How I Do Computing
I was inspired by Richard Stallman's article on how he does computing to write this. I'm not nearly as committed to my principles on computing as Stallman is, but I have my own opinions and prejudices when it comes to my own personal computing.
As of writing this (7/2020), I use a Toshiba Dynabook laptop. I dual boot Ubuntu LTS, and Windows 10. Up until a couple years ago, I used solely Windows. I use my Linux box most of the time, unless I absolutely need to use Windows (to play games, use windows only software, etc). Since switching to Linux, I practically live in the terminal. Unless I'm doing something where a GUI is absolutely necessary (such as 3d modelling, and most web-browsing), I use the shell for everything. The terminal gives the user a level of control over his computer that GUI simply cannot. Particularly for programmers, nearly all tasks can be performed in the terminal. For my own programming projects, I edit in vim, compile with gcc/g++, and use my own makefiles. Since switching to this shell-based software, I haven't experienced any crashes, bugs, or lagging.
I've always been concerned about my own digital privacy, but I've become much more concerned in recent years. As tech companies improve their surveillance technology, I continue to make greater efforts to take control of my own computing. Switching to Linux was one of the best improvements I've made. The Linux OS is free software (free as in freedom, not gratis). This means that the source code is open, so the user can study, change, and redistribute the program. I am big proponent of free software; I distribute most of my own software as free software.
As I said, I currently use the Ubuntu distro of Linux. While Ubuntu is a good distribution, it is pretty bloated. Aside from privacy, using so-called "suckless" software (well-made, few bugs, light-weight) that serves a specific purpose has become imperative to me. I plan on building my own computer soon, and when I do I will switch to the Debian distribution of Linux. Ubuntu is based on Debian, but Debian is far less bloated, more secure, and contains much less non-free software. When I decide whether or not to use a piece of software, I base my decision on the Unix Philosophy in as many cases as I can. The Unix Philosophy states that software should be as minimalist, and modular as possible. Every piece of software should do one thing really well and not attempt to to be a jack-of-all-trades and do "everything". This is antithetical to philosophy of Microsoft, and most other developers of proprietary software (see Microsoft Visual Studio as an example). I've found that following the Unix Philosophy in my personal computing has greatly reduced stress when using a computer, and improved my productivity.
My computing history
- 1996~1998: Windows 95
The first computer I ever used. I mostly played educational games on it and not much else.
- 1998~2003: Windows 98
Again, mostly played games on this PC. Though I slowly started to become more interested in computers at this stage.
- 2003~2008: Windows XP
This is the PC where my true interest in computers was born. I spent hours searching through the files, settings, and programs on this computer. It was around this time that I began writing my own programs and games with Macromedia Flash.
- 2008~2012: Windows Vista
By this time, I knew I wanted to be a computer programmer. Though, I really didn't like Vista very much. I adopted it early, and it was incredibly buggy.
- 2007~2014: Macintosh OSX: Tiger
This was my first computer that I owned personally. I got this computer just before the iPhone came out and the Apple boom started. Hardly anyone used a Mac in 2007. It just wasn't cool enough, yet.
- 2014~2015: Windows 8
I dislike this version of Windows more than any I've ever used. Windows 8 scrapped the start menu and desktop. It was like trying to use a tablet with a keyboard and mouse. Absolutely awful.
- 2015~Present: Windows 10
Windows 10 is a return to the traditional Windows GUI. I like user experience and design of this version. However, I am virulently opposed to Microsoft's decision to base it on the SaaS model, and including devastating privacy-violating software. I mainly use Windows for playing computer games these days.
- 2017~2021: Ubuntu LTS
My intro to Linux. Ubuntu is a massive step up from Windows, but its too bloated. I'll most likely be using some distro of Linux from here on out.
- 2021~Present: Debian
I made the jump from Ubuntu to Debian. It honestly isn't much of a jump, considering Ubuntu is based on Debian. I like Debian because it's one of the oldest distros, everything is based on in or uses it in some fashion, lots and lots of good documentation, and most of all because it's incredibly stable. I don't forsee myself switching off of Debian as my daily driver ANY time soon.