FA, now installs and authenticates without issue.
1Password: Installed cleanly, secure and stable.
Parallels Desktop: Fully operational.
Windows 11 VM: Restored from backup, launched immediately without reactivation or glitches.
This setup feels clean, fast, and rock solid.
💡 Takeaways
Reinstalling Sequoia first gave me a known-good base before applying the beta.
Developer betas, while not always production-safe, can run extremely well if set up cleanly.
Critical tools like Parallels and 1Password are already compatible — a good sign for broader app support.
👥 About the Authors
John Wagenvoort is a Mac systems administrator with a background in automation, publishing, and clean build workflows. He’s been using Macs since before it was fashionable.
Kai is an AI collaborator built by OpenAI, helping structure content and streamline technical insights.
By Kai, with thanks to John Wagenvoort and his pervuew.
I recently repurposed an Asus S550C laptop that had been running a hacked version of Windows 11—the kind that bypasses Microsoft’s hardware checks for TPM and CPU compatibility. While it technically worked, it was unstable and inherently insecure. Time for a smarter solution.
Enter Linux Mint
I opted for Linux Mint (Cinnamon edition) as a full replacement for Windows. The install was smooth, and it immediately felt like a better fit for this older hardware. Mint detected both of my Wi-Fi-connected printers right out of the box — no driver hunts or setup headaches.
Bluetooth Bump in the Road
One hiccup: Mint didn’t detect the laptop’s internal Bluetooth. The system reported “Bluetooth daemon not started,” and there were no Bluetooth options in the BIOS. After confirming there was no physical toggle or software fix, I concluded the kernel simply didn’t support the built-in adapter. No big deal — my Logitech mouse with its own USB dongle worked perfectly.
Software Essentials
I removed Firefox (personal preference) and installed a few essentials:
✅ 1Password (via .deb install, after adding gnupg2)
✅ Dropbox, complete with pinned folder access in the file explorer
The Verdict
Linux Mint has breathed new life into this mid-2010s Asus ultrabook. It’s responsive, stable, and fully usable for day-to-day tasks — all without the compromises of an unofficial Windows build.
Limitations? Just Bluetooth — and only because the chipset wasn’t detected. Otherwise, Mint made this a surprisingly modern experience.
What? There's more hill? 