Ever try to get a program working a certain way, end up having to search various forums around the web to find the way, only to have to reinstall the program a few months later and not be able to find the information again? How about find that one incredibly useful program, only to not be able to find it when you wanted to download it again? Or, have people ask you the same question over and over that you wanted somewhere to refer them that had the best and most up-to-date answer for them?
Those were the driving forces behind this blog.
I work in both Linux and Windows environments regularly. Linux by preference, and Windows by necessity. In the Linux world it’s mostly Ubuntu Server and Desktop. It’s sometimes a challenge to find up-to-date documentation on getting Linux programs configured quickly and easily, especially for server environments, and very easy to forget what I did last time. Keeping a binder next to my desk is easy, but I wanted to publish my findings for the next person and “give back to the community.”
In the Windows world I’m working with XP, Vista, and 7. There’s a literal sea of programs and utilities out there for Windows-based OSes, and some far more useful than others. There’s also an excellent array of free alternatives to commercial software for those on a tight budget. Of course, there’s also the software that you want to stay far away from: malicious apps and bloatware just to name a few. There’s also a plethora of frequently asked questions about Windows OSes.
I also do a very mixed bag of hardware work, from desktop and laptop repair (who doesn’t?) to hardware mods of varying degrees. Of course, it’s always fun to showcase a good build or a good mod, and one’s own blog is the perfect place to do it. When I do, I always try to take pictures and frequently link to the parts suppliers that I use.
Also, I’m frequently asked questions (and many times the same question) by friends, family, and friends-of-friends. I frequently respond to them in the form of a blog post, so that they have something they can refer to, and I can send it to the next person who might ask the same question.
So there it is in a nutshell: my reasons for blogging.
My articles are all my own. I sometimes do source other guides and correct for errors, missing information, or typos. I also expand on ideas, provide background information, and cite references and link to sources that provide additional good information on a subject. Also, my articles are my thoughts, opinions, and experience. They come with a disclaimer, and a link to that disclaimer is displayed in the footer. You’re welcome to read it.
I don’t scrape articles and I don’t steal other people’s content. I don’t appreciate it when people steal mine, so I don’t do it to others. I will block quote when it’s useful, and I always try to give attribution links in my articles. If you find that I used a portion of your original work without attribution, or you have an original article that I cited, and you’d like me to remove my citation or use of your article, by all means shoot me an email using the contact form and include a link to your original article and the article where I used your content.
I appreciate comments on everything I write, both positive and negative. Let me know if you appreciate what I’m writing, or if you don’t like something on my blog, if you find a broken link, or if something just doesn’t work for you. It lets me know people are reading, and it gives me the opportunity to fix things that I might otherwise not notice.
If you really enjoy what I’m writing, you can find me on various social networks, or sign up to have updates delivered right to your email. I don’t give out or sell email addresses or any other personal information, and you’re welcome to unsubscribe at any time. I have a clear privacy policy and the link to it is in the footer of each page. You’re welcome to read it over.
I also do respond to correspondence sent using the contact form when it’s appropriate. On more than one occasion I’ve gotten an email from a blog visitor and we’ve exchanged emails, often more than a few times. If you have something you want to say to me, or a question to ask, and don’t want it published in the comments, feel free to use the contact form.
Thank you for visiting.
– Mike Beach
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