news
today's leftovers
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Desktop/Laptop
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Make Use Of ☛ I put Linux on Microsoft’s own hardware, and it works so much better than Windows
You've heard the advice. I have too. In fact, I've even given it. Heck, I've even followed said advice, on numerous occasions. What advice? Ah, yes. The "just install Linux" advice.
I had a Dell Latitude that I bought used. It came with Windows 10, then spent some time as a headless Ubuntu server, and when I eventually built a proper homelab, I installed Ubuntu Desktop on it instead. It works so, so smoothly.
That successful installation was still lingering in the back of my head when I saw an old Microsoft Surface Pro 6 lying around. It's my dad's, and he mainly uses it as a tablet with the Surface Pen for writing.
The problem was that this Microsoft device could barely hold a charge, got ridiculously hot, and was laggy all the time. Windows just wasn't working particularly well on this Surface. So... can we put Linux on a Microsoft Surface? A device that was literally made for Windows?
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Server
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Kubernetes Blog ☛ Kubernetes v1.37: DRA Updates
Kubernetes 1.37 is here and Dynamic Resource Allocation (DRA) keeps pushing past where it started! This release brings DRA Extended Resource support to GA, a milestone the team has been building toward for three straight releases. Several more features graduate to Beta or GA. A fresh batch of alpha features rounds out the release.
I'll dive into what's new for DRA in Kubernetes 1.37!
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Audiocasts/Shows
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Applications
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It's FOSS ☛ FOSS Weekly #26.36: Debian CERN Win, Faster Firefox, Free Bash Course, Grub Customization and More GNU/Linux Stuff
A faster Firefox is a better Firefox.
Firefox 155 has arrived quietly, speeding up page loads with Happy Eyeballs v3 and QUIC v2. And the timing is perfect for you to switch. Google just removed uBlock Origin from the Chrome Web Store, leaving Firefox one of the last non-Chromium browsers still supporting it.
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Distributions and Operating Systems
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LinuxStans ☛ 6 Best GNU/Linux Distros for Kids in 2026
Most “kid-friendly” technology advice boils down to buying another tablet and hoping a screen time app saves the day. GNU/Linux takes a different approach.
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Debian Family
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Tor ☛ New Release: Tails 7.12 | The Tor Project
Firefox is moving to a 2-week release cadence starting in September, and so Tor Browser and Tails are doing the same. Tails 7.12 is the first release on this new cadence.
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Canonical/Ubuntu Family
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Ubuntu ☛ How we create a Canonical Academy exam
Rather than generic certifications, our approach focuses on specialized learning paths broken down into core modular exams. Taking our System Administration track consists of four sequential, timed, and hands-on proctored assessments. Candidates can earn badges for individual exams – Using Linux Terminal, Using Ubuntu Desktop, Using Ubuntu Server, or Using DevOps Principles – and if they complete the full set of exams, they unlock the comprehensive, track-level qualification. This structured approach gives modern engineering teams a clear blueprint for onboarding, career progression, and upskilling, matching today’s dynamic employment market.
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Free, Libre, and Open Source Software
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Sacha Chua ☛ Emacs Carnival September 2026: Games
One of the things I love about the Emacs community is people's sense of humour and whimsy. There's a grand tradition of people hiding Easter eggs in software, a bit of hidden fun that might make someone smile. But isn't this just bloat and frivolity? One might argue that the code that lets us play M-x tetris, dunnet, or doctor in Emacs is a waste of time and space compared to More Serious Things, but on the other hand, the Tetris source code could be a good jumping-off point if you find yourself wanting to make an interactive real-time simulation that displays graphical results. Want something more modern? Maybe DOOM on Emacs! Besides, the code for games isn't actually loaded until you choose to play it. It's okay for something to be fun by itself instead of needing to be productive. There's something wonderful about a tool that people choose not just for work but also for enjoyment.
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Ruben Schade ☛ Twenty years of using the GNU Image Manipulation Program, and remembering Fireworks
I moved to it when money was tight, but I soon learned it also had value beyond its price. It is extraordinary software. One day, it’ll have a name worthy of it, rather than slur with which it’s currently saddled.
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Productivity Software/LibreOffice/Calligra
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Results from the survey about LibreOffice Base
Earlier this year we ran a survey about LibreOffice Base.
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