In Praise of Perl Programming languages rise and fall in popularity. For awhile everyone is keen on C, then C++, followed by languages such as Golang, Rust, Haskell, Python, or [fill in the blank with your favourite language]. …

I may be about to lose my tech cred. I’m a Windows user again, after years of using only Linux and MacOS. How it happened started with a laptop keyboard. It was in Costco that I met the keyboard. I spotted it sitting among the HP and Acer units —…

Adapting to Windows Subsystem for Linux It was only after installing Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) from the Microsoft Store on a new Windows 11 laptop that I realized that part of the general Linux experience, aside from all the great utilities, languages, and programs, is the Linux WM (Windows Manager) of choice. There are an…

Scrivener: The Best Writing Software I Never Use For the record, let me hasten to say that I admire Scrivener and think it provides the most complete writing environment possible, especially for long works like novels and nonfiction books. It’s sophisticated, though of course this comes with a price: an…

First, a candid admission. It’s been years since I could stand using Windows. I’m mainly a Mac and Linux user, and whenever I tried to use Windows, it put me off. The interface of Windows 8 and Windows 10 sucked so badly I couldn’t imagine living there. That said, I…

At some point in your life you might find yourself in a tight financial situation. It happens. But if you’re a writer, you need, or at least want, to keep writing, even if things are so tight you can’t afford a computer or broadband Internet service. I hope things are…

When I recently purchased a new set of hearing aids to replace my old, failing pair, it reminded me of when my wife and I traded in our 15-year-old station wagon for a new mini-SUV automobile. Car technology had changed enormously in the interim. …

Here are some of the reasons why you might want to try out Linux, the free, alternative computer operating system: You’re adventurous and willing to try something new. You’re broke and can’t afford to keep up with software prices and subscriptions. You have an older PC or laptop you’d like…

Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G3 ACL When I’m in any store that offers a computer section, I’m attracted to it like a moth to a campfire. A momentary form of tech lust seizes my psyche and I want to check out every unit on the shelves. I like to keep track of what features are trending…