Tinker ☀️

Tinkerer | Solarpunk | Hacker ☸️ Buddhist ☸️ Profile Pic: @PixelOccult

Single Unit Hydroponics: https://infosec.exchange/@tinker/112164392670338644
Multi Unit Hydroponics: https://infosec.exchange/@tinker/111438984877146261

Public Key

npub1hqevlj9hckkq0t30yachlqr06pcf8avevw9v5h8areekx3z2y54shent6l

NIP-05 Address

[email protected]

Profile Code

nprofile1qqstsvk0ezmuttq84chjwutlsphaquyn7kvk8zk2tn73uumrg39z22cpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsag82vx

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub1hqevlj9hckkq0t30yachlqr06pcf8avevw9v5h8areekx3z2y54shent6l

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Last Notes

2026-07-16 11:34:16 UTC

Regarding AI slop permeating everything...
It's incredibly important to know that right now there is a MASSIVE amount of money and effort by corporations, financial institutions, and governments to get people to use it.
(There are motivations behind pushing that use that go well beyond just making a buck. AI is a layer of abstraction over information control, it's a method of locking in compute control, etc etc)
But that use is still heavily subsidized - from cheap tokens and use subscriptions to local governments subsidizing power and water and taxes for their data centers.
That can't last.
And nor can its current heavy use.
I have no idea how it will look moving forward. So much of AI is propped up artificially on one hand that it will fall if left to its own devices. But on the other hand there is so much money and power behind it that it can last artificially for a long time.
Anyhow. Don't give up hope. Every act of resistance increases its cost and therefore its ability to withstand.

2026-06-30 13:13:43 UTC

- reply

- ok. we're talking circles around each other. I didnt state what you just said I stated.
I'm coming at this from several angles, namely:
- technical specs, limitations, and technical ability to abuse
- business, legal, and practical ability to abuse
- group dynamics, actual implemented coordinated actions where folks planned in secret and carried out actions within a framework of operation security, and breaks within that opsec resulting in leaks
- actual examples of abuse (not theoretical, not conspiratorial, but actually documented)
- and personal experience in my professional career working within information security and IT (not in VPN companies) as well as my own experience running my own VPNs
I'm fully experienced in threat modeling, threat scenarios, being a threat, countering threats. The philosophical concepts of "Trusting Trust" etc et al.
But I dont think further clarification or discussion will be fruitful.
Anyhow. I hope your day goes well.

2026-06-30 12:58:28 UTC

- reply

- Ok...
- just because any given VPN has not been exposed yet, doesnt mean its not an issue
- just because any given VPN has passed previous tests doesnt mean they'll continue to be good
If there is the TECHNICAL ability to be abused, it will be abused. If there is a FINANCIAL or LEGAL incentive to be abused, it will be abused.
Lastly, I'm not talking conspiracy theories here. This is a thing that is exposed time and time again.
See screenshot and article and plenty plenty plenty legal court cases.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/why-you-should-be-skeptical-about-a-vpns-no-logs-claims/
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/839/170/044/961/297/original/ea074e796c97ceab.jpeg

2026-06-30 12:43:51 UTC

- reply

- The bulk majority of the employees dont need to be in on it. The technical ability to maintain and transmit logs to a third party is a straightforward and easy thing to do.
Look at large ISPs that are required by law to maintain lawful intercept solutions... and ask the bulk majority of people that work there what lawful intercept even is.
So yes. A small "conspiracy" (read business use case) that consists of the c-suite and a handful of IT held under NDA is enough.

2026-06-30 11:42:24 UTC

All "privacy oriented" commercial VPNs are honeypots.
You can't change my mind on that.
Mullvad VPN has heavy marketing in Washington DC (their ads are plastered all across the metro stops frequented by government workers and foreign diplomats) for example.
The whole "you need to hide something? here we'll hide it for you! Everyone that wants to hide something should put is all in this one consolidated place!"
But they totally won't look at it.
They swear.
No logs, bro. I promise. I can look, but I won't. I could log, but I won't.
So while Mullvad the company is showing their ass, asking what other VPN to hop to begs the question: Why are you using a commercial VPN?
If it's to change your IP address to bypass porn restrictions in fundamentalist theocratic states, then cool. That's a solid use case.
If it's for a nebulous reason like "for privacy" or "for security". Then you might want to see if that tool actually meets your specific threat modeling.
#VPN #mullvad #mullvadVPN

2026-06-23 13:37:09 UTC

Mr. Robot came out over ten years ago.
#hacking #infosec

2026-04-26 17:35:45 UTC

RE: https://infosec.exchange/@tinker/116472176913970907
Heads up for any FOSS contributors and coders!
Or anyone that knows how to code web apps and wants to contribute to solarpunk activities, bringing about post-scarcity food security, or just helping feed people:
Rootable is a Free and Open Source app that helps local towns coordinate food rescue.
Website: https://rootable.org
Code Base: https://codeberg.org/rootable/
Food rescue is where local community groups go to a grocery store, bakery, restaurant, etc., and "glean" or gather up any GOOD FOOD that would otherwise be thrown away and get to it people who are hungry.
Reduces food waste.
Increased food security.
For more info on food waste, take a look at this John Oliver episode on Food Waste: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8xwLWb0lLY
If you'd like to contribute code, fix bugs (usability, security, etc), assist in technical documentation or support, etc., please visit the git repo and pitch in.
If anyone needs contact info for the project lead, DM me.
This is an actively used app and helping with it directly helps feed people. This is a great way to build mutual aid projects.
#solarPunk #rootableApp #FOSS #foodWaste #foodRescue #foodSecurity #mutualAid #developers #solarPunkSunday #opensource #programming
#note1ed4…2rr2

2026-04-26 17:26:19 UTC

- reply

Updates on my town's Food Rescue initiatives.... Some bad.... and some good.
Bad News is we are no longer working with Food Rescue US. To be very clear, they are a wonderful organization and if you have an opportunity to work with them, by all means do so!
My groups model and their model just don't really align is all. Long and short, they were wanting us to get more food rescue routes quicker than we were able to and when we really couldnt meet their metrics, we both agreed that we should go our separate ways.
Quick Lessons learned here:
- Their model works really well when you have a dedicated and paid staff. It wasn't working well for a community group comprised of volunteers working in their (often minimal) spare time.
- If you do have a dedicated or even paid group, they are AWESOME!!! Great staff. Loads of in house support. Great app.
- If you don't have a dedicated staff and are a smaller community group, it might not be the best fit.
Both parties knew this going into it and we had decided to give it a shot anyhow. It didn't work out. And we exited as expected. Alas.
Ok. So..... next part is the good news.
With that!!! We have now joined the Food Rescue Alliance (FRA)! They are a mutual-aid group of mutual-aid groups spearheaded by the Boulder (Colorado USA) Food Rescue group.
More info here: https://www.boulderfoodrescue.org/food-rescue-alliance/
They are much more aligned with how we work.
Now, instead of taking orders and meeting metrics from a non-profit corporate model, we operate independently and both rely on and contribute to the greater FRA group members.
This is awesome.
We have access to peer support, best practice information, troubleshooting and guidance, as well as their own food rescue app - Rootable.
Rootable is a Free and Open Source (FOSS) application.
Here is the app website: https://rootable.org
Here is the codebase: https://codeberg.org/rootable/
We're getting set up on it right now. We've been warmly welcomed and have already attended some meetings.
I think this will work out great.
#solarPunk
#foodRescue #foodRescueAlliance #rootableApp

2026-04-26 15:09:03 UTC

If you aren't hearing about ways we're fighting, fixing, building, and improving our neighborhoods and towns...
...check your sources.
Folks are doing good and are succeeding. And they're talking about it. Locally and on the internet.
You just have to listen.
(Pro Tip: Algorithms and corpo/govt feeds dont push this out. You might want to get actual sources of news and information)
(lol, as I post this on the fediverse where folks are active in curating their news feeds. - Screenshot this and send it to your sister who isnt on the fediverse 😂)

2026-04-26 14:54:29 UTC

- reply

- "I don't have enough belief in others to assume they are doing their part"
what do you mean assume? Wouldn't you know or not know? If you are in your community doing work you would know what others are doing and what others are not doing.
I just got out of a community meeting. Neighbor A and B continue to maintain the decentralized food distribution apparatus of free fridges. They reported that they have three more neighbors that have volunteered to take on cleaning shifts. Fridge B has an issue with one of the fridges tripping the circuit breaker and they're fixing it. Fridge A's community bulletin board is now accessible because they found the lost key for it.
Me and Neighbor C are working on the Food Rescue side as one input into our local food apparatus. We just brought in a new contributor. A gluten free bakery that will be feeding into Fridge B.
Spoke to a neighbor who just lost their job and needs food but has celiac. Pointed her towards fridge B and let her know the dropoff times of the GF Bakery. She is now utilizing the local communities food system and is further supported.
Next month I'm meeting with the greater town's Hunger Action Coalition and comparing notes and collaborating with them to fill in gaps. We also just got plugged into the Food Rescue Alliance which is national and connects our town to other towns for support and education.
I know exactly who is doing their part.
Because I'm doing my part.
If you get out and do something with others you won't have to assume one way or another. You won't have to believe (or not believe).
You'll know.
-----
(Note to others reading this: this is directed at someone who has claimed initiative failure via vibes without demonstrating any actual experience.
We do what part we can as and when we can. Interestingly, if you can't contribute - even receiving aid and support without currently putting back in helps the entire system of mutual aid. Drawing on the support of your neighbors is everything.)
#solarPunk

2026-04-23 20:25:25 UTC

- reply

As @npub1tdh…m87v points out:
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/455/894/069/865/939/original/43af168c2297d3ca.jpeg

2026-04-23 18:52:21 UTC

RE: https://infosec.exchange/@tinker/116455392351826512
Lol when "ethical hacking" is equated to corporate infosec.
SANS is teaching Unethical Hacking.
ICE will hurt more people as a *direct* result of this training.
#note1v69…9rxk

2026-04-23 18:17:47 UTC

Ummm... Is SANS training ICE?
https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/99f8bdc298c34f06bcac9bd7e39b1bca/view
#SANS #ICE #infosec
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/455/387/549/431/966/original/d50d6e8cf529b072.jpeg

2026-04-23 13:33:04 UTC

The difference between: fees, fines, bribes, and lobbying.
(From a Corporate standpoint. Not individual.)
Fee: An amount of money you pay the govt BEFORE doing something in order to follow legal requirements. If you don't pay a fee, you may be required to pay a fine.
Fine: An amount of money you pay the govt AFTER doing something in order to follow legal requirements. Fines only happen if you're caught and if a judge/jury finds you guilty of not paying a fee / following the law.
Bribe: An amount of money you pay illegally to the govt BEFORE doing something in order to bypass legal requirements. Ideally the bribe is less than a fee or fine. If caught, you may have to pay a fine.
Lobbying: A bribe you pay legally to the govt to change the laws to make activities legal (bypass fines) or cheaper (lower fees and fines).
Therefore a simple cost benefit analysis occurs to determine: If the fee is cheap, pay it. If the fine is cheap, don't pay the fee - instead break the law and pay the fine only if caught/found guilty (paying a fine is often cheaper than paying a fee, especially in aggregate). Don't pay a bribe when you can lobby. Lobby if you plan on breaking current laws so often that paying fines becomes cost prohibitive.
So the ideal is to break the law and pay the occasional fine. Or to legally bribe (lobby) to change the law so its no longer illegal (or cheaper to break the law).

2026-04-21 13:48:47 UTC

- reply

- Yeah. Thats where I was. Getting in and its amazing. The best healthcare Ive ever had.
That said...
I'm im Virginia along the corridor serving DC, Richmond, and Quantico.
So it very well may be that my VA is a fluke.

2026-04-21 12:18:45 UTC

- reply

- I finally got access to the VA last year (after about 15 years of trying).
So I'm going down the list of things to fix now that I have healthcare.
I enjoy it! 😅

2026-04-14 13:31:58 UTC

- reply

- No, I've moved a couple times since I did physical assessments regularly and my kit is very bare at the moment. I just did a physical a couple of months ago and I made a list of items I needed to rebuild it. Half of my lockpicks are gone (the ones I used regularly, I had backup ones that werent my ideal but got the job done) and all of my standard common keys are gone.
I might use this as an excuse to buy those right now....

2026-04-14 00:04:04 UTC

Fediverse Question (especially for hackers, burglars, lockpickers, and miscreants):
What is that name of this lock?
I need to replace it. And I need to know what to type into the search bar to replace it.
(The lock mechanism uses wafers. But I'm not looking for a "wafer lock" - like... I can't put a cabinet wafer lock on this).
It's used for locked glass bulletin boards (physical boards). I dont want to buy a new board. I just need to replace the lock. We can pick it open (and pick it closed) but not everyone knows how to jiggle a jiggler.
(side question... I dont even need to replace the lock if it has a standard key)
(Edit. Maybe if I added the pictures that would help)
#infosec #pentest #lockpicking #locksport
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/400/139/905/151/093/original/64e5c91992e5c946.jpeg
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/400/139/996/022/527/original/2a513997c9f8cf86.jpeg
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/400/140/079/634/587/original/529a167f94d0896b.jpeg

2026-04-03 20:00:12 UTC

Ok! Initial build script for writerdeckOS v2.0 is done.
I even coded a menu to allow for easy change of default word processor / text editor.
The Terminal Edition defaults to using wordgrinder, but the follow word processors and text editors are loaded into the system and its easy to swap over to them:
- WordGrinder
- Tilde
- Word Perfect
- Joe
- Emacs
- Vi / Vim
- Nano
- Micro
And it's easy to install and run a custom app (text editor or otherwise!).
Also, I added nmtui - a Terminal User Interface for Network Manager to connect to the internet if needed (eg to install a new app or to configure synced cloud folders).
I need to run a couple more QA tests for this and then I'll start putting together the installation media. After testing that on a couple of laptops, I'll push it out officially!
#writerdeckOS #linux #permaComputing
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/342/538/281/481/547/original/92487f6a7a079c43.png
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/342/539/021/073/767/original/7010d86a7d2efda8.png
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/342/539/704/132/044/original/cfd0564a904e49ff.png
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/342/540/256/284/106/original/f5cb3ffd0f72656b.png

2026-04-03 09:46:01 UTC

Heavy drama in the open-source world of...
...Office Document Software.
Nextcloud, originally a fork of ownCloud, has launched Euro-Office, a fork of OnlyOffice (pissing off OnlyOffice). Collabora is weighing in and issuing comments against both OnlyOffice and Euro-Office while, itself, forking Collabora Office Desktop from the Document Foundation's LibreOffice. Document Foundation has now resumed LibreOffice Online which competes against Euro-Office and OnlyOffice.
(I think I've got all that right 😅 Correct me if I haven't! 😂)
❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 I unironically love this!!!! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Document software may appear boring on its face, but Microsoft Office is a big reason why folks still stay with Microsoft OS and don't (can't...) move to Linux. MS Office 365 is often used as a bridge to allow folks to move to Linux while still using Microsoft products in the browser but that solution still keeps them tied to closed source solutions.
Development of Free and Open Sourced Software (FOSS) office products, both desktop apps and online web apps, is a core and key element to allowing FOSS solutions to thrive - both for individuals and organizations.
This level of drama and fighting is indicative of a lot of effort and attention being thrown into this arena. I'm confident over time it'll settle and different projects will merge back together or at the very least borrow and build upon each's efforts.
Read and get your fill of the drama here: https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/02/eurooffice_forks_onlyoffice/
#FOSS #digitalSovereignty #installParty #Linux #diDay

2026-03-20 17:23:16 UTC

- reply

- MacBooks can be wonky when it comes to Linux installs. That said, its totally doable, just takes a bit more work and may need some troubleshooting.
If you end up doing it and need help, post it up and tag me. Either I or someone else in the fediverse will help out!
Here is a solid guide: https://medium.com/@aleksej.gudkov/how-to-run-linux-on-an-old-mac-pro-db5477dd0c9b
Here is another similar guide: https://www.linuxnest.com/how-to-install-linux-on-a-macbook-m1-m2-m3-intel-the-complete-2025-guide/

2026-03-20 17:02:52 UTC

- reply

I want to highlight something as it relates to starting up new community groups - whether it be this Linux Install Party or a Food group or whatever...
Folks often worry that they will have to do it all on their own. But I've found that once you get something going, other folks in town will come help out. If you do the work of getting a place, loosely organizing it, and providing the basic tools needed, plenty of folks will show up to lend a hand.
To put it another way, many people are looking for ways to help or to hang out or to just make their town better. And they're just waiting at home for someone to give them something to do.
If you do the part of giving them something to do, they'll help you out.
For example, look at this screenshot. I just posted the Linux Install Party in the town's sub reddit. It was NOT a call for volunteers. It was just a posting about the event and welcoming folks to come hang out.
And someone posted up wanting to help out with the event.
This happens all the time, no matter what type of event. Just put something together. Have a place, a time, and the things you want to do. And others will help you out.
#solarPunk #community #mutualAid
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/262/570/177/411/491/original/5c030471d4159cfb.png

2026-03-20 13:48:51 UTC

After the first Linux Install Party went so well, we're going to start doing this on a more regular basis - we're shooting for every two months currently.
Date: Saturday, March 21st 2026
Time: 1:00pm to 5:30pm
Location: Howell Library Branch
Address: 806 Lyons Boulevard, Fredericksburg VA 22406
More Info: https://fxbginstall.party/
Fees and Cost: Totally free. This is a library event. We have a couple librarians and a lot of volunteers. No subscriptions. No paid licenses. No tips or donations.
We're offering free installations of Linux Mint Operating System onto any laptop or computer! We're also there to help troubleshoot or offer guidance for previously installed Linux systems.
Long and short, if you:
- Want to use a modern, secure, private, and user friendly operating system that works with almost every laptop and computer made.
- No longer want to pay Microsoft for a license to use their software.
- No longer want to worry about AI and invasive monitoring of your PC.
- Have a perfectly good laptop or computer that you just want to keep using.
- Don't want to have to deal with new updates making your laptop no longer usable.
- Have an older laptop that you want get running again.
Join us at the Linux Install Party!
----------
Note: The installation will erase your harddrive and install a clean "factory" installation of Linux onto your computer. Please make backups of any photos or files before bringing your laptop to the party.
Further Note: While we are experts and have a lot of experience doing this, because of the variety of computers out there and the number of variables that exist, the installation may fail. We will do our best and due diligence to get it working. While we expect all installations to succeed, some may not and the attempt may break your laptop. You'll sign a waiver and release form before the installation process. Please participate at your own discretion.
#solarPunk #linux #permaComputing #linuxInstallParty #mutualAid

2026-03-13 09:28:54 UTC

RE: https://social.coop/@cwebber/116217717944115087
Systemd (popular component to many {most?} Linux distributions) getting enshittified by AI.
Read @npub1urx…v0z4 's thread quoted below for more.
Also, thanks a lot (thanks a bot?) daandemeyer.
#linux #systemd #enshittification #ai #claude
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/221/144/566/693/466/original/602f107f7603ecc1.jpeg
#note19k3…64ad

2026-03-09 14:13:02 UTC

Spoke with someone at the VA Clinic this morning whose husband is in the National Guard is has been placed on standby for possible activation.
And she joked with "Well since Iran decided to start bombing everyone, I guess he has to get activated 😅"
Iran... decided?
These folks are deep into "alternate" lines of "truth.". If you want to know why so many people support Trump, it's because they don't know what he's doing. They are being fed propaganda and believe every bit of it.
(not everyone, and no an excuse... just hearing it from people's own mouth blew me away....)

2026-03-04 16:33:45 UTC

In prep for the Windows 12 rollout, now is a good time to get your town's Linux Install Parties planned and advertised.
Here's my town's https://fxbginstall.party/
Here's a quick how-to guide to spinning one up in your town:
Goals:
- Install Linux on your neighbors' laptops. This preserves older laptops ( #permacomputing #ewaste prevention). This removes people from one part of the surveillance economy. And it saves people money.
- The party should be geared towards NON-TECHIES. This is NOT a Linux Users Group. This is not for enthusiasts. This for folks who just want their computer to work and let them do the basics. Bend the tech to the people, not the people to the tech.
Date and Time:
- Shoot for monthly parties. Try for a specific day of the week. Say the "First Saturday" or "Second Sunday" of every month.
- Easy for folks to remember and if they miss one month, they'll be there the next month
- Try for between two hours to four hours for the event.
- Be consistent. Show up for the full time even if no one shows up. Some times it takes two or three meetings before people start to come regularly.
Location:
- Shoot for a public community area
- The best bet is your local library if they have rooms or conference areas.
- City community centers are good, too
- Also look for religious institutions, civic orgs, or fraternal orgs if need be. It needs to be open to
the public, though, with no requirements to push other agendas on to visitors.
Linux Distro:
- Shoot for a single distro that caters to folks who are new. I usually go for Linux Mint, but go with what you like. Focus on ease of use and familiarity for folks who arent used to Linux or various Desktop Environments.
Waivers & Backups:
- Everyone should sign a waiver. You keep the signed waiver. They can have a copy of the waiver
- Explain that while you and other volunteers will make your best attempt to install Linux, you make no guarantees. You may brick their machine accidentally. And no files that were on the harddrive will remain. Everything will be deleted.
- They should make backups of their files before you start the install process (either online/cloud, or local on a USB)
- Some folks want you to try for a dual-boot, but thats up to you if you want to offer it. Still let them know that you might brick the machine even (especially?) if you try for a dual boot install.
- Example Waiver: https://tldp.org/HOWTO/Installfest-HOWTO/legalprotection.html
Advertisements:
- Create a simple brochure website and fliers with info and time and date
- Use words like "Update to a modern, private, and fast operating system. No monthly subscription. No cost. Volunteers will install for you." Appeal to folks whose laptops cant upgrade. "Can't install Windows 11 or 12? Don't throw your laptop away, install Linux. It's free, up to date, and secure" Etc etc.
- Use your town's local social media (eg Town Subreddit, Online/Offline Classifieds, Library Announcements, Town Events Page)
- Post fliers in various coffee shops, libraries, bars, restrooms, and community centers
- Tell other similar groups (hacker spaces, maker spaces, linux groups, etc) both to spread the word and get volunteers
- Word of Mouth: Just tell everyone you run into. And tell them to tell everyone they know.
What to bring:
- Multiple install media/USBs with your Distro on it to install on the laptops
- A couple "Demo Laptops" with your distro of choice installed for people to try out (install games, office suites, common programs for folks to try it out - aim for what people use so various browsers including Firefox and Chrome, Zoom / Teams, LibreOffice, MS Office on browser, browser games, desktop games, etc)
- Your own laptops to do internet lookups and specialized downloads (weird stuff happens - its good to be prepared)
- Extension cables and power strips
- Cheap USBs for last minute backups prior to installation that folks can take home with them
- Some screwdrivers or tools to open up laptops for light repair if you like
What to do:
- Greet folks as they come in and invite them to try out the demos
- Encourage questions and discussions (AVOID DISTRO FLAME WARS OR WHICH WINDOWS MANAGER BEATS WHAT DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT FOR FUCKS SAKE! THESE ARE NORMAL PEOPLE DONT SCARE THEM AWAY WITH YOUR NERD SHIT!!!!)
- If folks brought laptops for installation explain and have them sign their waivers, make sure they know all files will be deleted, ask if they've made backups, and then install!
- Help folks troubleshoot issues or install programs for those that already have Linux installed and need community support
That's it. Make it a regular occurrence and you'll get folks coming in for fresh installs monthly and to ask for help with previous installs. Also a really chill way to meet other folks and have a lovely afternoon.
If you have any questions, post up in this thread.
If you have any suggestions or tips and tricks that have worked at your own Linux Install Party, share with us as well!
#ewaste #linuxinstallparty #installparty #solarpunk #windows12 #windows11 #linux

2026-03-03 12:16:42 UTC

If @npub1rkw…5q62 put up a crowd-sourced project fund to create a native app for linux (to support the many linux phone initiatives), I guarantee it would be funded quickly.
#signal #linux #linuxphone #privacy

2026-03-03 01:59:28 UTC

I don't post my every thought here on this account.
Nor do I post every action of my life here.
I specifically focus on solarpunk, mutual aid, and actions that can improve our life in the here and now... with what we have to work with.
And I'll occasionally post privacy or hacking related stuff. Every once in a while.
So. With that. And with everything that is happening right now. I want to post a quick mundane and happy update.
Tonight was the monthly meeting of
my town's Free Fridge and Food Rescue group. In addition to online chat and an email newsgroup, we meet in person once a month as a sort of anchor.
Tonight was special for me for one particular reason.
I haven't done jack shit for the group this last month.
I am going through the final bits of legally ending a previous relationship and I'm taking on LOTS of side gigs to pay for that. I am *not* in a good place financially... but I have paths forward.
But that doesn't matter for this post. Here's what matters...
...the group has THRIVED without me.
This is huge. I and a couple of others created the group a little over a year ago. Those other founders have had to step aside and many others have stepped up. For the first chunk of all of this, I had to have my hand in everything to keep it going.
But y'all.
Others have stepped up and taken leadership in initiatives. And many many others have followed those leaders and helped accomplish things.
In fact, I've taken a massive step back from the Free Fridge side of things and am now focusing on Food Rescue solely (in the very small moments I have). Those that have taken over the Free Fridges are doing amazing things that I would not have thought to do.
The entire group is running itself now. Without my help. And has done so for over a month.
To have something you created continue on without you is an incredible feeling.
Tonight was a good night. A mundane night. We discussed things we had done last month and things we plan on doing next month. Different folks talked and others brought up questions and ideas. Folks broke off and collaborated.
Oh... and it was brought up that we need another potluck / BBQ. We said we would have those quarterly and, well, the last one was three months ago.
So that's gonna happen here soon too.
#solarPunk #mutualAid #community

2026-02-27 16:57:47 UTC

- reply

- Yeah, indeed. And even if they did, I figure (hope? feel?) that they have more protections to push back on an employer doing this. Not sure, but that's my understanding.

2026-02-27 16:51:50 UTC

- reply

- Yeah, I figure any statement by Duo will absolutely push the whole "its not enabled by default" and its the client's decision to use it.
Which ignores the core point - the employees (once a client enables it) have no say. By even offering this, they put so many people in the position of "accept this or quit" which is not consent.
Especially in the US where one's job is tied to access to healthcare and where many live paycheck to paycheck and if they quit or get fired, they run the real risk of going hungry or losing their house.
#Duo #Persona #AI #infosec #privacy #discord

2026-02-27 14:56:20 UTC

- reply

- I've been building Free Fridges and Food Rescue in town. Lots of folks are building out solar panel microgrids for them and their neighbors. We're doing a lot more community third spaces (community theaters, beefed up libraries). We have repair cafes and monthly meetups where we bring in something to be repaired for free and then help others repair their stuff for free.
We're building a better world and living in it now.

2026-02-27 14:47:46 UTC

- reply

- I loved loved loved cyberpunk.... but yeah, living in a more mundane boring version took its appeal away from me.
Big way I am making it is through solarpunk (for this VERY reason). I need something to hope for and something to build towards. So it's solarpunk literature, art, and in my actual life - building solarpunk apparatus and community.

2026-02-27 14:13:42 UTC

- reply

Inb4 Duo responds and makes the statement:
"These Persona services are opt-in by the client as additional features. We do not integrate them into our core product."
to which the answer to that response is:
"Yeah, the CLIENT opts in, meaning the COMPANY opts in... the employees have no say. The *employees*, all of us, can only opt out by being fired."
(Edit to revert to original post)
#Duo #Persona #Privacy #AI #infosec #Discord

2026-02-27 13:23:59 UTC

So Duo (the multifactor authentication service that #infosec loves) has integrated with Persona (the privacy destroying, Peter Thiel backed, AI-linked, facial scanning and mapping "identity verification" software)
You know the recent Discord snafu that received such massive pushback and caused so many people to leave Discord that they've dropped their identity verification?
Yeah, that Persona.
Duo integrates it into Duo Premier, Duo Advantage, and even Duo Essentials...
...which means many working class folks will have no option but to be enrolled into and use Persona...
...or be fired.
https://duo.com/docs/identity-verification
#Duo #Persona #Privacy #Discord #AI
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2026-02-12 19:59:01 UTC

At my library's repair cafe as a volunteer.
It's the first time they're running it and they're hoping to do this regularly.
I came in thinking I would help with computer troubleshooting... but they have enough people doing that.
So I figured I could help with Linux OS install... but the local Linux Install Party is here and has enough people.
Then a guy brought in a bicycle! And no one is here doing bike repair. But I brought my allen wrench set and a multitool.
So I just got done running and installing a new bicycle brake line on an older bike. Brake works just fine now!
I'll bring my full set of bike tools next time!
#solarPunk #repairCafe #bicycle #libraries
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/116/059/423/647/714/018/original/93e561b5d5ffa824.png

2026-02-06 23:34:56 UTC

Want a recipe but dont wanna sift through ad filled, AI genned, crap recipe sites?
Check out free eCookbooks through your library's app.
#solarPunk #libraries #cooking
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2026-02-01 13:55:40 UTC

I actually purchased a subscription to a streaming platform today...
I've canceled all of my streaming and use the following apps to watch series/movies:
- Kanopy (free, no ads, uses library card)
- Hoopla (free, no ads, uses library card)
- Locally hosted Jellyfin (runs off my laptop connected to wifi - I need to move it to an RPi...) loaded with shows downloaded from Internet Archive (no piracy here, I swear)
(note: I'm considering buying bluerays and ripping them to load into Jellyfin - that might be interesting)
-------------
I realized I was still watching Youtube. And their ads / algorithm is killing me. A friend had purchased Youtube Premium and I was not impressed.
I further realized all of my favorite content creators have channels on Nebula. No ads, no meaningful algorithm. Just subscribe to the channels you like and watch them there. $6 a month. And the money goes to the creators. The streaming service is creator-owned.
So I get my youtube fix... without youtube.
#notAnAd #nebula #youtube
https://nebula.tv

2026-01-31 00:53:40 UTC

So more Epstein files were released...
...and many are now being deleted because they contain references to Trump.
But plenty of folks downloaded and backed up the files before they were deleted.
Should run a diff to see what files were deleted and look at those specifically. They'll be the juiciest ones.
#Epstein #epsteinFiles #Trump

2026-01-27 13:32:41 UTC

Went to make my youngest pancakes and burnt the first one. Left it cooking for too long.
Dumped it, cleaned up, and started over.
The second one I tried to flip too early and the shape just collapsed and the batter started to spread.
So! I just kept stirring it.
Made scrambled pancakes.
Little clumps of baked doughey goodness. Warm butter and maple syrup lightly drizzled over. With a small dollop of strawberry preserves in the middle of the mound.
I tried a bit. It was awesome.
Today is a scrambled pancake day.

2026-01-23 09:15:10 UTC

This.
This is why I focus on food.
This is why I'm building apparatus and infrastructure for me and my neighbors to have free food. Post-scarcity food.
It isn't "being kind". It isn't "out of the goodness of my heart" or "altruism". Or any other dismissive infantilization. (I do care. People should be kind. We *can* take care of each other out of love and support and we should! But I fucking hate that dismissive bullshit attitude from folks who idealize greed and power and oppression).
I build mutual aid to remove the leverage of those that exploit and harm others.
Here is a perfect example of what I am fighting: ICE is using starving kids - a situation they and the people that deploy them have intentionally created - to kidnap and exploit kids.
If everyone was fed, they couldn't use this leverage. (If everyone had universal healthcare, corporations would lose one more means of exploitation. Et cetera, et al.)
Food is power dynamics.
To be fed is to be free.
#solarPunk #mutualAid #postScarcity #foodSecurity #ICE
https://meidasnews.com/news/minnesota-elementary-school-sends-urgent-message-as-ice-sends-flyers-offering-food-support-to-families

2026-01-22 20:54:27 UTC

Quick public service announcement.
The US government is now officially and openly posting fake AI images (both doctored and outright fabricated) and passing them off as real.
While we've seen some examples of this in the past, and there has been speculation on others, it is now openly brazen with two official sources having posted contradictory images.
Example Link - Fabricated Image from official US White House Twitter/X account - Image shows arrested individual as openly crying. She was not: https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/2014365986388951194?s=20
Example Link - Original Image from Secretary Kristi Noem's official account - Image blurs out govt agent face, but it otherwise *appears* as a normal image and shows arrested individual with a relaxed dignified face: https://x.com/Sec_Noem/status/2014357826081071513?s=20
See attached for screenshot documentation for when they delete the above posts.
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/115/940/650/765/265/234/original/6155e817b3eff8d2.png
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2026-01-22 13:10:53 UTC

The boy in the blue cap.
The girl in the red coat.
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2026-01-09 16:56:37 UTC

That weird feeling when your local world is falling deeper into fascism and you're just... planning work travel to go visit a client.
Still gotta eat, I suppose.
Just surreal.

2026-01-08 00:01:21 UTC

In an age of blatant lies shouted by public figures and weaponized disinformation campaigns at scale...
...the role of citizen archivist is incredibly important.
Download everything. Save copies. Share them with each other. Let the records of truth stand the test of time and the attacks of liars.

2026-01-07 21:42:32 UTC

In light of the murder by ICE, this article shows people banding together to stop ICE.
The town's folk even move against ICE after this. The people are trained and coordinated. Look in your local town and city for similar and join them.
You don't have to figure out what to do. You don't have to build something from nothing. Groups and training are already in place. You just need to join.
This is an amazing article: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/07/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-reaction

2026-01-04 15:58:09 UTC

- reply

- It was a wholesome cry for help! Too much food! 😂

2026-01-03 18:10:09 UTC

You can't beat the US military, itself.
We literally have caches of munitions and equipment in ice caves and various other places throughout the world. - A ride to the hospital costs $5,000 and is not covered by taxes/govt. College isnt covered. We have minimal pensions or worker support. Et cetera.
All the public money that could go to social needs goes to violence.
And we're good at it.
You have to go after leadership (not a threat from me or a call to violence). The think tanks, the political apparatus, the corporations that profit from war efforts, the billionaire oligarchs.
The "vote them out" stage is in one year and we have no idea if we'll even have a means to democratically transfer power.
You are in it now. There is no waiting. Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, North Korea, Oligarch Russia - if you've ever asked yourself what you would do in those times and places... you are doing it right now.
If you have means and power, sort out ways to counter the current regime's leadership and initiatives.
If you don't have that power and are just a "normal
person with a family and job", then actively join and build Community and Mutual Aid in your neighborhood. You need to feed each other. Shelter each other. Care for each other's kids. Actively take care of each other. This isn't kumbaya woo-woo feel-good shit. This is removing the threat they have over our heads.
No one wants to and many can't fight back because we are all wage slaves who cant afford not to work for capitalist corporations that fund the war effort.
So build apparatus that lets us get out from under the capitalist boot. Build it. Now. Right at your doorstep. Go... GO!
#venezuela

2026-01-03 09:25:05 UTC

Digital Independence from American closed source and hosted tech and tech corporations is incredibly important for non-American countries and people...
...and its also incredibly important for Americans themselves.
It provides us a means to be outside of our surveillance apparatus. It gives us one more tool to fight against the evils and injustices from the inside. It lets us remove and reallocate our personal money from the financial pipelines of oppression. It lets us fund tech and economies that dont actively engage in harming others.
As an American, please actively support, fund, build, and embrace Digital Independence.
#digitalindependenceday #diday

2026-01-01 11:43:58 UTC

The year 2000 was 26 years ago.
In 2000, 26 years prior was 1974.
#HappyNewYear #NewYear

2025-12-31 00:09:17 UTC

We had a "good emergency" tonight at our original free fridge!
Someone dropped off *too much* food and it didn't fit into the pantry and refrigerator. There was also a lot of boxes left over!
So a call went out to discord and five people showed up to sort and put away what could fit, clean up the boxes, AND take the extra food to the new free fridge as well as a local "little free pantry" that a local girl scout troop set up!
Oh, fun thing! While we were putting away the original food drop off, two other folks came and dropped off their own supplies. We pointed them to the other fridges/pantries for the future and took what they dropped off as well to spread around.
Also, while we were there multiple families and folks came by and utilized a lot of the food! But there was still so much left over even after folks took their fill.
#solarPunk #freeFridge #mutualAid #foodSecurity
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2025-12-17 12:34:25 UTC

- reply

- Microsoft Edge is a fork of Google Chrome/Chromium
Yes, it is that hard.
The modern web runs full blown applications within a sandboxed browser. It's massively complex. Front End (what the user sees) and backend (what does all the heavy computing on the server side).
There *are* efforts to build new browser engines separate from Firefox/Chrome but they are underfunded and understaffed. Its firefox (paid for massively by Google donations) and Google proper. That's it.

2025-12-17 09:19:48 UTC

I'm sorry, but if your web page doesnt load in Netscape Navigator v9.0.0.6, then I'm just not viewing it.
#firefox #chromium #librewolf #AI #mozilla

2025-12-17 09:03:38 UTC

- reply

- It absolutely is a security issue, but this is a situation where it's the best we can get.
Librewolf works by forking the main project (which is toxic but not as toxic as Chromium projects) and trying to scrub the bad stuff out.
That sucks (as a concept) and it's a tough job, but there just isnt a better alternative now.
There just aren't any clean Web Browser Engines that are fully functional and useful now. We have hope for other projects building separate web browser engines but those aren't ready yet. We are stuck with Mozilla's Firefox and Google's Chrome/Chromium as the only two engines to build off of.
The best we have is the heroic team at LibreWolf and a very few other similar projects trying to filter out the poison so we can injest it without hurting as much than if we injested the main fully poisonous core project.

2025-12-07 19:14:43 UTC

- reply

We did it!!!
We built a new free fridge and community pantry!
It took about a hundred days from deciding to do it, through planning, and finally execution (thread above tracks this). And that is for putting down concrete and electrical. If we did a simple fridge on a pallet, it can be quicker. But even going all out, dang!
So we held the ribbon cutting ceremony. A lot of folks showed up to do the initial stock. Now we'll maintain it and spread the word out to the community. The town has a food resource app. The library maintains a list. I'll add it to our site. The local paper is writing an article.
This is also just the first part of this fridge. They're adding another pantry and an awning to cover it all.
Alright. This one is done. On to the next one!
#solarPunk #solarPunkSunday #freeFridge #foodSecurity #postScarcity #mutualAid
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2025-11-29 13:26:03 UTC

- reply

- I like Neal Stephenson's description of his proper "3D Printed" concept in Diamond Age. He goes into detail on how it compiles things from basic atomic level matter. Goes into the logistics and transportation of said matter - heck, even presents narrative plots where terrorists attack the feeds that bring that matter to various "printers"
That said, to your points, its absolutely far-future and not a viable goal any time soon.
#solarPunk
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/115/633/206/855/231/749/original/76fdcdd4bb9da3f5.png

2025-11-22 02:37:59 UTC

- reply

- Cant wait to hear how it turns out!!!

2025-11-18 20:31:42 UTC

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Here's some picture's for the concrete slab and electrical outlets for the new Free Fridge in town!
Note: Free fridges don't usually require this level of installation. As long as the fridge has power and a place to sit (even if its on a used pallet), thats good enough.
This church was given a donation with the stipulation that it go to serving the local community, and they decided to install a free fridge and put some infrastructure and accessibility behind it.
#solarPunk #mutualAid #freeFridge #foodSecurity #foodScarcity #postScarcity
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/115/572/586/533/635/279/original/c1f86f1147255489.png
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2025-11-18 16:50:17 UTC

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- That is absolutely an option! All that is required of a host is providing a place to put the fridge and a way to power it. The power can absolutely be renewables and off grid.

2025-11-18 16:06:26 UTC

- reply

- I'm one person of a group of folks that have come together to do this. The big thing is each person does a little bit, whatever they can, and it takes as long as it needs to. But it gets done.

2025-11-18 15:45:57 UTC

- reply

Update on the new Free Fridge and Community Pantry in town!
They've completed the electrical work and are laying a concrete slap today. They're also bringing in a person to build out a pantry and paint a mural on it.
We have a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for December 7th where folks will bring shelf stable food and fresh produce to add to the first stocking of the fridge!
Note: this site really wanted to go all in. You really only need electrical and something to put the fridge on (minimum concrete blocks or a pallet). But these folks decided to put donated funds to it as they are focused on serving the community.
I'll post pictures of the ribbon cutting ceremony!
Also also! Two other sites have expressed interest in hosting a free fridge now that they've heard about this one! Once you build the first one, subsequent ones become easier!
#freeFridge #mutualAid #solarPunk #foodScarcity #foodSecurity #postScarcity

2025-11-18 13:30:15 UTC

It's my Fediverse/Mastodon Cake Day!
Cheers for eight wonderful years!
Big shout out to @npub1vtx…e7wk and team for keeping this server running!
#fediverse #mastodon #anniversary
---
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You can also support with a one-time donation using PayPal to "[email protected]". )

2025-11-09 17:59:11 UTC

I guess you've arrived in the Linux Distro world when someone posts a heckling thread about your distro in Hacker News.
Jeese, ya'll, if you don't like it, don't use it.
Over here minding my own business and sharing with five other people who enjoy it 😂 😭
#writerDeckOS #Linux

2025-11-08 22:13:34 UTC

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Ok! The Linux Install Party is done!
I am declaring it a success!
So we only had one week to prepare for this and notify folks in town about it.
Last week we:
- Reserved a room at the local library
- Created the website (just a digital flyer site)
- Printed out release forms
- Made a handful of install USB ISOs with Linux Mint on it
- Made a post on the town's subreddit, a couple local discord channels, and told people to tell others
Not a lot of advertising at all.
But!
We had:
- 7 volunteers show up
- 5 groups of people who got Linux installed on their laptops (including one family: a mom and dad who were updating an old laptop for their 8 year old to use)
- And a good handful of people who stopped by to see what it was about, ask questions, and try out our demo laptops running Linux
All installs went chill. We even popped open one laptop to try and repair it (the keyboard and touch pad were borked. It turned out to be a hardware issue. We determined that an external keyboard and mouse were the quickest and cheapest fix. the laptop itself and linux install worked great)
When we werent installing things, we were hanging out, discussing linux and various open source projects and town groups and events and getting to know each other and generally just having a great time. I met new people from town and had some wonderful conversations. No masking, just being myself.
Folks really wanted this to happen again. We even had a librarian come in and ask when we were doing it again so they could bring their laptop to get Linux installed! Some of the volunteers were from the local college and said they had a great time and want to do these events at college and in town again.
We're shooting for next February (in conjunction with a repair cafe) and will try and hold it every month thereafter. Once its a regular monthly event and word of mouth and proper advertisement and posting flyers up in cafes etc, more people will show up and it will grow!
We also think we can make it an official library event (and not just a community event using library space). Once that happens it gets into the town events notification and really attracts folks!
That was awesome.
#solarPunk #mutualAid #FOSS #Linux #LinuxInstallParty #endOf10

2025-11-08 19:07:56 UTC

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Y'ALL Y'ALL Y'ALL!!!!
Somebody from the community - NOT part of any technical group - just a family... they came in and had an old laptop they wanted Linux installed on.
They saw the post on our town's subreddit and wanted to give their 8 year old kid a new laptop. So we installed Mint on it, gave them basic instruction and a way to get ahold of us in the future
And they went on their merry way!
Y'all!!!! It worked!!! We're installing linux on folks' computers! Bringing life to old systems and moving folks off corporate surveillance OS's!!!!
#solarPunk #linuxInstallParty

2025-11-08 18:58:03 UTC

- reply

IT'S GOING REALLY GREAT!!!!
We had a LOT of volunteers show up. Like 8 folks just came to chill.
We had a couple of folks come in just to chill and hang out and ask questions. They tried out the demo laptops and asked questions. This is their first exposure to Linux.
Also, this pic. It screams LAN party...
#solarPunk #linuxInstallParty
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/115/515/600/796/025/701/original/02fe8f0b90e0ee3f.png

2025-11-08 16:50:38 UTC

All set up for the Linux Install Party!!!
(This is the first one. And it was on short notice. There will probably be more volunteers than actual folks getting Linux Installed. BUUUUUT!!!! It'll be a good way to work out any other things that we can think of)
1st lesson already... bring a power strip and extension cords....
https://fxbginstall.party
#linux #linuxInstallParty #solarPunk

2025-11-06 12:42:15 UTC

With Mozilla becoming further and further enshittified, and the only alternative browsers being Chrome/Chromium based.... and finding out how difficult it is to really make a modern web browser...
...it makes me really want to embrace simpler and streamlined internet protocols. I'm halfway wanting to just dive into "gopher" for Eris' sake.
Edit to add link to quote toot: https://mastodon.social/@nixCraft/115501880824995582
#mozilla #chrome #web #gopher #gopherProtocol
#note1523…mtsc

2025-11-01 20:40:19 UTC

Alright! Our town has our first Linux Install Party scheduled for next Saturday!
Plenty of volunteers to help out. We got a free meeting room at the library. We're installing Linux Mint as a default (but will be able to install other distros). We're putting together demo laptops this week.
Going to use this as a "first event" to iron out how to do it. Will set up to do it on a more consistent basis next year. May even make it part of the repair cafe and an official library event moving forward.
I'll let y'all know how it goes!!!
#solarPunk #mutualAid #linux #endOf10 #permacomputing
https://fxbginstall.party

2025-10-29 23:45:59 UTC

Someone installed writerdeckOS onto a 32bit Sony Vaio P netbook!!!
Yay putting new life into old tech!
https://www.reddit.com/r/writerDeck/comments/1ojhua8/sony_vaio_p_writerdeck/
#writerdeckOS #permacomputing #solarPunk
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2025-10-23 20:11:16 UTC

Ha!
Around town, whenever I spoke about free fridges and community pantries, folks kept telling me about a "Little Free Pantry" that was installed by a local Girl Scout troop.
And I finally found it (on the map at least). I need to run by and take a look at it in person!
#solarPunk #mutualAid #girlScouts #freeFridge #foodPantry #foodSecurity
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2025-10-20 23:33:25 UTC

Oh wow.
Umm... the town's commission for sustainable initiatives has asked me to speak with their group regarding Free Fridges and Food Rescue...
This commission "advocates for a clean, healthy, and biodiverse urban environment, promotes a culture of sustainability in the city, advises City Council, and works with the City and community on projects, outreach, education, and innovation.
Well that's cool.
Guess I'll go do that, then.
#solarPunk #mutualAid #freeFridge #foodRescue #foodSecurity

2025-10-20 19:46:06 UTC

Monopolies are single points of failure.
#AWS #decentralization

2025-10-20 13:21:35 UTC

There is nothing funnier than putting out community calls for action only to run into other folks calling for the same thing.
Hahaha!!!
I put out a feeler for starting up a Linux Installation Party in a local town message forum and a person mentioned they were interested in starting one up.
I DM'd them and started introducing myself only to find out its a friendly librarian who runs the local library's makerspace.
Hahahaha!!!
I love this town.
#solarPunk #linux #permacomputing #mutualAid #libraries

2025-10-19 12:00:44 UTC

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- Blockchain and AI exhaust energy and water.
Use cases for blockchain and AI are better addressed with other technology that are more efficient, better automated, and more effective.
Neither AI nor blockchain are conducive to (and both are detrimental to) community, our environment, and #solarPunk.
Do not co-op those words for your venture capitalist, late stage capitalism, AI addled bullshit.

2025-10-16 19:12:54 UTC

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- lol! Hello!
I mostly post on local solarpunk initiatives like mutual aid efforts, food rescue, indoor apartment/townhouse food gardening, seed libraries, free fridges, repair cafes, permacomputing, and the like.
I also occasionally post about computer hacking. Because I hack into computers. But that's my day job.

2025-10-16 18:49:00 UTC

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- I saw this when Alison posted it and have been going through it! I've got a full monitor of the solarpunk hash tag, lololol! Hehehehe
But yeah, this is awesome.
(Edit: Just boosted it as well. I was too busy reading, hahaha! So thank you for reminding me!)

2025-10-15 16:03:16 UTC

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So it depends on what you do with your phone and what specifically you mean by sovereignty.
If you can away with it, go with a "dumb" phone / feature phone. Some run KaiOS, some are minimalist and run their own operating systems. Some run a stripped down version of Android. The android ones spy on you a lot.
The two big smart phone OS's are Android and iOS, of course. Both spy on you.
A decent option is going with a fork of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) or "degooglefied" android. Something like GrapheneOS or LineageOS or eOS are great places to look. They have a lot of support and community.
Some you can get preinstalled, like eOS on Murena phones. Others you install on aftermarket phones. Look for "supported" phones to get examples of this.
There's also Linux Phones.
Purism's Librem 5 is great and you can buy it preinstalled with linux and they have great support.
If you want to install a Linux mobile OS on an aftermarket phone, you can go with PostmarketOS or Ubuntu Touch (ubports).
There's also SailfishOS.
Your mileage may vary, so dive in and have fun.
cc @npub1ywc…hk6t
#linuxPhones #AOSP

2025-10-14 13:16:35 UTC

So how many of us are taking advantage of the Win10 End of Life?
How many Linux Install Parties are you holding in your town?
"Did Windows 10 just notify you to pay and update?
Want to update your computer to a system that doesnt spy on you, is ad free, is secure, and doesn't cost anything?
Meet us at the library this Saturday from 10am to 3pm!
We'll install Linux on your laptop for free! (We'll even make it "dual boot" so you can keep your old system just in case!). Please remember to back up your documents and pictures on a thumb drive beforehand!
We'll have demo laptops so you can play with Linux and just check it out as well!)
#Windows #Linux #solarPunk #permacomputing

2025-10-11 23:05:09 UTC

I just saw this on a laptop at the @npub1zgs…70wt conference...
Ads.
On the lockscreen.
How. How do people live like this? Like seriously. Inundated by ads. I mean, not just the tracking and surveillance behind it... but blatant ads everywhere.
They PAY microsoft to show them ads on their lockscreen.
Remember adware? That would gum up your browsers in the early aughts? Like... that was considered malware at the time and removed by antivirus.
Can you turn this off? Is this a third party widget or something?
What....
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/115/358/021/192/031/894/original/431ac56c458b012c.png

2025-10-10 10:56:24 UTC

"The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 to Maria Corina Machado.
She is receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy."
#NobelPrize #NobelPeacePrize #MariaMachado #Machado
Full writeup:
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2025/press-release/

2025-10-07 21:46:17 UTC

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😂😂😂

2025-10-07 21:40:08 UTC

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- I MISS YOUR FACE!!! Next time I'm in your neck of the woods, I'll DM you.

2025-10-07 21:29:29 UTC

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- Here for it.

2025-10-06 17:45:10 UTC

Signal Messenger is a really good app.
Full stop.
But it's preventing me from adopting a Linux Phone.
I can't get away from iOS or Google because of Signal.
(and "degoogled" AOSP with sideloaded Signal doesn't make sense to me. I can't sort it out. I'm trying to.)
Looking at who I talk to on Signal, I wonder if I can get another end-to-end encrypted messaging app that compares to Signal that would run on a Linux phone and that I could migrate all of my friends and family over onto (so it would have to be crossplatform with iOS and Android.)
Anyone have any recommendations (from personal experience. I'm doing lots of DuckDuckGo searches and wading through AI slop right now).
#linuxPhones #linuxPhoneApps #Signal

2025-10-02 14:17:11 UTC

Charlottesville, Virginia, USA has an e-bike lending library!
Just... go and check out an ebike. Ride it for a week for free. And then turn it back in. You can check it out multiple times so long as no has a hold for it.
#solarpunk #libraries #libraryOfThings #libraryEconomy #eBike
https://www.ebikelibrarycville.org

2025-10-01 11:13:02 UTC

Whew! Careful out there today.
There's a lot of people in my timeline boosting and posting misinformation (and disinformation).
(eg that McAfee *unwittingly* posted an AI image of a woman with three hands - even though that was the *point* of the ad campaign... selling AI detection.
or that Madonna has rejected a $500 million dollar deal from Elon Musk)
Everyone can fall for misinfo. If you read a claim - ESPECIALLY IF YOU AGREE WITH IT OR GET JOY FROM IT - please verify it before you post or boost it.
Dont boost until you validate.
Dont boost until you validate.
Dont boost until you validate.
(and unboost or delete the post if you later find it to be fake)
Posting this as a personal reminder. I make mistakes too and have accidentally boosted false info in the past. Bonus points for anyone who sends this post back to be in the future when I make that mistake again 😅

2025-10-01 11:03:00 UTC

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- Ironically, your post seems to be a scam.
The ad campaign is ABOUT *detecting AI scams*. The video (of which your screenshot picture is from) is meant to be obvious and ludicrous and is immediately followed by a statement that says "McAfee - Now with AI scam detection across: Text, Email, Deepfakes" (see below for screenshot)
Here is the full ad, you can see for yourself.
Please do not spread misinformation.
https://www.facebook.com/McAfee/videos/get-mcafee-today/727749633627787/
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/115/298/565/758/938/589/original/c775815c0de40924.png
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/115/298/565/942/117/413/original/8a1446ac5b6061f0.png

2025-09-30 04:26:20 UTC

This is a wonderful wonderful thing.
Mychal the Librarian is hosting the new Reading Rainbow.
#readingRainbow #bookstodon #libraries #PBS
Source: https://archive.is/vmTF8
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/115/291/339/976/868/430/original/a65edcfae5836307.png

2025-09-29 19:12:50 UTC

Guess I'm never going to buy another EA game again...
Plenty of indie developers to choose from anyhow.
https://apnews.com/article/ea-electronic-arts-video-game-silver-lake-pif-d17dc7dd3412a990d2c0a6758aaa6900
#gaming #news
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/115/289/170/101/803/951/original/53ec20bb2ce87f3a.png

2025-09-28 21:57:35 UTC

Wait...
If streaming apps require you to pay and still have ads... why don't I cancel all of them and just watch the free streaming apps?
Free Apps with *NO* ads:
- Kanopy (uses library card)
- Hoopla (uses library card)
- PBS
Free Apps with ads:
- Fawesome
- Freevee
- Pluto
- Tubi
- Roku Channel
- Plex
- Sling Freestream
- Fandango at Home
- Filmzie
- Filmrise
- Crackle
- Xumo Play
I'm sure I've missed plenty.
Anyhow if I'm paying for the pleasure of watching ads, I'll just not pay.
Also 🏴‍☠️.

2025-09-28 18:13:10 UTC

My information was leaked during a breach of the ParkMobile app.
As part of the class action lawsuit that was settled with the company for mishandling my information, I am awarded...
...one dollar.
To be paid out as a... 25 cent discount... over four uses.
Well la dee dah.
#breach #parkmobile
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/115/283/270/212/631/339/original/db4406a6d5a6a7d8.png

2025-09-27 11:47:51 UTC

Large organizations and corporations moving to open source is a great thing.
If they have budget, they should still contribute and "pay" for the open source software they use.
Edit: Adding in this key quote as a positive example:
"Austria isn't just replacing Microsoft software. Unlike typical public-sector and corporate migrations, Austria's military has heavily invested in LibreOffice development itself. The armed forces have been funding the creation of new features and improvements that are now included in public releases. These additions, ranging from improved slideshow editing to better handling of pivot tables, have been rolled into the latest version of LibreOffice."
https://www.zdnet.com/article/this-european-military-just-ditched-microsoft-for-open-source-libreoffice-heres-why/

2025-09-22 15:10:47 UTC

So I've been going back through my DVD collection and digitizing backups of my already paid for DVD collection...
...but I need an app that can host my digitized versions of my personal DVD collection to view on my phone or TV.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a media server that has an app that I can LOCALLY STORE my PERSONAL DIGITIZED MOVIES and serve on my LOCAL TV or phone?

2025-09-16 00:23:29 UTC

Finishing up "Automatic Noodle" from @npub1hhs…rl5g - Really good book. Cozy. Mostly low stakes (all the harsh stuff is in the past and only brought up in remembrances/flashbacks). Very lofi.
Has convinced me to try and make biang biang noodles.
Cheers to @npub1x2w…azwy for recommending it!
I'm late in returning it to the library. Three people are waiting on me. So I'm finishing it tonight and will drop it back off in the morning! 😅
#solarPunk #hopePunk #cozyBooks #books
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/115/211/114/435/836/394/original/468b0e52e167d619.png

2025-09-14 01:39:18 UTC

Today's food rescue delivered to the free fridge.
#foodRescue #freeFridge #solarPunk #mutualAid #foodSecurity
https://media.infosec.exchange/infosec.exchange/media_attachments/files/115/200/087/573/806/486/original/97e47f5b5e112dd1.png

2025-09-12 20:15:06 UTC

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Charlie Kirk's widow is now a single mom.
White on white crime. Far right on far right. It leaves white families broken. Where are all the white men, the white fathers who will speak out against their broken suburban culture?

2025-09-12 20:07:25 UTC

Well maybe we pushed that watershed moment down the street a bit.
With it coming out that Kirk was assassinated by an even further right person, let's see how many days before everyone collectively moves on.
Trump is already deflecting questions and changing the subject when asked how he feels about Kirk passing. All the politicians that were openly calling for vengeance against "the left" are now downplaying and calling for understanding.
Silliness. Proper silliness.

2025-09-12 12:28:42 UTC

I've noticed that there havent been many (any?) Proud Boy, Patriot Front, or Oath Keeper demonstrations recently.
I've also noticed that ICE is using common Patriot Front tactics - like arriving in Penske Moving Trucks and a lack of professionalism in regards to pushing, provoking, and handling bystanders.
I think its obvious that the Trump regime has brought all of his brown shirts in under the fold and are providing them with training, weapons, resources, and pay.

2025-09-10 22:13:01 UTC

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- I don't believe we're fucked. Honestly. I believe there are multiple ways out of this. That said, I do believe getting through those multiple ways will not be easy or pretty.
Societies change, and morph, and I don't believe the authoritarianism will last. But I also don't think they'll leave easily either.
But we're not fucked.
Find hope. Build out the next good thing.

2025-09-10 22:06:19 UTC

I will say this.
I believe this is a watershed moment.
There have been recent class-based assassinations with the CEO of a health insurance company and others.
And, there have been recent political assassinations of state representatives and attempts on the current US president during the election.
But this is the first "big name" political assassination.
I fully expect tit-for-tat responses. I'm worried about a couple that I won't name out loud. There has been a LOT of stochastic terrorism. Fricken powder keg.
Some have called our current situation (prior to this) a "cold civil war" what with the US President deploying armed military to various cities and giving shows of force. Whether that term fits or not, I do believe we're in the midst of a civil war.
This is an escalation.
I expect it will continue.
Join community. Build up mutual-aid. Find folks to protect and those who can protect you.
Modern civil war is distinctly different from the 1800s and we're really not sure how it'll play out. But institutions are and already have crumbled - not everywhere and not uniformly.
But here we are.
#CharlieKirk #Charlie #Kirk