We are drowning in features nobody is asking for

I’ve got an old Timex sitting on my desk.Nothing fancy.No apps.No sensors.No notifications.Just a simple watch that ticks away, day after day, without ever asking anything from me.It’s on its third strap.The lume only glows if you’ve been in the light.It doesn’t buzz, vibrate, or try to coach me into being a better person.It just … Read more

The cable that made me think I was losing my mind

Some days the universe hands you a problem so small and stupid that, for a split second, you wonder if you’re actually losing it. That was me this week, trying to load Debian 13 onto a Raspberry Pi. I had all the right parts and tools Everything should have worked. Fresh image. Clean SD card. … Read more

E-publish, The journey

Learning to e-publish a book Acquiring new skills daily So I decided to create an e-book, it took me a day or two to wrap my head around how the whole process worked. Not a bad learning curve really, just enough confusion to make me curious, enough forward momentum to keep me motivated. “No programs … Read more

Reinstall windows and renew your PC

Before You Begin: What “Wiping Windows” Actually Means A clean install removes: ✔️ A clean install is right for you if: ❗ A clean install is NOT right if: Optional: Print a Full System Report Before You Wipe “If you want a complete list of what’s currently installed on your PC — including software, hardware, … Read more

How to Take a Great Photo With Your Phone (Fast & Simple)

Smartphone cameras are better than ever, but great photos don’t happen by accident. With a few quick habits, you can level up every shot — no fancy gear required. 1. Clean the Lens Your phone lives in your pocket, bag, or car. That means fingerprints.A quick wipe with your shirt or a microfiber cloth instantly … Read more

What “i3 vs i5 vs i7” Actually Means

Understanding Intel Core i3 vs i5 vs i7 (and why generations matter more than you think) Intel’s Core i3, i5, and i7 labels don’t represent fixed specs like core count or GHz. Instead, they’re *performance tiers* that shift from generation to generation. [1][2] What the Tiers Actually Mean **Core i3 — Entry Level** – Lower … Read more

Best Used & Upgradeable Laptops to Buy in Central Alberta (2026)

(All models chosen because they appear frequently on Kijiji/Facebook in Alberta, are cheap, and have real upgrade paths.) Top Tier (Best Value + Most Upgradeable) Lenovo ThinkPad T480 / T490 / T14 Gen 1Why it’s perfect: Dual ram slots (t480) or 1 slot + soldered (t490/t14) NVMe SSD upgradeable Removable battery (T480) Extremely durable Parts … Read more

Repurpose an Old PC With Linux Mint or Debian + Cinnamon

A complete, beginner-friendly walkthrough Why Repurpose an Old PC? Repurposing an older PC is one of the most rewarding DIY tech projects you can take on. Instead of sending hardware to the landfill, you can turn it into a fast, modern, secure machine using Linux. Even better, Linux gives you full control over how your … Read more

Stem taught early in Alberta

cartoon of frosty stem club

Is STEM taught in Alberta elementary schools? Short answer: Yes — and more than most people realize. Alberta’s K–6 curriculum does include science, tech, and practical skills Alberta Education’s renewed K–6 curriculum includes dedicated strands for Science, Mathematics, and Practical Skills (which covers early tech literacy).This means STEM isn’t just an optional add‑on — it’s … Read more