Linux desktop Archives

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Linux Fu: Windows Virtualization The Hard(ware) Way

The Linux community faces challenges when certain applications are only available on Windows, despite solutions like Wine and virtual machines. A new approach using hardware instead of virtualization has emerged. The author received a Surface Laptop 2 that was non-functional until the keyboard was removed, revealing it was operational. While transitioning Windows installations from VirtualBox to KVM, the author discovered WinApps, a script that allows Windows applications to run on a Linux desktop via a virtual machine. However, this setup caused performance issues due to constant disk activity. The author experimented with connecting WinApps to a physical Windows machine on the network, successfully running Windows software directly on their desktop. The setup required executing an installation script on the Windows machine and making registry changes to enable RDP applications. Minor hurdles included compatibility issues with a dual-monitor setup and user permission bugs. Ultimately, Microsoft Word ran smoothly on the author's KDE desktop, demonstrating the potential for utilizing older computers for occasional tasks.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

This lightweight Linux distro makes switching from Windows 10 easy

Lubuntu is a Linux distribution that combines the Ubuntu framework with the lightweight LXQT desktop environment, making it fast, reliable, and user-friendly, particularly for older hardware. The desktop interface is designed to be familiar to users, especially those accustomed to Windows, featuring a panel, start menu, system tray, and organized applications. The Configuration Center allows users to customize settings easily. Openbox is the default window manager, enabling theme and window behavior modifications. Lubuntu does not provide a straightforward method for sharing folders across a local area network using its default file manager. The operating system is notably fast, with applications launching quickly, making it a suitable alternative to Windows 10 for older machines.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

Top 6 Privacy Note Apps for Linux and Android That Actually Sync

Your messages are monitored, your location is tracked, and certain note-taking applications are focusing on privacy. The guide reviews note-taking applications for Linux and Android that prioritize confidentiality, with no trackers or unsettling sync processes. Standard Notes: - Data export: Encrypted, plain text format - 2FA: Supported - Offline Access: Fully offline capable - Unlimited Device Sync: Available on official servers or self-hosted - Markdown & Writing Forms: Free (plain text), Paid (Markdown, rich text, etc.) - Organizing Style: Free (basic tags), Paid (folders and tags) - Themes & Creativity: Paid (multiple themes) - Support: Active community support Notesnook: - Data export: Free (plain text), Paid (Markdown, PDF, HTML) - 2FA: Supported - Offline Access: Fully offline capable - Unlimited Device Sync: Yes, with granular controls - Markdown & Writing Forms: Free (Markdown, lists, etc.), Paid (images and reminders) - Organizing Style: Free (20 Notebooks, 5 Tags), Paid (unlimited) - Themes & Creativity: Free (customizable sidebar), Paid (color options) - Support: Active community on Discord, email, Twitter, and Reddit Joplin: - Data export: ENEX files - 2FA: Single-use codes - Offline Access: Offline-first - Unlimited Device Sync: Requires Joplin Cloud - Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports Markdown, code, etc. - Organizing Style: Notebooks, sub-Notebooks, Tags, To-dos - Themes & Creativity: Customizable via CSS - Support: Community support through forums and Discord Cryptee: - Data export: Encrypted folder download, formats include PDF, DOCX, HTML, Markdown - 2FA: Supported - Offline Access: Functions offline as a PWA - Unlimited Device Sync: Local data for quick syncing - Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports plain text, Markdown, etc. - Organizing Style: Folders, Tags, pinning - Themes & Creativity: Customizable themes - Support: Community-driven support Obsidian: - Data export: Plain text and markdown files - 2FA: Not available - Offline Access: Fully offline - Unlimited Device Sync: Paid (Obsidian Sync), Free (third-party services) - Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports Markdown, code, links, etc. - Organizing Style: Folders, Tags, graph view - Themes & Creativity: Complete UI customization - Support: Community support available Turtl: - Data export: Plain text format with encryption - 2FA: Not available - Offline Access: Operates offline - Unlimited Device Sync: Possible with official servers or self-hosted - Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports plain text, Markdown, etc. - Organizing Style: Spaces, Tags, boards - Themes & Creativity: No customization options - Support: Community-driven support Recommendations include Joplin for structure, Notesnook for minimalism, Turtl for privacy, and Obsidian for creativity. The best tool integrates seamlessly into your workflow while ensuring privacy.

Winsage

July 16, 2025

Windows 7 running natively on a Steam Deck is an affront to science — this tinkerer has Microsoft’s OS booting in portrait mode

The Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC by Valve that usually runs on a Linux-based system, has been successfully modified to run Windows 7 natively. This achievement has intrigued tech enthusiasts, although the integrated graphics of the Steam Deck lack the necessary drivers for Windows 7, which only work with Windows 10 and 11. Users like Bob Pony have previously installed Windows 8.1 on the device in 2022. Both Windows 7 and 8.1 lack official support from Microsoft, making their installation on the Steam Deck inadvisable. Despite the possibility of running Windows 11, many users prefer to stick with SteamOS, which has a dedicated following.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

I found a better way to transfer files between Android and Linux

Transferring files between a Pop!OS Linux desktop and an Android device can be done using a tool named Packet, which utilizes Quick Share for file transfers over the same wireless network. To install Packet, the Linux distribution must support Flatpak applications, Bluetooth must be enabled, and the Android device should run a version of Android that includes Nearby Share. User privileges with sudo access are required for installation. The installation involves executing a command in the terminal and optionally logging out and back in. Users need to enable the Static Network Port in Packet's Preferences and open port 9300 on the firewall using the command PLACEHOLDER74f5483d2fa9d11c for successful file transfers. Files received are stored in the ~/Downloads folder, which can be customized in the Preferences settings.