Brian Fagioli

Now that Ubuntu 22.04 has been released, we will start to see updates to all the Linux distributions that are based on Canonical's operating system. For instance, the first release candidate of Linux Lite 6.0, which is based on Ubuntu 22.04, is now available. If you aren't familiar, Linux Lite is very popular with those that are switching to Linux from Microsoft Windows.

Linux Lite 6.0 RC1 is notable for ditching Mozilla Firefox as the default web browser, and switching to Google Chrome 100 instead. The operating system currently uses Linux kernel 5.15.0-25 and the desktop environment Xfce 4.16.3. It comes with some excellent software pre-installed, such as GIMP 2.10.30, Thunderbird 91.7.0, VLC 3.0.16, and LibreOffice 7.2.6.2.

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So, you bought a 2021 MacBook Pro and now you want to upgrade the storage, eh? Unfortunately, the solid state drive is soldered in and cannot be replaced. Sucks to be you! True, you can always plug in a USB flash drive or traditional SD card to increase overall storage capacity, but that is hardly an elegant solution. Hell, the ports can be damaged if the drive or card get hit or snagged.

Thankfully, a product from Transcend will allow you to use the SD card reader to expand your 2021 MacBook Pro's storage without having anything sticking out of the port. Called "JetDrive Lite 330," it is essentially a specially-sized SD card that will sit flush with the side of your MacBook Pro. Best of all, it is offered in a top capacity of 1TB.

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The developers over at Canonical have been busy baking a yummy new version of Ubuntu recently, and following a brief beta period, it is finally time to take the open-source operating system out of the oven. Yes, folks, the stable Ubuntu 22.04 is finally here!

Code-named "Jammy Jellyfish," Ubuntu 22.04 is an "LTS" version, which stands for "Long Term Support." Yeah, that means exactly what it sounds like. The Linux distribution will be supported for a long time -- five years to be exact. Very nice.

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Would you rather have a computer mouse that is ergonomically correct or one that is good for the Earth? If you are like me, that is a very hard question to answer. Thankfully a new mouse from Logitech addresses both issues -- it is designed for both a healthy wrist and planet!

Called "Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse," it is available in two models -- one for right-handed users and one for lefties. The right-handed version of the wireless optical mouse can be had in your choice of three colors -- graphite (black), rose (pink), and off-white, while the lefty variant is limited to graphite. The mouse is partially made of post-consumer recycled plastic, the percentage of which varies by color.

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Last month, Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) 5 was released to the world. Code-named "Elsie," many fans of the operating system probably did a fresh install right away. Understandably, however, some users are still running the previous version of the distribution, LMDE 4 "Debbie."

If your computer is still running Debbie, but you want to easily move onto Elsie, I have some great news. Today, the Linux Mint developers officially release the new LMDE Upgrade Tool in Beta. It is important to note this tool is only to be used with LMDE at this time, and not the "regular" Ubuntu-based Linux Mint.

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If you need to buy a new Chrome OS laptop, I have some exciting news. Starting today, you can trade your money for the all-new Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360. This convertible notebook can transform into a makeshift tablet, and with Android app support, that will be very much appreciated.

While the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is powered by a rather anemic Intel Celeron N4500 processor, you can opt for a respectable 8GB of RAM rather than the 4GB of memory that comes with the base model. Sadly, regardless of which storage capacity you choose -- 64GB or 128GB -- you only get a sluggish eMMC drive. Thankfully, you do get USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm audio, and a micro SD card reader. You can configure with option LTE wireless connectivity too.

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Working from home is pretty great -- as long as you have the right gear. While you technically can get work done from your kitchen table, for instance, a proper desk will obviously be preferred. Also, while you can raise your monitor by stacking some cereal boxes under it, an actual monitor riser looks much nicer.

Thankfully, quality accessories don't have to break the bank. For example, today, Satechi launches two premium products that can be used for work (or fun) -- the Dual Vertical Stand and the 8K UHD HDMI 2.1 cable. The stand will prop up two mobile devices at once -- laptops, tablets, or smartphones. It will allow you to save desk space in an elegant way. The 2 meter (6.5 feet) 8K UHD HDMI cable can handle high-end resolutions and refresh rates, such as 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz.

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Solid state drives make wonderful internal boot drives for computers, but they are great options for external storage too. Not only are they smaller than mechanical hard disk drives, but they use less power and are much quicker as well. Quite frankly, if you are someone that needs to transport data on a portable drive, you'd be crazy to still use a HDD with moving parts.

Today, ADATA launches its latest portable solid state drive. Called "ELITE SE880," the tiny SSD offers very fast speeds thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen2 x2 interface. The drive has a USB-C port and ships with both a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A cable. In other words, it can be used with any modern computer -- whether it has a USB Type-C port or not.

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Wi-Fi 6E is the latest and greatest wireless networking standard. It is special because it uses the less-crowded 6GHz band for a reduction in interference. If you already utilizing regular Wi-Fi 6, the upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E probably isn't worth it. If you are still on 802.11ac or earlier, however, Wi-Fi 6E is absolutely worth your attention.

Today, TP-Link launches a new product that combines Wi-Fi 6E with mesh networking. Called Deco XE75 (AXE5400), it comes with two access points that each utilize tri-band connectivity. Best of all, despite being fairly bleeding-edge, it is surprisingly affordable.

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MX Linux ranks number one for popularity over on DistroWatch, but truth be told, I do not know anyone that uses the distribution regularly. Don't get me wrong, it is a fine operating system, but it really isn't anything special. Quite frankly, the distro's need to exist is questionable at this point, but whatever.

Despite the rather negative opening paragraph, I am pleased to tell you that the newest version of the operating system is ready to be downloaded. Huzzah! Given the codename "Wildflower," MX Linux 21.1 is a rather ho-hum point release. The developers share the changes below.

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Believe it or not, some modern desktop computers don't have any USB-C ports, and for those that do, many only have one or two of the ports. Thankfully, if you have a free PCIe slot in your machine, you can easily add more.

A new card from Sonnet takes adding USB-C ports to another level. Called "Allegra Pro," it offers an impressive eight external Type-C ports all running at USB 3.2 Gen 2 speed (10Gbps).

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Linux Mint is a very popular operating system, so any news surrounding upcoming versions is highly sought after by members of the open source community. Today, the developers of that operating system have shared some very interesting information -- the name of Linux Mint 21!

The Linux Mint developers always use female names (alphabetically) as codenames, and version 21 is no different. You see, following version 19 ("Tara") and version 20 ("Ulyana"), version 21 of Linux Mint is named "Vanessa." According to Think Baby Names, it is a Greek name meaning "butterfly."

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Dynabook unveiled the Portégé X40-K earlier today, and the laptop is quite impressive. Powered by 12th Gen Intel Core processors (i5 or i7), the notebook can be configured with either Windows 10 or the superior Windows 11. The 53 Wh battery should provide all-day usage, and the 14-inch display will be offered as either a touch or non-touch screen.

If you like the color blue as I do, you will absolutely adore the Portégé X40-K chassis, which is made of a beautiful blue aluminum. The svelte laptop is loaded with useful ports too, such as two USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), two USB-A, Ethernet, and HDMI. It can even be had with an optional Smart Card reader -- an essential slot for many, including those in the military. And yes, you get both a fingerprint reader and IR Webcam for Windows Hello unlocking.

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Microsoft's Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is friggin' awesome. If you aren't familiar, it essentially lets you easily run a Linux distribution (and commands) from within Windows 11 (or Windows 10). Best of all, you can install these distros directly from the Microsoft Store. There are many popular Linux-based operating system on that store too, such as Kali and Oracle.

And now, yet another Linux-based operating system has come to the Microsoft Store. You see, as of this month, you can download and install AlmaLinux by clicking here.

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deepin is one of the prettiest Linux distributions, and many people use it every day. Unfortunately, there is a big problem with the operating system -- it is developed in China. While the Chinese people are good, the government of that country is not -- it oppresses its citizens and censors a lot of information. And so, some people are wary of using any Chinese-made software. That is understandable.

Normally I am OK with using deepin Linux, despite its Chinese roots, as it is largely open source. However, with version 20.5, I am a bit hesitant. You see, the newest variant of the operating system adds optional facial recognition for gaining access to your computer. This is similar to Microsoft's Windows Hello -- something I use regularly. But Microsoft is a USA company. When it comes to deepin, can we trust China with our faces?

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