6 ms·

+1 Richard Sure, he is cherry picking examples, but there are a lot of examples to choose from. I used mostly Linux at home for about 15 years, then switched

+1 Richard Sure, he is cherry picking examples, but there are a lot of examples to choose from. I used mostly Linux at home for about 15 years, then switched to a decade of MacOS. My new laptop is a Linux laptop and I think I will go back to Linux as my main driver. I am really conflicted about cellphones. I was unhappy with the crap ware preloaded on my Verizon Android phones. I am happier with a Verizon iPhone, as far as not having a lot of junk preinstalled. I am reading Cal Newport’s new book Digital Minimalism that is making me realize that I need to be more focused in how I spend any screen time. I really like the iWatch and if/when it becomes possible to use one independently of an iPhone (now my iWatch with a data plan needs the phone for app installation and configuration) I would like to either ditch the phone or mostly keep it turned off. Still, I differ from Richards opinions in that I think that Apple and Google do have some good privacy policies in place. I feel fairly OK using a personal G Suite account and Apple has a fairly good track record for privacy.

snazz 8y ago
If your Android phone is compatible[0], you might enjoy the result from installing LineageOS on it. If you wish, you can continue to use the Google Play Services package (which is where Google does all the tracking, and is also the only way to get the Play Store). I chose not to and use F-Droid and directly downloaded APKs, which saves me from running any proprietary code that I haven’t vetted carefully. It also solves the planned obsolescence issue, because my Galaxy S4 is screaming-fast on a version of Android from three years after its last manufacturer update. [0]: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/ https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/
- 0815test 8y ago
  LineageOS is pretty nice, but it's a bandaid and they dropped a huge amount of older devices from support when they left the CM brand. Hopefully postmarketOS will become more usable in the future, and we'll be able to use that on existing hardware, perhaps in combination with something like Halium when needed to make the proprietary driver blobs usable with a custom, non-AOSP userspace.
  - _bxg1 8y ago
    The devices they can maintain are constrained by manpower and what they have on hand for testing, but they keep some really old devices going based on popularity. I'm pretty sure the Galaxy S3 still gets the latest. I know the OnePlus One does.
- mark_l_watson 8y ago
  Thanks for that comment. I still have a Galaxy 4 and last week I pulled it out of the drawer and charged it. I looked at LieageOS but was concerned about the time spent installing it. Also, my Galaxy 4 no longer has a SIM card; do you know what the LineageOS experience would be like WiFi only?
  - snazz 8y ago
    It works fine without cellular. In the hands of someone who can install Linux, it shouldn’t take more than an hour (if you have a not-dialup internet connection). First, apt install adb heimdall-flash. These are the basic tools for interacting with Samsung phones and Android devices in general from a Linux machine. From there, follow the instructions I linked below, which basically amounts to getting root and unlocking the boot loader using Heimdall, then flashing TWRP, which is a recovery program, then flashing LineageOS from within TWRP. It’s not hard, but be sure to follow the right set of instructions, because the files for the Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint phones are not compatible. Assuming you have the Verizon model: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/jfltevzw/install https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/jfltevzw/install
    - mark_l_watson 8y ago
      Thank you for these instructions! I am going to try later this afternoon after some family stuff.
  - johnnycab 8y ago
    There is an active community of developers, who are keeping the Galaxy S4 alive by creating optimised versions of LineageOS. It might be easier to consult the guides and resources at XDA. If you feel it is a task you want to undertake - assuming the bootloader is not locked, decide which version you want to install based on the model you own i.e. i9505 or another variant and once you flash custom recovery (TWRP), it a fairly easy process. You should expect to face some issues initially and will have to go through the forums/comments to trouble-shoot broken features etc., especially if you are picking the latest ROM. https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4 https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4
- squarefoot 8y ago
  It is worth noting that adb also allows the user to remove unwanted software in the event his/her device can't be rooted, which is the case of one of my tablet which resisted any attempts so far. I'm not going to get a new one because it sits on a bench 24/7 and is needed for that abomination called Whatsapp some people is forcing me to use, and beyond that it has zero value to me, but the level of crapware preinstalled made it next to unusable, so I welcomed the day I discovered that adb remove can be used also on unrooted devices to delete vendor installed "system" crapware or other unneded stuff. Just search for "adb uninstall"
- caltelt 8y ago
  I haven't really checked out LineageOS before. Just briefly browsing their site gives me a bit of skepticism. It doesn't seem to be very professional. For example, their about page, and one of their most recent blog posts. I'm definitely looking for an OS to move to from Android. I suspect Librem will have its own flaws, but they inspire more confidence in me than my first impressions of LineageOS from their website. https://www.lineageos.org/about/ https://www.lineageos.org/about/ https://www.lineageos.org/An-April-Apology/ https://www.lineageos.org/An-April-Apology/
  - _bxg1 8y ago
    They made a mistake with that joke, but it was an outlier. I used Lineage (and Cyanogenmod, its predecessor) for six and a half years straight and never had any reason to doubt its quality. The long-term security updates alone make it one of the best options for keeping your Android device solid.
- montroser 8y ago
  For a non-Apple laptop I am also really liking the Xiaomi Mi Air with Linux.
- lrvick 8y ago
  LineageOS has a tendancy to disable or break piles of vital security features very carefully architected by Google security researchers like verified boot. Google also maintains a release process designed to help mitigate supply chain attacks. LineageOS also deviates from AOSP sources enough that it often creates significant time delays before new security patches can be backported if they get backported at all. Sadly stock Google phones also violate your privacy and the privacy of those around you. Stock Android is not a great solution either. We can have it both ways! Check out https://github.com/hashbang/os https://github.com/hashbang/os
krn 8y ago
> I am really conflicted about cellphones. I was unhappy with the crap ware preloaded on my Verizon Android phones. I am happier with a Verizon iPhone, as far as not having a lot of junk preinstalled. I personally prefer SIM-free Android One smartphones[1], which come without any bloatware and with monthly security updates. Not only they offer the best price / performance ratio, but they are also easy to keep private by uninstalling / disabling those few apps that come with the device. [1] https://www.android.com/one/ https://www.android.com/one/
- mark_l_watson 8y ago
  And then I could install a Verizon SIM card myself? Sounds much better. I am stuck with Verizon because they have the best coverage in the mountains of Central Arizona.
  - krn 8y ago
    I am not sure how the mobile operators work in the US, but I was able to install a local SIM card in every country I have been to for more than a few days, which saved me hundreds in mobile data fees across the world.
    - josteink 8y ago
      Yes. SIM = freedom. SIM-free sounds like something you are given in oppressive regimes with one state-controlled telecom actor. Can’t see why anyone would want it.
- josteink 8y ago
  > I personally prefer SIM-free If I can’t insert a SIM card of my choice, how do I choose or switch provider? Is it hard coded to whatever Google prefers? I’m open to lot of things with phones, but you can take the SIM-slot from my cold, dead hands. That thing is not going.
  - krn 8y ago
    From the FAQ of the UK-based Carphone Warehouse[1]: "What is a SIM free phone? SIM free phones are sold without any SIM card or network attached to them. Normally, people buy the phone and then choose a SIM only deal for their calls and data. All SIM free phones come unlocked, so you can choose whichever network you like. What are the benefits of buying a SIM free phone? Normally, people buy a SIM free phone when they want to own the handset outright and take out a SIM only deal. This reduces the cost of a monthly plan as you are only paying the network for your minutes, texts and data allowance. SIM only deals aren’t only less expensive but they can be more flexible, as 1-month rolling contracts and 12-month contracts are common place." [1] https://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/sim-free.html https://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/sim-free.html
dmitryminkovsky 8y ago
> I am reading Cal Newport’s new book Digital Minimalism that is making me realize that I need to be more focused in how I spend any screen time. To this end I am launching an email service that sends and receives messages once a day. The idea is that with one delivery each day, you don’t need to regulate or discipline yourself as much, and you get a lot more space to think and enjoy your communication. It’s called Pony https://www.pony.gg https://www.pony.gg
- mark_l_watson 8y ago
  Cool idea. I like to ‘go dark’ and not receive emails or phone/text while I am working but I don’t know if I could do once a day email. Nice idea though.
  - dmitryminkovsky 8y ago
    Thank you! > but I don’t know if I could do once a day email. Maybe you’d be surprised? There is a notification you can get if you get anything in our daily delivery, so you don’t completely forget about it.
    - dmitryminkovsky 8y ago
      EDIT: in your daily delivery
- mch82 8y ago
  Cool idea. There’s no contact info on your website... how can people interested in this concept get in touch?
  - dmitryminkovsky 8y ago
    Thank you! And thanks for asking. Just swapped home pages yesterday and the contact part got dropped. Bringing it back today. In the mean time it’s: - dminkovsky on twitter - dmitry@pony.gg - dminkovsky@gmail.com
- 8y ago
AsyncAwait 8y ago
> Still, I differ from Richards opinions in that I think that Apple and Google do have some good privacy policies in place. The problem is there have been a lot of scandals as of late of SV companies violating the trust you place in their 'policies'. A policy only works if it's being adhered to also when it's not convenient. I have a HomePod, but with the mics disabled, (I just wanted a decent wireless speaker that can stream lossless audio). The problem is there's no hardware cutting off the mics, it's only software and considering there run full iOS, it's one OTA away from violating my privacy, without me ever knowing. There's been the Alexa stories, the smart TV stories - it's a real prospect. I think that's a relatively scary prospect with these sort of closed systems, especially as 'smart homes' are becoming smarter.
pacala 8y ago
Tip: turn your iPhone screen to black/white, witness significant reduction in screen addiction. Tip: uninstall any app with gratuitous notifications on the spot. Move off the main page notifying apps that you can’t uninstall: mail, calls, messages. Check notifications on your schedule [once a day], not on the app developer schedule [three times a minute, yay engagement]

snazz 8y ago

If your Android phone is compatible[0], you might enjoy the result from installing LineageOS on it. If you wish, you can continue to use the Google Play Services package (which is where Google does all the tracking, and is also the only way to get the Play Store). I chose not to and use F-Droid and directly downloaded APKs, which saves me from running any proprietary code that I haven’t vetted carefully. It also solves the planned obsolescence issue, because my Galaxy S4 is screaming-fast on a version of Android from three years after its last manufacturer update. [0]: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/ https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/

0815test 8y ago
LineageOS is pretty nice, but it's a bandaid and they dropped a huge amount of older devices from support when they left the CM brand. Hopefully postmarketOS will become more usable in the future, and we'll be able to use that on existing hardware, perhaps in combination with something like Halium when needed to make the proprietary driver blobs usable with a custom, non-AOSP userspace.
- _bxg1 8y ago
  The devices they can maintain are constrained by manpower and what they have on hand for testing, but they keep some really old devices going based on popularity. I'm pretty sure the Galaxy S3 still gets the latest. I know the OnePlus One does.
mark_l_watson 8y ago
Thanks for that comment. I still have a Galaxy 4 and last week I pulled it out of the drawer and charged it. I looked at LieageOS but was concerned about the time spent installing it. Also, my Galaxy 4 no longer has a SIM card; do you know what the LineageOS experience would be like WiFi only?
- snazz 8y ago
  It works fine without cellular. In the hands of someone who can install Linux, it shouldn’t take more than an hour (if you have a not-dialup internet connection). First, apt install adb heimdall-flash. These are the basic tools for interacting with Samsung phones and Android devices in general from a Linux machine. From there, follow the instructions I linked below, which basically amounts to getting root and unlocking the boot loader using Heimdall, then flashing TWRP, which is a recovery program, then flashing LineageOS from within TWRP. It’s not hard, but be sure to follow the right set of instructions, because the files for the Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint phones are not compatible. Assuming you have the Verizon model: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/jfltevzw/install https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/jfltevzw/install
  - mark_l_watson 8y ago
    Thank you for these instructions! I am going to try later this afternoon after some family stuff.
- johnnycab 8y ago
  There is an active community of developers, who are keeping the Galaxy S4 alive by creating optimised versions of LineageOS. It might be easier to consult the guides and resources at XDA. If you feel it is a task you want to undertake - assuming the bootloader is not locked, decide which version you want to install based on the model you own i.e. i9505 or another variant and once you flash custom recovery (TWRP), it a fairly easy process. You should expect to face some issues initially and will have to go through the forums/comments to trouble-shoot broken features etc., especially if you are picking the latest ROM. https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4 https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4
squarefoot 8y ago
It is worth noting that adb also allows the user to remove unwanted software in the event his/her device can't be rooted, which is the case of one of my tablet which resisted any attempts so far. I'm not going to get a new one because it sits on a bench 24/7 and is needed for that abomination called Whatsapp some people is forcing me to use, and beyond that it has zero value to me, but the level of crapware preinstalled made it next to unusable, so I welcomed the day I discovered that adb remove can be used also on unrooted devices to delete vendor installed "system" crapware or other unneded stuff. Just search for "adb uninstall"
caltelt 8y ago
I haven't really checked out LineageOS before. Just briefly browsing their site gives me a bit of skepticism. It doesn't seem to be very professional. For example, their about page, and one of their most recent blog posts. I'm definitely looking for an OS to move to from Android. I suspect Librem will have its own flaws, but they inspire more confidence in me than my first impressions of LineageOS from their website. https://www.lineageos.org/about/ https://www.lineageos.org/about/ https://www.lineageos.org/An-April-Apology/ https://www.lineageos.org/An-April-Apology/
- _bxg1 8y ago
  They made a mistake with that joke, but it was an outlier. I used Lineage (and Cyanogenmod, its predecessor) for six and a half years straight and never had any reason to doubt its quality. The long-term security updates alone make it one of the best options for keeping your Android device solid.
montroser 8y ago
For a non-Apple laptop I am also really liking the Xiaomi Mi Air with Linux.
lrvick 8y ago
LineageOS has a tendancy to disable or break piles of vital security features very carefully architected by Google security researchers like verified boot. Google also maintains a release process designed to help mitigate supply chain attacks. LineageOS also deviates from AOSP sources enough that it often creates significant time delays before new security patches can be backported if they get backported at all. Sadly stock Google phones also violate your privacy and the privacy of those around you. Stock Android is not a great solution either. We can have it both ways! Check out https://github.com/hashbang/os https://github.com/hashbang/os

krn 8y ago

> I am really conflicted about cellphones. I was unhappy with the crap ware preloaded on my Verizon Android phones. I am happier with a Verizon iPhone, as far as not having a lot of junk preinstalled. I personally prefer SIM-free Android One smartphones[1], which come without any bloatware and with monthly security updates. Not only they offer the best price / performance ratio, but they are also easy to keep private by uninstalling / disabling those few apps that come with the device. [1] https://www.android.com/one/ https://www.android.com/one/

mark_l_watson 8y ago
And then I could install a Verizon SIM card myself? Sounds much better. I am stuck with Verizon because they have the best coverage in the mountains of Central Arizona.
- krn 8y ago
  I am not sure how the mobile operators work in the US, but I was able to install a local SIM card in every country I have been to for more than a few days, which saved me hundreds in mobile data fees across the world.
  - josteink 8y ago
    Yes. SIM = freedom. SIM-free sounds like something you are given in oppressive regimes with one state-controlled telecom actor. Can’t see why anyone would want it.
josteink 8y ago
> I personally prefer SIM-free If I can’t insert a SIM card of my choice, how do I choose or switch provider? Is it hard coded to whatever Google prefers? I’m open to lot of things with phones, but you can take the SIM-slot from my cold, dead hands. That thing is not going.
- krn 8y ago
  From the FAQ of the UK-based Carphone Warehouse[1]: "What is a SIM free phone? SIM free phones are sold without any SIM card or network attached to them. Normally, people buy the phone and then choose a SIM only deal for their calls and data. All SIM free phones come unlocked, so you can choose whichever network you like. What are the benefits of buying a SIM free phone? Normally, people buy a SIM free phone when they want to own the handset outright and take out a SIM only deal. This reduces the cost of a monthly plan as you are only paying the network for your minutes, texts and data allowance. SIM only deals aren’t only less expensive but they can be more flexible, as 1-month rolling contracts and 12-month contracts are common place." [1] https://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/sim-free.html https://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/sim-free.html

dmitryminkovsky 8y ago

> I am reading Cal Newport’s new book Digital Minimalism that is making me realize that I need to be more focused in how I spend any screen time. To this end I am launching an email service that sends and receives messages once a day. The idea is that with one delivery each day, you don’t need to regulate or discipline yourself as much, and you get a lot more space to think and enjoy your communication. It’s called Pony https://www.pony.gg https://www.pony.gg

mark_l_watson 8y ago
Cool idea. I like to ‘go dark’ and not receive emails or phone/text while I am working but I don’t know if I could do once a day email. Nice idea though.
- dmitryminkovsky 8y ago
  Thank you! > but I don’t know if I could do once a day email. Maybe you’d be surprised? There is a notification you can get if you get anything in our daily delivery, so you don’t completely forget about it.
  - dmitryminkovsky 8y ago
    EDIT: in your daily delivery
mch82 8y ago
Cool idea. There’s no contact info on your website... how can people interested in this concept get in touch?
- dmitryminkovsky 8y ago
  Thank you! And thanks for asking. Just swapped home pages yesterday and the contact part got dropped. Bringing it back today. In the mean time it’s: - dminkovsky on twitter - dmitry@pony.gg - dminkovsky@gmail.com
8y ago

AsyncAwait 8y ago

> Still, I differ from Richards opinions in that I think that Apple and Google do have some good privacy policies in place. The problem is there have been a lot of scandals as of late of SV companies violating the trust you place in their 'policies'. A policy only works if it's being adhered to also when it's not convenient. I have a HomePod, but with the mics disabled, (I just wanted a decent wireless speaker that can stream lossless audio). The problem is there's no hardware cutting off the mics, it's only software and considering there run full iOS, it's one OTA away from violating my privacy, without me ever knowing. There's been the Alexa stories, the smart TV stories - it's a real prospect. I think that's a relatively scary prospect with these sort of closed systems, especially as 'smart homes' are becoming smarter.

pacala 8y ago

Tip: turn your iPhone screen to black/white, witness significant reduction in screen addiction. Tip: uninstall any app with gratuitous notifications on the spot. Move off the main page notifying apps that you can’t uninstall: mail, calls, messages. Check notifications on your schedule [once a day], not on the app developer schedule [three times a minute, yay engagement]