To keep on improving and enjoying life.

I use GOG for years. I believe that when they began to implement their own launcher it was a misstep. I know someone else on their forums pointed it out better than I could but had they stayed DRM FREE without launchers they could have avoided a lot of cost with having to 1) Keep up with the launcher battle 2) Deal with DRM creep coming into their releases 3) Have a unique identity in the game digital distribution world.

The amount of research I have to do before I pull the trigger to buy one of their games made me back up my titles and close my account.

My main rig is an Rpi 4 8 gb. Instead of an SD card I have a 250 gb ssd as it’s boot and storage. I’m probably never going to build or buy another rig ever again.

GenXer here. I stopped listening to elders like that when I was a teen. I just nod and keep doing what I’m doing and it’s lead to a better life.

I watch this with my kid at their place over the course of this weekend. I enjoyed it. They play LOL heavy and got into the lore and back drop. I’m never gonna play the game but I love the art of the game.

Pixel 3a

If I can find out for $50 or under I may check out the Pixel 3a. It may be a long while, though.

I replaced the batteries in 2019 from the original stock. The N5 gets about 16 to 19 hours before hitting 10%. Talking full work usages - bash scripting, browser usages, remote desktop and playing a few rounds of games on PPSSPP and/or ReDream.

The N4 is very good. It’s the phone that’s left at home so it’s usage is just texting and calling but I usually charge it 1x a week.

That’s my secret cap, I hardly spend any money or “buy” things.

I like the Google Nexus series 4 or 5. I run a Nexus 5 for work with LienageOS + Fdroid for work. I use a Google Nexus 4 on Ubports for home usage.

I never go over $50 for a phone.

Cool. Going to look into that.

A lot of what they are using is atypical of a common setup for most users but I think the coverage has been excellent.

Slide has been my go to also for lurking and saving thread that help me with work related issues.

The apps may not all work but the websites will work when you set the browser to desktop mode. That is how I get my banking done on LineageOS with Firefox.

I just use what the library has.

I’m down with that. There is a current model for all of these parts except for the union with Per Scholas and FreeGeek.

Not sure where you are now but I’m in NYC. The advise I’m going to give you I’ve given to many family members all over the US with some good to great results.

Connect with local non-profits. Understand the differences between private funded and federally funded programs. The privately funded hand out resources with little to no caveats. The federally funded require paperwork/proof of some type.

25 years ago I connected with non-profits and it changed the course of my life.

Look for community gardens, they often have free produce and/or groceries. To this very day I get free groceries every 2 weeks which has helped saved us a lot of times. Especially when my kids where younger. Some programs have lines, some have ticket systems and some are appointment based.

Look for job placement centers with free certifications. I joined a program outside of HS that helped me get my A+/Network+ and driver’s license for free. The program is still around, Per Scholas. I’ve had the same job they placed me since I was your age. I’m in upper management now.

Join community centers that offered low income assistance programs they often have their ear on the ground and know about low rent apartment’s, rooms and housing programs. The same program that got me a room for rent when I was a teen later on helped my wife and I secure a condo for super cheap. We got grant support + direct cash support along free repair and restoration classes.

Many of these programs also have support programs for various situations from medical stuff to parenthood to social networking stuff.

Hit your local library for entertainment and education also look there for any programs that can help you.

Though my family and I are doing way better then we ever hoped, we still use these programs and return the favor when we can.

My family has been blocking ad since with days of Windows 98 SE. Right now we have UBO, Https everywhere, privacy badger on Firefox from our linux desktops/laptops to our smartphones.

None. I hope more of the consumer base goes that route.

This is excellent.

List the alternatives here for those that are looking for them?