Welcome to Linux Consultant

This site is a collection of tips, examples and small chunks of code I’ve used over the years as I’ve worked with Linux. Mostly the items found here are for my own use but I’ve made the site public in the chance that it will help other people. If you find something useful please let me know. Also if you think something I’ve mentioned could be done better I would welcome the feedback.

Is increasing VRAM finally worth it? I ran the numbers on my Windows 11 PC

Virtual RAM can help boost PC performance when resources are scarce. While it can be useful, it’s not a replacement for physical RAM.

Skyscraper brings Bluesky to the Linux terminal

What’s better than using a social network? Not using one, I suppose. Or using one in the nerdiest way you can. Case in point, Skyscraper. Created by developer Cameron Banga, Skyscraper is an open-source terminal client for Bluesky, written in Rus…

Distribution Release: iDeal OS 2026.04.03

The DistroWatch news feed is brought to you by TUXEDO COMPUTERS. iDeal OS is a distribution based on MX Linux. The project has published fresh media which brings the distribution up to date with packages from MX Linux 25.1 and Debian 13.4. The project…

You can use Google Meet with CarPlay now: How to join meetings safely in your car

Use Android Auto instead of CarPlay? Google said support is coming soon for Meet.

I used an $80 monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate for a week – and couldn’t believe my eyes

MSI’s Pro MP243W 24-inch monitor pairs well with other budget laptops, making it an affordable home workstation.

Windows 11 Home vs. Windows 11 Pro: I found the differences that truly matter

Windows 11 Pro offers more control – but is it worth the added cost? Here’s how to make the right choice for you.

How Flipboard’s new Surf app lets you merge social feeds, YouTube, and RSS to escape the algorithm – finally

At last, I can use one app to find my favorite podcasts, channels, publications, and more.

Mobile OS Release: Murena 3.6

The DistroWatch news feed is brought to you by TUXEDO COMPUTERS. The Murena project has published an update to its /e/OS mobile platform. The project’s latest version includes improvements to the software centre and search capabilities: “App Lounge – …

I tried ChatGPT’s new CarPlay integration: It’s my new go-to for the questions Siri can’t answer

Thanks to iOS 26.4 and CarPlay, I can now carry on a voice conversation with ChatGPT while in the car. Here’s how I’m using it.

FSF Events: Free Software Directory meeting on IRC: Friday, April 10, starting at 12:00 EDT (16:00 UTC)

Join the FSF and friends on Friday, April 10 from 12:00 to 15:00 EDT (16:00 to 19:00 UTC) to help improve the Free Software Directory.

Proton Launches Workspace and Meet, Takes Aim at Google and Microsoft

These two launches ought to keep Big Tech on their toes.

Do Apple’s new AirPods Max 2 beat the Airpods Pro 3? I’ve tried both, here’s my take

The AirPods Max 2 are Apple’s most premium over-ears headphones, but I wouldn’t recommend them to everyone.

Distribution Release: Artix Linux 20260402

The DistroWatch news feed is brought to you by TUXEDO COMPUTERS. The Artix development team has announced the release of a new version of Artix Linux, a set of Arch-based, rolling-release distributions with a choice of four init systems (Dinit, OpenRC…

I tested the Bloom Card to cut my screen time: It beats Brick on features and price, but it’s easier to bypass

Bloom makes scheduling easy, but its engaging app and five-minute breaks can undermine its purpose.

I found an Incogni alternative that’s even more effective at wiping my data from the web

PrivacyBee is one of the most comprehensive data removal services I’ve tested, capable of removing personal information from hundreds of sites.

Linux App Release Roundup (March 2026)

March 2026 meted out a sizeable set of Linux software releases, including updates to FOSS stalwarts GIMP, digiKam, Krita and Blender. The preceding month also gave us several major new releases, covered on this site in dedicated articles, like Firefox …

Android’s emergency alerts just got a major map upgrade – but change this setting first

The new map view shows your location relative to the affected area, which is especially crucial headed into the US storm season.

How to pay less for gas: 5 free apps I use to find the lowest fuel prices nearby

With gas prices climbing ever higher, these apps help me find the cheapest fuel based on my location.

www @ Savannah: Malware in Proprietary Software – Latest Additions

The initial injustice of proprietary software often leads to further injustices: malicious functionalities.

The introduction of unjust techniques in nonfree software, such as back doors, DRM, tethering, and others, has become ever more frequent. N…

Google’s Gemma 4 model goes fully open-source and unlocks powerful local AI – even on phones

Now open-source under Apache 2.0, Gemma 4 brings offline, multimodal AI to servers, phones, and Raspberry Pi – giving developers total local control over edge and on-premises deployments.