As I was doing further testing, realized this OS is probably not ready for the masses. Testing is looking good, and very promising. However, I was doing my initial testing over cat5, a keyboard, and mouse. No adapters or awkward components were tested yet. Video played fine through a few streaming services (add ons) while checking things out.
And that’s what stage this OS is in. Testing.
Looks promising and hopefully some snags will be fixed soon. Again, to the developers, thank you for your dedication. You guys are awesome!
As previously noted/anticipated, switched to a “dumb” computer monitor for the majority of my TV viewing time. The challenge was local news, and without a tuner card, seemed nearly impossible. XBMC (now kodi) offers several add-on’s, one named “Local Now” (you may be familiar with it).
Local Now, offers local newscasts from ocean to ocean in the US, plus more. And it’s great that it runs on xbmc/kodi, because it removes the need to set up a networked antenna, utilizing a networked tuner card. Or to be logged into an account.
Great commercial/advertising skipping, at times, also.
So what are we dealing with here (from an old backup, custom built computer)?
Doing a little distro sampling. Currently on CachyOS, and let me just say… it just “feels” nice. Very fast boot time and seems light and responsive.
My vpn client (app) is supported “out of the box”. Network config was no issue, and automatically detected at boot. Both wired and wireless network are working flawlessly.
Bluetooth speakers picked up and paired quickly, listening to some music while writing.
The whole system just seems solid, efficient, and easy to use.
ArchLinux always seemed like a steep hill to climb. And to get to this sampling of the OS, went through several downloads of another distro…opening the physical shell of my pc…swapping SATA boot drives…and lots of wiping internal and external disks.
Also involved going into the bios and changing quite a few settings.
The CachyOS made the whole iso preparation/installation process simple. It’s light and very easy to use if you are familiar with basic terminal (CLI) commands and also have a basic understanding of linux systems.
A few (personal) requirements, as previously mentioned, on my media centers/devices. 1) As thin of a (base) system as possible. 2) Primary and ONLY function as a media frontend. 3) Hard wired (wireless is always an option with adapter). 4) Absolutely no signups OR sign ins required.
The SBC presented some major challenges. A media frontend was possible, but with lots of bloat…lots of load time, and very heavy OS (for this purpose). The only option was to load the (media center) software on top of one of two quite heavy (full) operating systems (tying accounts to other accounts, and doing too much unnecessary “external” networking).
Remember those two PCs I mentioned earlier? Both seeing little use? Well, I decided the best option was to go with a trusty x86_generic image, and throw it on my old custom build. And although it’s a behemoth in physical size, it’ running a very light system and is extremely fast/efficient. The moment xbmc (frontend) was transferred from game console to PC was awesome! Who would have thought the tech would be around and be relevant, still useful?
So if you have an old PC, laptop, or netbook with an HDMI out on it. It may be a better option than spending money on a smaller form factor SBC. They are getting very pricey, and support is beginning to become very limited.
Remote control worked at boot, and I was watching euronews in no time! (Along with other shows/movies I missed)
So I’m still working on that little circuit board (SBC), that I mentioned earlier. It’s monotonous, tedious, frustrating, rewarding. The fact that you can take such a small piece of equipment, and turn it into a fully functional computer still amazes me. And I’ve been doing this for quite a while.
In between this hobby and life’s daily (necessary) routine…mowing, groceries, appointments, medication (diabetic), I often yearn for laughter. Comedy. And this absolutely had me in tears. (Granted I’m not a big muscle bound man, so apparently it’s quite easy to make the rivers flow… but this had me laughing my ass off).
Wow. Tonight I began writing an Abby Martin appreciation post. This woman has been around the world, challenging western media sources (and biases). She has not been shy about engaging in topics regarding war, genocide, politics, socio-economic issues…well the topics which drive news cycles today. Independent, and absolutely fierce. No apologies, no regrets.
One badass b*tch. Educated, well read, and certainly a formidable opponent to everything unjust. As she sees it, as I see it. As we all see it, if we are decent human beings.
Abby was involved in political reporting back when the 99% were protesting on Wall St. And unlike others, she continues to fight for a (THE) common cause.
And as I was writing this post, received some spam comments to some of my past posts (they have to be approved). Would love to recommend proton, to address email spam, and other security concerns. They are awesome. (Abby also played a huge role in warning people about new tech, and her voice was marginalized).
Yes. I’ve been made fun of for my interest in technology. The fact that I was networking PC’s and turning them into media servers, frontends… basically the “smart sticks”/dvr’s of today, yet yesterday (almost 20 yrs ago). The difference between then and now, is there wasn’t so much bloatware, advertising, tracking, marketing. It was glorious, no one could even imagine a “data center” back then. What would we use one of those for?
Has anyone seen/used the current Pi? Stupid question. At some point they found it necessary to embed every new release with a wireless module. In my opinion, this is similar to phone manufacturers making it impossible to remove a phone battery. Furthermore, making a sim card/number “digital”.
At any rate, there is hope. And I realized something. There are still manufactures that are offering alternatives to popular products/brand names. Without the bloatware and onboard/loaded/embedded modules we’ve come to expect from more “commercial” offerings.
I’ve been talking about it for awhile, and it’s the only way I’ve learned in the past. So, I’m probably going to go back to DIY… nerdy stuff.
I’m thinking of you Lisa Loeb. And when those glasses were unique!
At this point in the year, we either continue or cancel. Cancel what? Rest easy young friends. Not friends, not family, not pets. I’m speaking of subscriptions. My team had a rebounding year, and it’s the only reason I pay for cable TV. Yes, I love Wolf Blitzer, Kasie Hunt (there’s something about her), Katy Tur, etc. There have even been times that I have binged off of Ari Melber.
Probably too much information, or at this point “tldr”. But I have to think about budget. Maybe, just me. No simile. And I’m thinking, that maybe, just maybe, if I make another move (location)…or set up a new (networked or not) cable/tv system it will involve roof antenna/mythtv (again) and possibly kodi (again). Restricting as much advertising and marketing as possible. Using vpn or otherwise.
Cinnamon. Pepper. Oregano. Several variants of all. Color, presentation, origin. How many of these factors do professional chefs have to maneuver to create their desired presentation or dish? Many items imported, a few substituted (if need be). Add to that the personal touch, or “special sauce” which creates the perfect flavor. (possibly imported, or with ingredients that are imported).
The idea of America being a “melting pot” is that we have many different cultures, flavors, and heritages. Colors, features, differences, that’s what makes us beautiful. Strong.
When we lose those identities we become weak, clones, at high risk of accepting a “one size fits all” mentality. Easily manipulated by a dictatorial driven media focused on “a strong man”, enforcing theocratic beliefs or an economic system determined to punish the least. And then we look in the mirror, how close do our enemies reflect our own? Values, oppenness to religious acceptance, and the core of our foundation…many of you carried in your pocket. The constitution. The Bible.
We are different. And difference is awesome. Color, belief, tradition, religion. When we become mindless simpletons marching in line to the beat of the same drum, we totally fail in creativity, purpose, and future.
