diff --git a/content/uses.md b/content/uses.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d807b2f --- /dev/null +++ b/content/uses.md @@ -0,0 +1,99 @@ +--- +title: "Uses" +date: 2021-08-18T22:57:48-04:00 +draft: true +--- + +This is just a simple page detailing some of the important tools I use +for those that may be interested! See [uses.tech](https://uses.tech/) +for similar pages on other individuals' websites. + +## Hardware + +### Desktop +I built my PC over the summer of 2019, *before* all of the component +prices shot up during the pandemic. If I was attempting to build this +now, I would have ended up with a significantly less powerful machine. + +- **Webcam:** Logitech Brio +- **Microphone:** Røde Podcaster +- **CPU:** AMD Ryzen 7 2700 +- **GPU:** MSI Radeon RX 5700XT OC +- **RAM:** G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32 GB DDR4-3200 +- **Keyboard:** Ergodox-EZ +- **Mouse:** Logitech MX Master 3 +- **Monitor:** Gigabyte AORUS FI27Q-SA 27" +- **Operating System:** Arch Linux +- **Window Manager:** i3 + +I also have Windows installed for the odd game or two that won't run in +Proton; it's really nothing more than a gaming console for me. + +### Laptop +My university scholarship paid for most of my current laptop but a +stipulation was that the device had to be new. I really wanted an old +Thinkpad that would have cost maybe $200-$300 after repairs and upgrades +but it would definitely not have been new. Instead, I found a +[refurbished Thinkpad X200](https://store.vikings.net/x200-ryf-certfied) +from [Vikings.](https://store.vikings.net/) Because they rebrand the +device on receipts, I was able to make the purchase and get a fully free +laptop with no binary blobs whatsoever. Because it's running Libreboot, +I'm even able to encrypt the boot partition so "full-disk encryption" +really does apply to *the full disk*. + +### Other devices +I seem to have a thing for eink devices. A [Kobo Aura ONE Limited +Edition](https://us.kobobooks.com/collections/auraone-related/products/kobo-aura-one-limited-edition) +regularly finds itself in my hands when reading manga or graphic novels. +A [Kobo Clara +HD](https://kobobooks.com/collections/certified-refurbished-ereaders/products/certified-refurbished-kobo-clara-hd) +is usually used for all of my regular reading but becomes my daily +driver whenever I'm out somewhere or on a trip. + +I also have a [Supernote +A5X](https://supernote.com/#/product?type=SN-A5-X) and have to say that +this is a *wonderful* device. Once it's finished, I'll link to my blog +post about it. For now, I'll just say that it sits on the corner of my +desk any time I'm home and can usually be found in my left hand whenever +I'm not. + +## General software +As for more general software, I'll only mention things I feel are +particularly notable. + +My personal operating system of choice is [Arch +Linux](https://archlinux.org/) because it's very easy to work with, +simple, and incredibly up-to-date. I've used it since somewhere around +2017 or 2018. On servers, I like sticking with +[Debian](https://www.debian.org/) wherever possible. It's a fantastic +and very widely supported distribution for pretty much anything. I would +eventually like to get involved with the project but my free time is +pretty limited at the moment. + +My email setup is a little cursed but I use +[mbsync](https://isync.sourceforge.io/mbsync.html) for synchronising +IMAP server with my local Maildir, [NeoMutt](https://neomutt.org/) for +interacting with those emails, [GNU +Emacs](https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/) for composing mail, and +[msmtp](https://marlam.de/msmtp/) for relaying those compositions to my +[Postfix](http://www.postfix.org/) [SMTP server](https://nixnet.email/) +before sending them on their way to the recipient. Blog post about all +this coming soon™. + +My browser of choice is [Mozilla +Firefox.](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/) I don't like the +company and the browser is slowly becoming worse and worse for the +average user but at least it's not Google and it's not contributing to +their total domination over web rendering :^) + +Nextcloud also finds itself a home on my homeserver. As much as it's a +bloated pile of PHP that does a sub-par job at everything it attempts, +it does a good enough job to make life convenient. I mainly use its file +syncing, calendar, contacts, and sometimes music features. + +I also use a lot of the stuff a friend and I run over at +[NixNet.](https://nixnet.services/) In particular, I probably I use +email, XMPP, BigBlueButton, HedgeDoc, Mumble, and wallabag every day. + +*I use every open source messaging service known to man. Please send +help.*