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1 • Review of UBports on a Nexus 5 (by Newby on 2019-07-29 00:50:06 GMT from Canada)
Appreciate the review. Have been looking for some sort of mobile solution that would work for me. Have tried iPods/iPads (which I personally dislike altogether) as well as various Android based devices, mostly from Samsung.
The problem I find with ALL the devices I've tried, is the touch screens simply don't respond properly for me. I think these are mostly capacitive-based sensing screens, rather than resistive nowadays, so things like dry skin shouldn't be an issue. I CAN get them to work using a stylus, but that just slows me down. Have come across a few other people with same issue, but we seem to be a minority. Don't know what the cause is, but beginning to think the answer (at least for me, those devices may work fine for you), is perhaps a Chromebook. They are becoming affordable, have a decent size screen, and a REAL keyboard and touchpad.
Since they are not Intel-based, maybe they can be "rooted" and something like Raspbian installed?
Anyone have any experience doing this, and if so, what Chromebooks worked well with Linux? Also, how does one handle phone calls with such a setup?
Thanks for any suggestions......
2 • Meizu Pro 5 Battery Replacement to keep it going (by FT on 2019-07-29 02:01:32 GMT from Singapore)
Personally I am not too familiar with Meizu phone. But I think you should be able to DIY battery replacement for your phone. Search in YouTube for procedure. Personally I manage to revive some of my completely battery dead China phone using NOHON battery. No regret at all. I am not promoting it, just sharing my experience. Cheers..
3 • UBports on a Nexus 5 (by zcatav on 2019-07-29 07:52:33 GMT from Turkey)
Hi,
Thanks for review, you also answered some potential questions. I have a different one.
Is there any possibilities to use a firewall or VPN (as no-root firewall) on UBports?
4 • Alternate phone OS's (by Paul on 2019-07-29 09:06:53 GMT from United States)
What about the https://e.foundation/ version of Android, which is stripped of all Google related attachments?
5 • more universal installation of mobile Linux (by Justinian on 2019-07-29 09:23:50 GMT from Philippines)
Having patiently tried the aborted FirefoxOS phone five years ago, maybe this time someone will come up with a similar mobile OS that can be installed by users to units with common SOCs like Mediatek P60 or A55 octacore Unisoc. But it's not as easy to do this for the fragmented smartphone ecosystem as it is for desktop Linux distros. Wish UBports can gift us this breakthrough.
6 • UBports on Nexus 5 (by Semiarticulate on 2019-07-29 09:28:18 GMT from United States)
Thanks for sharing your experience! This is most interesting to me. I was very excited about the Ubuntu Touch, but I am rarely an early adopter. I was most disappointed to see how quickly it was dropped.
Quite some time ago, my Nexus 5 was becoming very sluggish and battery life was starting to suuuuck. Believing it wasn't the hardware, I installed LineageOS. Well go figure, it ran like a new phone. Having said that, I would be much happier leaving behind Android entirely. I really didn't know how far down the road UBports would get, but seeing that it's still got some legs, I may have to give it a try. I'm also very hopeful for the Librem 5, and curious about the Pine Phone.
7 • Phone OS (by excollier on 2019-07-29 09:35:00 GMT from Ireland)
I don't plan to run GNU/Linux on my phone - I use an old Blackberry and it's sole purpose is as a phone/text (sms) device. "smart phones" hold no interest for me. I look around in public and all I see is heads down staring at phone screens
8 • GNU/Linux phones in 2019 (by Fungalnet on 2019-07-29 10:24:04 GMT from Greece)
There was no option for me (I suspect others too) who are unwilling to use a "smart-phone" hence the poll is reflective of dedicated smart-phone users. I do have a phone, just not a smart one, and I am a casual user of that one as well.
I suspect if there was some "free" architecture to install an open and free system on I would, but it wouldn't be ubuntu or anything with systemd on it. On the other hand there seems to be a notion of priceless freedom, an elite whose freedom costs much more than those who need it most can afford. It is a perversion of freedom that is based on extreme inequality.
The rest of us will have to make do with the over supply and refurbished tools the elites sweep away to make room for new gadgetry. But neither a phone or a smart one is a necessity for living on the planet.
9 • Phone (by JIm on 2019-07-29 10:41:16 GMT from United States)
I have a Moto G. I would love to run something other than Android, but what is out their will not work on my phone, and even if it did I doubt I have the technical expertise to install it. I will have to wait and see if any cell company actually offers something other than Android or Apple.
10 • GNU/Linux phone (by TuxRaider on 2019-07-29 10:46:01 GMT from United States)
yeah, i want one, i want one bad, i am a late comer to smartphones, i was a flipphone user for the longest time until i seen some of the apps on android and i thought having google maps when out on a road trip would come in handy and could be a life saver someday i jumped on the best android phone i could find at the time so i bought a new Samsung Galaxy S9+ and after owning it a while i notice some third party apps preloaded that can not be removed like Facebook is the biggest offender, i never use it, and would love to uninstall it but it only lets me disable it and is it really disabled or just hidden from the user? and as a regular reader of slashdot i see the bad press google and facebook gets for datamining and spying on people, so this will be my first and last android phone and i will either go back to a dumb flipphone or a GNU/Linux phone of some flavor that is 4G & GSM and unlocked so i can use it with any carrier, and there is OpenStreetMaps as a good alternative to google maps,
11 • UBPorts (by OstroL on 2019-07-29 10:47:35 GMT from Poland)
What Jesse wrote about UBPorts on N5 is quite true, for I have one. But, I'd like to have UBPorts on a N6, as N5 is too small. Maybe, they'd port it some day!
12 • PinePhone (by R. Cain on 2019-07-29 12:30:40 GMT from United States)
June 2019 News: PinePhone, Pinebook Pro and PineTab--
"...the battery will be the same capacity as the Samsung J7 SM-J700H/ BJ700BU (3000-3400 mAh), which can be had for under $10 from amazon and eBay. So in the event you need replacement or spare batteries, getting hold of them will be easy and affordable. We also settled on the number, and the implementation of, privacy switches on the phone – there will be 4 switches in total: for the i) BT/Wifi module, ii) the modem, iii) cameras (front/back) and iv) lastly for the microphone. They will be located on the PCB, under the back-cover, to prevent them from being toggled by accident, e.g. in your pocket or purse...
"...we also came up with a way to expose I2C [I²C] using 6 pogo pins. These pogo pins will be located directly on the PCB. The idea behind this implementation is that entire back-covers with add-on components can be created (even 3D-printed) with additional functionality to enrich the phone’s functionality. The implementation only requires that the custom back-cover with additional hardware has the same dimensions and position of plastic latches as the original – and obviously that the component in question uses I2C [I²C] (contact pads). I expect that a back-cover with a keyboard – perhaps one similar to that found on the Nokia N900 – will be something a considerable number of people may be interested in creating. To this end, we’ll make sure to have detailed documentation on this feature. I really hope that the hackers and tinkerers among you will embrace and make use of I2C [I²C] for new cool implementations..."
****************************
https://www.pine64.org/pinephone/
13 • @4 e.foundation (by zcatav on 2019-07-29 13:31:51 GMT from Turkey)
Is there diffences from LineageOS?
They said this: Highly recommended: it is recommended that you have an /e/ account (like: john.doe@e.email) if you want to benefit from /e/ account integration for all online services such as: email, drive, calendar, notes, tasks. Register for your free /e/ account.
This are very similar early phase of Google.
14 • UBPorts (by gplcoder on 2019-07-29 14:26:11 GMT from United States)
I initially started with UBPorts based on Ubuntu Touch 15 on a Nexus 5 but this phone had hardware issues and I purchased a One Plus One, put UBPorts based on Ubuntu Touch 16. This turned out well but it draws a lot of battery (leaving the phone alone and not doing anything will barely last a day). I did not really know how to answer the poll because I am a contributor to the Librem 5 phone. I ended up voting for the UBPorts option because this exists.
15 • UBports follow-up (by Jesse on 2019-07-29 15:12:44 GMT from Canada)
@2: "Personally I am not too familiar with Meizu phone. But I think you should be able to DIY battery replacement for your phone."
The battery isn't set up to be replaceable. Even it it were, that doesn't solve the upgrade/connection issues, only the battery life.
@3: "Is there any possibilities to use a firewall or VPN (as no-root firewall) on UBports?"
Yes, there is an easy to use VPN module in the settings panel of the phone. You can just put in your server IP and port to activate it.
16 • phones (by dogma on 2019-07-29 17:06:19 GMT from United States)
I was disappointed to see the other day that pinephone won’t be released until next year, as I will need something before then.
I very much hope I can avoid the librem 5, as all of purism’s communications are disgustingly marketingy. They’re so in love with themselves.
17 • No Replicant? (by Carney on 2019-07-29 18:09:19 GMT from United States)
Surprised Replicant is not mentioned.
18 • UBPorts (by Christian on 2019-07-29 18:47:36 GMT from Brazil)
I have a Nexus 4 running UBPorts. It was vey easy to install and it works fine (considering the age of the hardware). Battery life is much better than using Android (but that's no surprise).
My install came with Libertine working OOTB, however I haven't honestly tried it...
@17 totally agree. Replicant could have been mentioned. And I believe postmarket OS also deserves some attention.
For those who owns a Xperia device, you can also try Sailfish OS, although it looks like you have to pay for it (but there's support included) and the license is not GPL (or any similar free software license).
19 • Available Poll Choices (by Scott Dowdle on 2019-07-29 19:20:41 GMT from United States)
I would have selected, "I don't have a phone" if it had been available.
20 • Poll is messed up and not valid (by Style99 on 2019-07-29 21:52:00 GMT from United States)
Where is the "I don't care about smart phones" option? I strongly suspect that that option would have been in the huge majority.
21 • UBports FAQ suggestions (by IBwondering on 2019-07-29 21:55:00 GMT from United States)
Thinking of the things I frequently use my Android phone for, I wonder how well UBports could take its place.
How well does Google Maps work? The store had a webapp version but how well does it work? E.g. will navigation continue to function even when you lose wireless service, like the app does?
Can you order an Uber? Again there was some sort of web shim, does it work? Reliably?
Anyone know?
22 • Linux Phone (by Bob on 2019-07-29 22:42:13 GMT from Australia)
I would probably prefer Busybox over GNU on a phone. but being able to run Linux would be great
23 • Chromebooks and Linux (by mikef90000 on 2019-07-29 23:07:37 GMT from United States)
@1, my one attempt was not pleasant.
The BIOS is very locked down and difficult to upgrade; I attempted that with Mr. Chromebox after Chrome OS on my used laptop expired (so much for testing its benefits). The result was very inflexible due to limited NVRAM functionality; some video glitch would not let me see the boot manager menu.
I eventually bricked it by losing access to the boot manager and an apparent motherboard failure sealed its fate.
I know there are other options for running Linux on a Chromebook but I will stay the hell away!
24 • SailfishOS (by PRifici on 2019-07-29 23:48:01 GMT from Australia)
I have been running SailfishOS phones since the original Jolla phone was released. SailfishOS is fantastic and despite my misgivings about their proprietary UI layer, it's the only mobile OS I enjoy using. My current phone is an Xperia X running Sailfish 3.1 and I plan to upgrade to a Xperia XA2 by the end of this year.
For anyone looking for a Linux phone, please give SailfishOS some serious consideration.
25 • @1, Chrome and mobile. (by Angel on 2019-07-30 00:15:36 GMT from Philippines)
Are you seriously considering using a Chromebook as a mobile device? Seems inconvenient at the least. You'd need to carry a bag or "man-purse" always. Phone calls? Why not just get a plain dumb cellphone for that? They are cheap and fit in any pocket. Most Chromebooks I've seen are Intel, so if you want ARM, you must make sure. There are plenty of how-tos on running Linux on Chromebooks. Not ideal, but doable. On the other hand, there are plenty of compact or foldable keyboards/touchpads that can connect through Bluetooth or USB OTG to just about any Android phone or tablet. I can even use the keyboard and mouse from my desktop if I want. (I do sometimes on an old 10" tablet.) All the info needed is available by using the evil-but-efficient search engine, or even the saintly-but-inefficient ones.
26 • @23. chromebooks (way, way, WAY OT) (by Titus_Groan on 2019-07-30 00:41:58 GMT from New Zealand)
Have several ex Chromebooks - some with HDD and others with eMMC devices.
All run Seabios without difficulty, and all now have a mainstream Linux on them.
Just needed to be sure supported by Seabios.
Thanks Mr.Chromebox.
27 • Chromebooks (by Tim on 2019-07-30 01:15:56 GMT from United States)
I've had good luck with crouton, which lets you run various distros in a chroot under ChromeOS. It obviously doesn't replace Google stuff but it means zero compatibility issues
28 • Opinion Poll (by GreginNc on 2019-07-30 03:18:03 GMT from United States)
I guess whoever made the poll never considered anyone would not be a part of the "Smart Phone" craze.
Some simply have no interest in them, others like me see them as a cancer on the computing world in general and the internet in particular.
29 • Linux Phone (by zcatav on 2019-07-30 06:51:26 GMT from Turkey)
@22 • Linux Phone (by Bob..
Termux is great for this reason.
30 • EndlessOS (by Daniel on 2019-07-30 11:06:29 GMT from Brazil)
Interesting review, and probably the most different approach to Linux desktop among all distributions. It feels to me it is not a developer’s distro (99.999% of all Linux desktops) but with a real focus o the desktop usage by people who just want to use a computer in the same way _lots_ of people do with competing OSs like Windows or MacOS. In those two cases, updates are managed by the company behind the OS, as they have to guarantee the software will work (not the case with the “traditional” Linux distro scene). I am surprised how well the Endless Company was able to implement that approach with Linux and indeed happy to see it is possible. Not only that, but it is this kind of approach that has made the other OSs all the commercial success they are (fact) for the desktop. The world of Linux desktop is too restricted to “made for developers, by developers” and yet I still see people writing about the Linux desktop fiasco. All that said, it feels refreshing that a different approach is available and that it is professionally done, with attention to detail and good hardware compatibility. Even if I might not use Endless right now, I wish them luck and much success.
31 • PinePhone (by R. Cain on 2019-07-30 12:30:43 GMT from United States)
From the UBports PinePhone Forum:
"...We think that the best chance to have a significant adoption of the PinePhone (and exposure to Linux on a phone in general) is by making a solid device, that performs well, and is inexpensive. As it currently stands, even the majority of Linux enthusiasts do not consider Linux on a Phone as a replacement for their iOS or Android daily driver - this is the reality of things. There is, however, a good chance that the same people will be willing to pick up the PinePhone... even if its just out of curiosity. This in turn will lead to exposure to the Linux phone OS platform such as Ubuntu Touch and help it grow.
The more people interested, the bigger the market, the more reasonable it is to create a higher-end device 🙂 One thing at a time."
[...and a bootable SD card as standard feature, doesn't hurt, either...]
OS teams working on compatibility with the PinePhone include (in addition to Ubuntu Touch)--
Postmarket OS [microSD Boot]; UBPorts; KDE Plasma; Sailfish OS; Maemo Leste; NixOS; LuneOS; Nemo Mobile.
32 • Re Using Chromebook as an alternative to a smartphone (by Newby on 2019-07-30 12:43:19 GMT from Canada)
@25 Angel (Chrome and mobile)
Yes, seriously looking at Chromebook for that purpose. As explained in #1, touch screen simply doesn't work for me. Chromebooks at least are smaller and lighter than most laptops, and seem to have replaced "notepads" in the market. The screens are a good compromise between laptop (rather large to drag around) and most smartphones (waaay to small to do any extended reading without stretching the screen).
Your comment about using a portable keypad with something like a Samsung Galaxy is interesting. Would solve the touch screen issue, but I'd still be stuck with the Android OS rather than a real linux distro on the Samsung. Also, the only connector on the Samsung is a micro-hdmi for charging. Never had any luck transferring data over that connector on the Samsung. Are you suggesting maybe plugging in a foldup/rollup keyboard via a usb-to-micro-hdmi adaptor? If data doesn't transfer, wouldn't have expected that to work either?
And then there is the matter of making telephone calls. Not sure what replaces Skype in the linux world? May just end up getting a Chromebook to actually get some real work done "on the go", and keeping the flip phone just for phone calls.
BTW - tks also for clarifying that most Chromebooks have Intel rather than ARM processors.
@26 Titus_Groan
Thanks for confirming you can put Linux on a Chromebook. Never heard of Seabios and don't know who "Mr. Chromebox" is. Guess it's back to the search engine.....
@27 Tim
Thanks for mentioning crouton.
@23 mikef90000
Thanks for the warning. That's why I'm trying to make sure I know what I'm doing before spending money and finding out it's an ill conceived idea.
33 • @ 32 Real Linux... (by OstroL on 2019-07-30 14:30:58 GMT from Poland)
"Would solve the touch screen issue, but I'd still be stuck with the Android OS rather than a real linux distro on the Samsung. "
Android OS is also "a real Linux" distro, just like any other OS that uses the Linux kernel.
34 • Poll Choices (by ben on 2019-07-30 18:23:55 GMT from France)
The POLL: "We would like to know if you already OWN a mobile device running GNU/Linux, or if you plan to PURCHASE one..."
Because as you can read in @31 post: "The more people interested, the bigger the market, the more reasonable it is to create a higher-end device"
@7 "I don't plan to run GNU/Linux on my ... old Blackberry"
@8 "There was no option for me"
@19 "I don't have a phone"
@20 ""I don't care about smart phones" option would have been in the huge majority"
@20 "poll never considered anyone would not be a part of the "Smart Phone" craze"
Well guys, as somebody in same old movie says:
This is not the Poll you're looking for! Move along... Move along...
35 • On avoiding cellular communication (by Nathan Vance on 2019-07-30 18:35:04 GMT from United States)
I recently moved to completely internet-based communication: SIP for calls, and an XMPP/SMS bridge called jmp.chat for messaging. This setup works from LineageOS as well as the Linux desktop. When I need to travel I get a pre-paid data plan for the phone, but otherwise the only thing that makes my phone different from a laptop is the form factor. In my opinion, this kind of flexibility (read: freedom) is the important bit. The Linuxyness of the phone itself is secondary.
I do still plan to get one of those PureOS phones just to have "a real Linux" distro on a pocket-sized device (@33 OstroL: I'm aware that Android is "Linux", but the "real" part deals with freedom).
36 • @ 35 Freedom...? (by OstroL on 2019-07-30 18:49:39 GMT from Poland)
"I'm aware that Android is "Linux", but the "real" part deals with freedom)."
Real and freedom...well...if you can find a place on this planet Earth, where you can get "real" freedom, let us know.
Android, btw is free, ASOP. You can create your own distro, if you want, or can. TK!
37 • /e/ Phone (by Jay on 2019-07-30 19:50:15 GMT from United States)
Does anyone know how long /e/ phones are going to be supported? They have a note on their site about selling refurbished phones in the future. Basically, my issue with Android and iOS is that the system is set up to get you to buy new phones to keep up with security updates. I switched to Linux so that I'd always have a supported OS, and having that mobile would be great since I use only basic functionality anyway.
Also, /e/ is a pain to find information on. I read their piece about the name and the legal reasons behind it, but come on, it's almost impossible to search for information on it (unless The Google is also skewing the results).
38 • Freedom of Communication (by paranoiac on 2019-07-30 20:37:00 GMT from France)
Why every OS (even a micro one like Puppy) has (auto)location?
Why every web-browser has (auto)location?
Why nobody care?
Why should somebody care?
If you use a GNU/Linux phone, your provider can keep tabs on you?
How about the web-browser?
Is " internet-based communication" safer then "cellular communication"?
Darn, cave-men had it so good...
39 • @34, Poll Choices (by NotMe on 2019-07-30 23:31:46 GMT from United States)
The survey omitted my options too:
a) I never answer survey questions
b) I believe all computers are tools of the Devil and only borrowed my friend's so I could answer this survey.
40 • @32, Chromebooks (by Angel on 2019-07-31 01:05:05 GMT from Philippines)
I think you need to be clearer, and follow with due diligence. Chromebooks are not any lighter than similar Windows Laptops, although most are low price. Example: The Asus E200HA Windows netbook costs around $200 new in the US, weighs just over 2 lbs, and comes with WIndows 10. Linux should be an easy install. This is not a recommendation, just an example. There are more.
Android phones and tablets can transfer data, run keyboards and mice, and other things from the micro USB plug. If you don't know how to do it on yours, you need to do a bit of searching.
If all you want is calls over WiFi with Skype, Skype is available for Linux. Download as .deb or .rpm from Microsoft, or your favorite distro may have it. You need 64 bit. If you have no SIM, then you are not replacing a smartphone and will be limited to WiFi. On the other hand, some Android, Apple and Windows tablets and 2-in-1s can be purchased with SIM card slots, so they can be used as a phone, albeit an oversized one. Aside from the SIM, the one convenience of a smartphone which I won't trade is that it can fit in the pocket. You won't have that either.
There are tutorials online on how to do just about anything. This is not the place for step-by-step. You need to do your searches and choose your poison.
41 • Android OS … (by Kragle Schnitzelbank on 2019-07-31 02:31:46 GMT from United States)
Android is Freed Open-Source, mostly - except for the proprietary drivers, of course. And most hardware, of course.
From a global corporation with vast resources - good luck keeping up.
…
Isn't auto-location a convenience, the usual security trade-off?
…
Isn't OStree a "versioning system for OS binaries", like a RH-pwned Nix?
42 • PinePhone (by R. Cain on 2019-07-31 13:02:53 GMT from United States)
Phoronix--
The UBports community developers continuing to advance Ubuntu Touch have shared their latest work items and plans. OTA-10 is being developed while they are also working on ports for the PinePhone...
...Bringing up Ubuntu Touch on the PINE64 / Pine Phone is ongoing...
...UBports developers finally received two developer kits recently... and they are prioritizing PINE64 work over the Librem 5 at least for now.
https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=UBports-OTA-10-July-Update
43 • smartphone "craze" (by Slink on 2019-07-31 14:47:37 GMT from United States)
ROFLOL at the ideas expressed in the comments that smartphones are just a craze that's going to go away or that anything close to a majority would say that they don't care about smartphones. Smartphone adoption has done nothing but grow year after year for the past decade and we're now at the point that these devices make up more than 80% of the mobile phone market.
44 • What's with nearly all phones this week? (by Call me, we'll do lunch. on 2019-07-31 20:01:16 GMT from United States)
It's not actually Linux. I join the several who don't care.
@43: You could say about Linux that it's just a craze and majority don't care.
45 • Endless and Smartphones (by Angel on 2019-07-31 21:51:10 GMT from Philippines)
An odd juxtaposition this week. There's Endless OS, yet another do-good effort to get Linux to the masses. Or is it? The reviewer speculates that the "full" version may be useful for those with little or no internet connection, but since it's a 10-16 gig download depending on language, just how do you accomplish that with little or no internet? Low priced laptops on credit for low income? Gnome desktop is an odd choice for low power, but then there's this: They come with kill switches if you can't pay. Really? Around here they have small lenders, usually from India, called "bumbays." They will lend to anyone, but once you borrow from the bumbay, you will always owe the bumbay. This PAYG scheme smells alike to me. I expect this kill switch is not in the OS itself, otherwise it seems counter to the idea of open-source, not to mention licenses. With that, I guess it's proper that they headquarter in San Francisco, one of the most expensive locations in the world.
As for smartphones, it would be interesting to know the average age of the people commenting, because some comments remind me of the saying about old dogs and new tricks. I'm probably an older dog than most here, but since I spent my early life without electricity, toilets, running water, and a lot of those newfangled modern crazes, and since I had to learn more than two languages to get along, I'm still up for new tricks, including smartphones.
Anyone remember "one laptop per child"? There have been so many efforts to get computers in the hands of the world's poor, with little success. Now, if you gifted an average Filipino with a laptop, he/she would probably sell it and buy a smartphone. Why? People here, as in most places, use computers for surfing, entertainment and communications. A laptop requires a physical connection or WiFi, which means extra expense or inconvenience, or both. A smartphone with a prepaid SIM can be used from home or anywhere there's a suitable signal. Mom and pop can sit at home in Mindanao and video call/chat on Facebook with daughter in Qatar, or set a conference with the other one in Manila. All for a few US cents. And they could not care less what Facebook does with the information it gathers. A local provider even allows Facebook messenger when you have no load at all. Yes, free. No kill switch. And that's just a small part of what can be done with smartphones.
46 • Chromebooks (by Newby on 2019-08-01 06:20:35 GMT from Canada)
@40 Angel
Thanks for your comments. Found online searches very time consuming as key specs are often missing (weight, cpu, etc). After meeting a friend in the business, confirmed your advice was correct - lightweight laptop rather than chromebook, best suits the apps I need to run, and to avoid ANYTHING with a touchscreen (at least for me; if a touchscreen works for you, great).
He also found that the cable used to connect the android device to a pc was a "charging cable" not a "charging and data" cable, so that's why the gadget would charge but not communicate. I had gone through all the correct setup menus, but would never have known about different cable specs. So while your advice about doing your research online is correct, sometimes that's not going to work. Also, for me, the last place I want to carry such a device is in my pocket. Just think about all those 3rd degree burns people have suffered from such things exploding in their pockets!
Anyway, thanks again for the suggestions. Would never have solved the cable conundrum if you hadn't mentioned the flexibility of that connection.
47 • Crouton (by Tim on 2019-08-01 11:07:53 GMT from United States)
@Newby
One more thing about crouton, for the two Chromebooks I set up it was somewhat random which distros worked. A 2013 Samsung arm liked Ubuntu 14.04 or a 2017 version of Debian testing, but not stretch or Ubuntu 16.04. An HP amd64 one likes Ubuntu 16.04. So if the first one doesn't work, try related distros. It's a bit of a pain to setup but it's rock solid once you get it because ChromeOS handles all driver and firmware issues.
48 • EndlessOS/OLPC (by Dave Postles on 2019-08-01 17:03:33 GMT from United Kingdom)
OLPC continues: http://one.laptop.org/about/countries
Its target is schools and learning to code.
EndlessOS.
It's simple. You buy a usb drive from OSDisc with the fully-featured OS and run it either as a live OS or install. In either case, you can easily modify as the USB version has persistence. The people at Endless are really helpful too. I wanted to install Firefox instead of Chrome and Google search and they developed a flatpak to install using the CLI. In addition, you can add the full Debian repository.
Number of Comments: 48
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TUXEDO Computers - Linux Hardware in a tailor made suite
Choose from a wide range of laptops and PCs in various sizes and shapes at TUXEDOComputers.com. Every machine comes pre-installed and ready-to-run with Linux. Full 24 months of warranty and lifetime support included!
Learn more about our full service package and all benefits from buying at TUXEDO.
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| Archives |
| • Issue 1048 (2023-12-04): openSUSE MicroOS, the transition from X11 to Wayland, Red Hat phasing out X11 packages, UBports making mobile development easier |
| • Issue 1047 (2023-11-27): GhostBSD 23.10.1, Why Linux uses swap when memory is free, Ubuntu Budgie may benefit from Wayland work in Xfce, early issues with FreeBSD 14.0 |
| • Issue 1046 (2023-11-20): Slackel 7.7 "Openbox", restricting CPU usage, Haiku improves font handling and software centre performance, Canonical launches MicroCloud |
| • Issue 1045 (2023-11-13): Fedora 39, how to trust software packages, ReactOS booting with UEFI, elementary OS plans to default to Wayland, Mir gaining ability to split work across video cards |
| • Issue 1044 (2023-11-06): Porteus 5.01, disabling IPv6, applications unique to a Linux distro, Linux merges bcachefs, OpenELA makes source packages available |
| • Issue 1043 (2023-10-30): Murena Two with privacy switches, where old files go when packages are updated, UBports on Volla phones, Mint testing Cinnamon on Wayland, Peppermint releases ARM build |
| • Issue 1042 (2023-10-23): Ubuntu Cinnamon compared with Linux Mint, extending battery life on Linux, Debian resumes /usr merge, Canonical publishes fixed install media |
| • Issue 1041 (2023-10-16): FydeOS 17.0, Dr.Parted 23.09, changing UIDs, Fedora partners with Slimbook, GNOME phasing out X11 sessions, Ubuntu revokes 23.10 install media |
| • Issue 1040 (2023-10-09): CROWZ 5.0, changing the location of default directories, Linux Mint updates its Edge edition, Murena crowdfunding new privacy phone, Debian publishes new install media |
| • Issue 1039 (2023-10-02): Zenwalk Current, finding the duration of media files, Peppermint OS tries out new edition, COSMIC gains new features, Canonical reports on security incident in Snap store |
| • Issue 1038 (2023-09-25): Mageia 9, trouble-shooting launchers, running desktop Linux in the cloud, New documentation for Nix, Linux phasing out ReiserFS, GNU celebrates 40 years |
| • Issue 1037 (2023-09-18): Bodhi Linux 7.0.0, finding specific distros and unified package managemnt, Zevenet replaced by two new forks, openSUSE introduces Slowroll branch, Fedora considering dropping Plasma X11 session |
| • Issue 1036 (2023-09-11): SDesk 2023.08.12, hiding command line passwords, openSUSE shares contributor survery results, Ubuntu plans seamless disk encryption, GNOME 45 to break extension compatibility |
| • Issue 1035 (2023-09-04): Debian GNU/Hurd 2023, PCLinuxOS 2023.07, do home users need a firewall, AlmaLinux introduces new repositories, Rocky Linux commits to RHEL compatibility, NetBSD machine runs unattended for nine years, Armbian runs wallpaper contest |
| • Issue 1034 (2023-08-28): Void 20230628, types of memory usage, FreeBSD receives port of Linux NVIDIA driver, Fedora plans improved theme handling for Qt applications, Canonical's plans for Ubuntu |
| • Issue 1033 (2023-08-21): MiniOS 20230606, system user accounts, how Red Hat clones are moving forward, Haiku improves WINE performance, Debian turns 30 |
| • Issue 1032 (2023-08-14): MX Linux 23, positioning new windows on the desktop, Linux Containers adopts LXD fork, Oracle, SUSE, and CIQ form OpenELA |
| • Issue 1031 (2023-08-07): Peppermint OS 2023-07-01, preventing a file from being changed, Asahi Linux partners with Fedora, Linux Mint plans new releases |
| • Issue 1030 (2023-07-31): Solus 4.4, Linux Mint 21.2, Debian introduces RISC-V support, Ubuntu patches custom kernel bugs, FreeBSD imports OpenSSL 3 |
| • Issue 1029 (2023-07-24): Running Murena on the Fairphone 4, Flatpak vs Snap sandboxing technologies, Redox OS plans to borrow Linux drivers to expand hardware support, Debian updates Bookworm media |
| • Issue 1028 (2023-07-17): KDE Connect; Oracle, SUSE, and AlmaLinux repsond to Red Hat's source code policy change, KaOS issues media fix, Slackware turns 30; security and immutable distributions |
| • Issue 1027 (2023-07-10): Crystal Linux 2023-03-16, StartOS (embassyOS 0.3.4.2), changing options on a mounted filesystem, Murena launches Fairphone 4 in North America, Fedora debates telemetry for desktop team |
| • Issue 1026 (2023-07-03): Kumander Linux 1.0, Red Hat changing its approach to sharing source code, TrueNAS offers SMB Multichannel, Zorin OS introduces upgrade utility |
| • Issue 1025 (2023-06-26): KaOS with Plasma 6, information which can leak from desktop environments, Red Hat closes door on sharing RHEL source code, SUSE introduces new security features |
| • Issue 1024 (2023-06-19): Debian 12, a safer way to use dd, Debian releases GNU/Hurd 2023, Ubuntu 22.10 nears its end of life, FreeBSD turns 30 |
| • Issue 1023 (2023-06-12): openSUSE 15.5 Leap, the differences between independent distributions, openSUSE lengthens Leap life, Murena offers new phone for North America |
| • Issue 1022 (2023-06-05): GetFreeOS 2023.05.01, Slint 15.0-3, Liya N4Si, cleaning up crowded directories, Ubuntu plans Snap-based variant, Red Hat dropping LireOffice RPM packages |
| • Issue 1021 (2023-05-29): rlxos GNU/Linux, colours in command line output, an overview of Void's unique features, how to use awk, Microsoft publishes a Linux distro |
| • Issue 1020 (2023-05-22): UBports 20.04, finding another machine's IP address, finding distros with a specific kernel, Debian prepares for Bookworm |
| • Issue 1019 (2023-05-15): Rhino Linux (Beta), checking which applications reply on a package, NethServer reborn, System76 improving application responsiveness |
| • Issue 1018 (2023-05-08): Fedora 38, finding relevant manual pages, merging audio files, Fedora plans new immutable edition, Mint works to fix Secure Boot issues |
| • Issue 1017 (2023-05-01): Xubuntu 23.04, Debian elects Project Leaders and updates media, systemd to speed up restarts, Guix System offering ground-up source builds, where package managers install files |
| • Issue 1016 (2023-04-24): Qubes OS 4.1.2, tracking bandwidth usage, Solus resuming development, FreeBSD publishes status report, KaOS offers preview of Plasma 6 |
| • Issue 1015 (2023-04-17): Manjaro Linux 22.0, Trisquel GNU/Linux 11.0, Arch Linux powering PINE64 tablets, Ubuntu offering live patching on HWE kernels, gaining compression on ex4 |
| • Issue 1014 (2023-04-10): Quick looks at carbonOS, LibreELEC, and Kodi, Mint polishes themes, Fedora rolls out more encryption plans, elementary OS improves sideloading experience |
| • Issue 1013 (2023-04-03): Alpine Linux 3.17.2, printing manual pages, Ubuntu Cinnamon becomes official flavour, Endeavour OS plans for new installer, HardenedBSD plans for outage |
| • Issue 1012 (2023-03-27): siduction 22.1.1, protecting privacy from proprietary applications, GNOME team shares new features, Canonical updates Ubuntu 20.04, politics and the Linux kernel |
| • Issue 1011 (2023-03-20): Serpent OS, Security Onion 2.3, Gentoo Live, replacing the scp utility, openSUSE sees surge in downloads, Debian runs elction with one candidate |
| • Issue 1010 (2023-03-13): blendOS 2023.01.26, keeping track of which files a package installs, improved network widget coming to elementary OS, Vanilla OS changes its base distro |
| • Issue 1009 (2023-03-06): Nemo Mobile and the PinePhone, matching the performance of one distro on another, Linux Mint adds performance boosts and security, custom Ubuntu and Debian builds through Cubic |
| • Issue 1008 (2023-02-27): elementary OS 7.0, the benefits of boot environments, Purism offers lapdock for Librem 5, Ubuntu community flavours directed to drop Flatpak support for Snap |
| • Issue 1007 (2023-02-20): helloSystem 0.8.0, underrated distributions, Solus team working to repair their website, SUSE testing Micro edition, Canonical publishes real-time edition of Ubuntu 22.04 |
| • Issue 1006 (2023-02-13): Playing music with UBports on a PinePhone, quick command line and shell scripting questions, Fedora expands third-party software support, Vanilla OS adds Nix package support |
| • Issue 1005 (2023-02-06): NuTyX 22.12.0 running CDE, user identification numbers, Pop!_OS shares COSMIC progress, Mint makes keyboard and mouse options more accessible |
| • Issue 1004 (2023-01-30): OpenMandriva ROME, checking the health of a disk, Debian adopting OpenSnitch, FreeBSD publishes status report |
| • Issue 1003 (2023-01-23): risiOS 37, mixing package types, Fedora seeks installer feedback, Sparky offers easier persistence with USB writer |
| • Issue 1002 (2023-01-16): Vanilla OS 22.10, Nobara Project 37, verifying torrent downloads, Haiku improvements, HAMMER2 being ports to NetBSD |
| • Issue 1001 (2023-01-09): Arch Linux, Ubuntu tests new system installer, porting KDE software to OpenBSD, verifying files copied properly |
| • Issue 1000 (2023-01-02): Our favourite projects of all time, Fedora trying out unified kernel images and trying to speed up shutdowns, Slackware tests new kernel, detecting what is taking up disk space |
| • Issue 999 (2022-12-19): Favourite distributions of 2022, Fedora plans Budgie spin, UBports releasing security patches for 16.04, Haiku working on new ports |
| • Issue 998 (2022-12-12): OpenBSD 7.2, Asahi Linux enages video hardware acceleration on Apple ARM computers, Manjaro drops proprietary codecs from Mesa package |
| • Issue 997 (2022-12-05): CachyOS 221023 and AgarimOS, working with filenames which contain special characters, elementary OS team fixes delta updates, new features coming to Xfce |
| • Issue 996 (2022-11-28): Void 20221001, remotely shutting down a machine, complex aliases, Fedora tests new web-based installer, Refox OS running on real hardware |
| • Issue 995 (2022-11-21): Fedora 37, swap files vs swap partitions, Unity running on Arch, UBports seeks testers, Murena adds support for more devices |
| • Issue 994 (2022-11-14): Redcore Linux 2201, changing the terminal font size, Fedora plans Phosh spin, openSUSE publishes on-line manual pages, disabling Snap auto-updates |
| • Full list of all issues |
| Star Labs |
Star Labs - Laptops built for Linux.
View our range including the highly anticipated StarFighter. Available with coreboot open-source firmware and a choice of Ubuntu, elementary, Manjaro and more. Visit Star Labs for information, to buy and get support.
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| Shells.com |
Your own personal Linux computer in the cloud, available on any device. Supported operating systems include Android, Debian, Fedora, KDE neon, Kubuntu, Linux Mint, Manjaro and Ubuntu, ready in minutes.
Starting at US$4.95 per month, 7-day money-back guarantee
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| Random Distribution | 
Parslinux GNU/Linux
Parslinux was a Slackware and Slax-based distribution and live DVD with partial support for Persian (Farsi), as well as the default English language.
Status: Discontinued
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| TUXEDO |
TUXEDO Computers - Linux Hardware in a tailor made suite
Choose from a wide range of laptops and PCs in various sizes and shapes at TUXEDOComputers.com. Every machine comes pre-installed and ready-to-run with Linux. Full 24 months of warranty and lifetime support included!
Learn more about our full service package and all benefits from buying at TUXEDO.
|
| Star Labs |
Star Labs - Laptops built for Linux.
View our range including the highly anticipated StarFighter. Available with coreboot open-source firmware and a choice of Ubuntu, elementary, Manjaro and more. Visit Star Labs for information, to buy and get support.
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