#linux foundation

[netscapenavigator-official]

The Linux Foundation choosing to financially support Blink (Chromium) over Gecko (Firefox) is certainly a choice.

I've criticized a lot of Mozilla's actions in the past as they fight to break even, but if I was the financially struggling backbone of an entire niche desktop platform, and said platform decided to give copious amounts of time and money to my anti-consumer rival (who is very much trying to monopolize me into non-existence) then I'd probably turn into the joker, too. Damn.

[thehustlejournal]

Open-Source AI Fuels Innovation and Economic Growth, New Report Finds

A new report by The Linux Foundation and Meta sheds light on the rising impact of open-source AI (OSAI) across industries, underscoring its power to drive innovation, slash costs, and level the competitive playing field.

According to the report, a staggering 94% of organizations are already using AI tools—and among them, 89% are integrating open-source AI into their operations. The findings blend global survey data, academic insights, and real-world use cases to paint a compelling picture: open-source AI is becoming the foundation of modern technological progress.

Cost Savings and Accessibility

At the core of open-source AI's momentum is affordability. Two-thirds of businesses report that open-source solutions are significantly less expensive to deploy than proprietary ones. In fact, the report estimates that without open-source alternatives, companies would face costs up to 3.5 times higher.

This financial efficiency is especially vital for startups and smaller enterprises, which are often at the forefront of AI-driven innovation. The accessibility of open models enables a broader range of developers and organizations to experiment, iterate, and deploy transformative technologies.

Innovation Without Monopoly

One of the report’s case studies centers on PyTorch, Meta’s popular deep learning framework. After transitioning PyTorch to an open governance model under a non-profit, Meta’s direct contributions decreased—but overall participation surged. External companies, including chipmakers and complementary tech providers, ramped up their involvement, demonstrating how decentralized governance can stimulate broader innovation and reduce dependence on a single entity.

“Engagement in open, collaborative activities is a better indicator of innovation than patents,” write report authors Anna Hermansen and Cailean Osborne.

Industry Applications: From Manufacturing to Medicine

The report highlights how OSAI is reshaping major sectors:

Manufacturing: With its adaptable codebase, open-source AI is streamlining operations, from automating workflows to optimizing supply chains. McKinsey projects up to a $290 billion value boost for advanced manufacturing through AI adoption.

Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics are increasingly turning to open AI models for diagnostics and operational efficiency. These tools offer cost-effective, privacy-conscious alternatives to proprietary solutions, potentially adding $260 billion in value to the global healthcare industry.

A Talent and Workforce Shift

Open-source AI is also changing the job market. Demand for AI skills is surging, and wages for related roles could rise by as much as 20%. This signals a growing need for education and workforce development initiatives to equip professionals for the AI-driven future.

A New Economic Engine

Hilary Carter, SVP of Research at The Linux Foundation, summarized the findings: “Open-source AI is a catalyst for economic growth and opportunity. As adoption scales across sectors, we’re seeing measurable cost savings, increased productivity, and rising demand for AI-related skills that can boost wages and career prospects.”

The Bottom Line

Open-source AI is no longer just a fringe option—it’s becoming the backbone of modern AI innovation. The Linux Foundation and Meta’s joint report offers hard data and compelling examples to support a clear message: OSAI is not only transforming how businesses operate but also reshaping how economies grow and people work.

[tectut]

The Linux Foundation Collaborates with OpenTF to Launch OpenToFu

In the ever-evolving landscape of open-source software development, collaboration and innovation go hand in hand. The latest groundbreaking partnership in the realm of DevOps and infrastructure automation is the Linux Foundation’s alliance with OpenTF, giving birth to OpenToFu. In this article, we delve into the exciting developments that this collaboration brings to the world of…

[sweetiepipebomb]

chromebooks ruined the technological literacy of an entire generation.

I will never forgive.

I will never forget.

and frankly, trying to replace the chrome books with VR is even Worse

[linuxgamenews]

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping with Nacon Motorsports Drive and Thrive

Nacon Motorsports Drive and Thrive game bundle is ready to go full-throttle on Steam Deck and Linux via Windows PC. Thanks to the Humble Bundle team for all their hard work and dedication. Which you can find as a pay what you want offer. Buckle up and get ready to put the pedal to the metal! The Nacon Motorsports Drive and Thrive bundle is here and its also playable on Linux and Steam Deck. It's also full of high-octane racing titles that’ll have you gripping your controller (or wheel) for dear life. Whether you’re tearing through treacherous terrain, dominating the rally circuit, or racing on two wheels at breakneck speeds. This has something for every kind of racing fan. Take on the rugged trails in Overpass 2, where your tricked-out buggy is due to face off against nature’s toughest obstacles. Feel the rush of rally racing with WRC Generations - The FIA WRC Official Game. Due to lead the pack with precision and skill. For the daredevils, there’s TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3, where you’re due to experience the heart-pounding thrill of motorcycle racing. Doing so on one of the most challenging circuits in the world. And that’s just the start — there’s more in Nacon Motorsports Drive and Thrive! What makes this deal even better? You’re not just buy incredible titles; you’re also supporting a great cause. Part of your purchase goes to The AbleGamers Charity, due to help make gaming accessible to everyone.

Nacon Motorsports Drive and Thrive Includes:

Tier $1 USD

Truck Racer - Deck Verified (ProtonDB)

$5 for these 5 items

TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge - Deck Playable (ProtonDB)

WRC 7 FIA World Rally Championship - Deck Playable (ProtonDB)

V-Rally 4 - Deck Playable (ProtonDB)

FIA European Truck Racing Championship - Deck Playable (ProtonDB)

$9 USD for these 9 items

TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2 - ProtonDB Gold Deck Support (ProtonDB)

WRC 8 FIA World Rally Championship - Deck Playable (ProtonDB)

Monster Truck Championship - ProtonDB Gold Deck Support (ProtonDB)

COUPON 35% OFF Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown - Coupon

$16 USD for these 12 Nacon Motorsports Drive and Thrive items

TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 - Deck Playable (ProtonDB)

Overpass 2 - Deck Playable (ProtonDB)

WRC Generations - The FIA WRC Official Game - Silver Deck Support (ProtonDB)

Nacon Motorsports Drive and Thrive Puts You in Control

Normally, all these games would set you back $339 USD. But with Humble Bundle, you set the price! For as little as $1 USD, you can start racing and get access to Steam keys. Want to go bigger? You can also increase your contribution to unlock even more and give a little extra love to the developers or charity — it’s totally up to you.

Redeem and Race

All titles in the Nacon Motorsports Drive and Thrive are available for Windows via Steam. Also, make sure to check the Proton requirements before purchasing to ensure you’re ready to roll.

Support Charity, Feel Good

Here’s the best part: your money goes exactly where you want it to. Split your payment between the developers and The AbleGamers Foundation, or leave a little “Humble Tip” if you’re feeling generous. Which you can do now as a pay what you want offer. Playable on Steam Deck and Linux via Windows PC. So, what are you waiting for? Get the bundle today, and hit the virtual track while making a real-world impact.

[goodjohnjr]

Quilts Of Valor | Popeyes | Aaron Chiz At The Park

File:Popeyes in Arcovia City1.jpg Dream 1 In this dream, I was riding in an automobile during the day with my mom. She was driving. She stopped alongside the road where some people and tables were. They worked with the Quilts Of Valor Foundation. My mom had an envelope to drop off there. It was an application to get my dad a quilt of valor. Quilts of Valor II Promo: QOV Foundation…

[american-baidu-yandex-contact]

Open Source

Linux Foundation

[hileynoteson]

you are involved with the scp foundation

i am involved with the scp command

we are not the same

[autolenaphilia]

Why enshittification happens and how to stop it.

The enshittification of the internet and increasingly the software we use to access it is driven by profit. It happens because corporations are machines for making profits from end users, the users and customers are only seen as sources of profits. Their interests are only considered if it can help the bottom line. It's capitalism.

For social media it's users are mainly seen by the companies that run the sites as a way for getting advertisers to pay money that can profit the shareholders. And social media is in a bit of death spiral right now, since they have seldom or never been profitable and investor money is drying up as they realize this.

So the social media companies. are getting more and more desperate for money. That's why they are getting more aggressive with getting you to watch ads or pay for the privilege of not watching ads. It won't work and tumblr and all the other sites will die eventually.

But it's not just social media companies, it's everything tech-related. It gets worse the more monopolistic a tech giant is. Google is abusing its chrome-based near monopoly over the web, nerfing adblockers, trying to drm the web, you name it. And Microsoft is famously a terrible company, spying on Windows users and selling their data. Again, there is so much money being poured into advertising, at least 493 billion globally, the tech giants want a slice of that massive pie. It's all about making profits for shareholders, people be damned.

And the only insurance against this death spiral is not being run by a corporation. If the software is being developed by a non-profit entity, and it's open source, there is no incentive for the developers to fuck over the users for the sake of profits for shareholders, because there aren't any profits, and no shareholders.

Free and Open source software is an important part of why such software development can stay non-corporate. It allows for volunteers to contribute to the code and makes it harder for users to be secretly be fucked over by hidden code.

Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird are good examples of this. There is a Mozilla corporation, but it exists only for legal reasons and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the non-profit Mozilla foundation. There are no shareholders. That means the Mozilla corporation is not really a corporation in the sense that Google is, and as an organization has entirely different incentives. If someone tells you that Mozilla is just another corporation, (which people have said in the notes of posts about firefox on this very site) they are spreading misinformation.

That's why Firefox has resisted the enshittification of the internet so well, it's not profit driven. And people who develop useful plugins that deshitify the web like Ublock origin and Xkit are as a rule not profit-driven corporations.

And you can go on with other examples of non-profit software like Libreoffice and VLC media player, both of which you should use.

And you can go further, use Linux as your computer's operating system.. It's the only way to resist the enshitification that the corporate duopoly of Microsoft and Apple has brought to their operating system. The plethora of community-run non-profit Linux distributions like Debian, Mint and Arch are the way to counteract that, and they will stay resistant to the same forces (creating profit for shareholders) that drove Microsoft to create Windows 11.

Of course not all Linux distributions are non-profits. There are corporate created distros like Red Hat's various distros, Canonical's Ubuntu and Suse's Opensuse, and they prove the point I'm making. There has some degree of enshittification going on with those, red hat going closed source and Canonical with the snap store for example. Mint is by now a succesful community-driven response to deshitify Ubuntu by removing snaps for example, and even they have a back-up plan to use Debian as a base in case Canonical makes Ubuntu unuseable.

As for social media, which I started with, I'm going to stay on tumblr for now, but it will definitely die. The closest thing to a community run non-profit replacement I can see is Mastodon, which I'm on as @autolenaphilia@chaosfem.tw.

You don't have to keep using corporate software, and have it inevitably decline because the corporations that develop it cares more about its profits than you as an end user.

The process of enshittification proves that corporations being profit-driven don't mean they will create a better product, and in fact may cause them to do the opposite. And the existence of great free and open source software, created entirely without the motivation of corporate profits, proves that people don't need to profit in order to help their fellow human beings. It kinda makes you question capitalism.

[utopicwork]

Reminder that I accept contributions from anyone worldwide regardless of what the so called us says

[sunny-day-jack-official]

Sunny Day Jack Report 07/11/2023

Wednesday means it's time for our weekly development report, and this one's a nice big one for everyone to enjoy! Those of you who have been following us on Twitter may have noticed that we redesigned our logo for SDJ. The majority of the devlog will talk about our process behind that, so read it for free on Patreon or click the readmore for the important bits!

Unity Demo Version 0.03

Changelog:

Fixed video rendering while playing on the Steamdeck (via Windows Proton Compatibility)

Added missing CGs

Game extended slightly past the kissing on couch scene

Select narration from Y/N reworded for clarity

Macintosh OS compatible version has been added

Known bugs:

Certain voice lines may be missing or cut-off

This update was largely focused on ensuring stability before adding in more content. Those who backed the SDJ Kickstarter can access their beta testing keys via this link, while SnaccPop Patrons who pledge a minimum of $12/mo can access their beta testing key over here.

For our MacOS players, you may encounter issues launching the game due to Apple security, so please follow this tutorial to temporarily disable Gatekeeper (we recommend turning it back on afterwards). We're investigating ways to avoid Gatekeeper flagging the game, so please bear with us! As for our Linux/Steamdeck players, for the time being, please use the Windows version and use Proton Compatibility to play the game.

Logo Graphic Redesign

Like with the previous SnaccPop Studios logo, the SDJ logo was due for a makeover. For starters, the old logo was tiny.

Yes, that's literally the largest size we have on hand for the original SDJ logo source file, and everything else is just blown up bigger in size if need be. Astute viewers may also notice that the Something's Wrong With portion of the logo was also slightly off-center this entire time, as With was hanging off the edge a lot more than Something's. Another issue that came up as we continued working with our translators was the fact that we'd most likely need logos in the target language too; adapting the old logo was near impossible because all we had left of it was a .png file. At this point, making a new logo just made sense.

The new logo largely retains the important elements of the original one. Using the Buddy Belt motif as the background image and the use of two distinct fonts, a formal serif for SWW and a more bubbly sans-serif for the SDJ that essentially captures the essence of Jack's dual personality, were ideas Sauce carried over. Additionally, his signature primary colors palette is much more clear in the text, making this logo more easily identifiable. After nailing down a good foundation and centering the text, Sauce overlaid faint scanlines reminiscent of old CRT display monitors then splashed some blood here and there; all in all, the new logo is a nice visual of the ludonarrative dissonance the game itself aims to achieve.

We'll pass the mic to Gureii here when it comes to the localized logos!

Translation & Localization

Hey there! Gureii (she/her) here. You might know me from one of the previous devlogs posted here on Patreon not so long ago.

 I’ve been asked by BáiYù to present you a tiny (okay, not that tiny) little treat for both the Russian and the Japanese-speaking folks out there who are interested in our upcoming game, Something’s Wrong With Sunny Day Jack.

Let me introduce you to the new localized logos real quick:

One of the most interesting aspects of working on these was the brainstorming session behind both of them. As the Lead Russian translator of this project, one of my main concerns was to come up with the title translation that would be both both simplistic and catchy, hence the name change from a statement to a question. The localized version of the title - «Что с тобой, Джек?» - includes both the questions a player would ask to Jack himself: “What happened to you?” and “What’s wrong with you?”, either depending on their opinion towards him or both of these at the same time.

The Japanese translation team, on the other hand, opted for something much more laconic, to which I was happy to comply! They're only using Katakana to translate the commonly abbreviated title into【サニー・デー・ジャック】, which will be easy for Japanese speakers to read (it'd be pronounced "Sanī dē Jakku"). It's short and punchy, and it's not unusual for Japanese logos to have the English text as well.

Another aspect (a tricky one this time!) was looking up the Cyrillic and Kana fonts that would match the mood of the English logo we got: it gets quite tricky when we talk about anything but Latin fonts, and it gets even harder when we talk about something that is as bold, youthful and bright as it is. For example, with the katakana transcription the Japanese translation team and I had to search for something that would not scare the person interested in playing the game, something much more inviting than the crimson lettering used on the English logo. The bloody Buddy Belt portion of the logo will still indicate to potential players that this is a horror game, so it works out.

By the way, you might be asking yourself, "Why isn't there a Spanish version of the logo?" Both Pierre and Nana expressed that translating the title wouldn't sound nearly as good as the original English title (a literal Latin Spanish translation would be "Algo Malo Pasa Con Día Soleado Jack"). Luckily, both English and Spanish share similar alphabets, so it's as big of a difference compared to Russian or Japanese.

---

And that's all we got for this week. Thanks again for your continued support of SnaccPop Studios!

[cyberstudious]

Free Resources for Learning Cybersecurity

I created this post for the Studyblr Masterpost Jam, check out the tag for more cool masterposts from folks in the studyblr community!

Free Online Courses

Linux Foundation Cybersecurity Courses - many of their beginner/introductory courses are free

Professor Messer's Security+ Course - a great intro to cybersecurity, gave me the skills to pass my Security+ exam

Khan Academy Cryptography - solid foundations for understanding the math behind encryption

ISC2's new entry level cert & training CC is free, although for a limited time

Linux Journey - learn Linux, the command line, and basic networking

Free CTFs & Ways to Practice

What is a CTF? - HackTheBox isn't a free platform, but this is a good article explaining what a CTF is and how to approach it

OverTheWire Bandit - practice your Linux skills

PicoCTF - this one already ran this year but their website has plenty of resources

Microcorruption - binary exploitation challenges

Hacker101 - web security CTF

Cryptopals Cryptography Challenges

Nightmare - binary exploitation & reverse engineering challenges

Cybersecurity News: follow what's happening in the industry

KrebsOnSecurity - security & cybercrime news, investigative journalism

SANS StormCast - daily 5-minute security news podcast

SANS Internet Storm Center - security blog posts

Cisco Talos blog - security news, threat intelligence & malware investigations

Schneier on Security - security & society

Black Hills Information Security webcasts

Darknet Diaries podcast

Other Free Resources

Trail of Bits's CTF Field Guide

PicoCTF Resources and Practice

SANS Cheat Sheets - all areas of security & tech

OWASP Cheat Sheets - application security & web attacks

LaurieWired's YouTube channel - high-quality videos on low-level tech

LiveOverflow's YouTube channel - binary exploitation

SANS Webinars

Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap

Cybersecurity Job Supply and Demand Map (for the U.S.)

EFF's Surveillance Self-Defense - guides for how to protect yourself online

Don't Forget the Library!

If you have access to a public or school library, check out their technical books and see what they have to offer. O'Reilly and No Starch Press are my favorite publishers for technical and cybersecurity books, but be on the lookout for study guides for the Security+ and other certifications - these will give you a good introduction to the basics. I wrote more about cybersecurity books in yesterday's masterpost.

[ayeforscotland]

Ad | Some Humble Bundle Delights

Only 16 hours left of Metroidvania Mania! This has some excellent Metroidvania games like Ghost Song and Axiom Verge 1&2! Money raised goes to the Global FoodBanking Network.

Brutal Beat 'Em Ups has something for those who enjoy classic fighting games - Like BattleToads! Money raised goes to Active Minds and Safe in Our World (Disclosure: I'm an Ambassador for Safe in Our World)

The Let 'Em Cook bundle has a banger of a lineup for cooking game fans. Cooking simulator, Cafe Owner Simulator, PlateUp! There's tons there. Money raised goes towards World Central Kitch and No Kid Hungry.

Jumping briefly into career progressions - Dive into DevOps bundle has books on Python, GoLang, Kubernetes and a whole bunch more. Great for people looking to expand their digital skillset and raising money for the Python Software Foundation.

Last but not least, Fully Loaded: Nightdive FPS Remasters has a great line up of classic FPS games. Turok, Rise of the Triad, Doom64 and Blood. If you've ever watched a Civvie video then you'll recognise a few from this list. Raising money for Active Minds.

[rbtpracticeexamus]

Your Brain Isn't Broken, It's Autistic: The Real Tea on the Lived Experience

hey tumblr. let's talk about autism.

not the textbook, puzzle-piece, "very special episode" version.

we're talking about the real, lived-in, day-to-day experience. the stuff that doesn't always make it into the pamphlets. this is for the newly diagnosed, the self-diagnosed, the questioning, and the allies who genuinely want to get it.

this is the infodump you've been looking for. it's about what it actually feels like to navigate a world that wasn't built for your brain's operating system.

we're diving deep into the social weirdness, the sensory chaos, the internal logic, and all the "plus ones" that tag along for the ride. this is the real tea.

for a more foundational look at the what-and-why of ASD, this helpful guide��is a solid starting point.

okay, let's get into it.

1. Socializing on Hard Mode? Nah, Just a Different OS.

one of the biggest things people associate with autism is being "socially awkward." and yeah, the vibes can be off sometimes, but it's not a deficit. it's a difference.

imagine everyone else is running on Windows and you're running on Linux. both are powerful operating systems, but they don't always run the same programs or use the same commands. that's the autistic social experience in a nutshell.

The whole nonverbal cues thing is a lot.

neurotypicals have this whole second conversation happening underneath the words. it's in the eye contact, the little smiles, the tone shifts, the way they're standing. for an autistic brain, that's like trying to watch a movie while reading the subtitles in a different language and listening to a podcast at the same time. it's just too much data.

eye contact? it can feel physically painful. like someone is staring directly into your soul. it's not about being shy or dishonest. sometimes we have to look away to actually hear what you're saying.

"Why are you so literal?" bc why would you say something you don't mean?

the neurotypical world is built on a foundation of things people don't actually mean. "let's grab coffee sometime" is a social placeholder, not a plan. "that's an interesting idea" can mean "i hate it but i'm being polite."

for us, words often mean what they mean. we take things at face value. this can lead to us being seen as blunt or even rude, when really, we're just being direct and honest. we're not trying to start drama; we're trying to communicate clearly.

check out this in-depth resource if you want to know more about the diagnostic side of things.

Friendship, but make it autistic.

we absolutely want friends and deep connections. but the way we build them is different. forget small talk. it's a painful, pointless ritual.

real connection happens over special interests. you like the deep lore of a specific fantasy series? i can talk about it for five hours straight. that's friendship. it's built on a shared passion and genuine, unfiltered enthusiasm.

this is based on a concept called monotropism: the autistic brain's tendency to have a very focused, tunnel-vision attention system. when we're into something (or someone), we are really into it.

Social Life Hacks: For Us & Our Allies

If You're an Ally: Just Say What You Mean

Be Direct, Pls: skip the sarcasm, idioms, and hints. it's a kindness. instead of "wow, the trash is really full," try "can you please take out the trash?" it removes the mental gymnastics.

Assume Good Intentions: if we seem blunt or don't make eye contact, it's not a personal attack. we're probably just being honest or trying to concentrate. assume we're doing our best.

Ask About Communication: some of us are way better over text than on the phone. asking "what's the best way to chat with you?" is a huge sign of respect for our processing needs.

If You're Autistic: Find Your People

Scripting is Valid: it's okay to have pre-planned lines for common situations (ordering food, answering the phone). it's not being fake; it's a smart way to save your precious brain energy. it's a life hack.

Lean Into Your Spinterests: your special interests are a beacon. online forums, discord servers, clubs, conventions that's where you'll find other people who get it. your people are out there.

Self-Advocacy is a Vibe: it's okay to say, "hey, i'm autistic and i need things to be a bit more direct," or "eye contact is hard for me, but i'm listening." telling people what you need is a power move.

2. The Sensory World: Why Your Brain's Volume Knob is So Weird

the autistic sensory experience is a wild ride. imagine your brain has a mixing board for all your senses, but the labels are worn off and some of the sliders are stuck at 0 or 11.

it's a constant state of extremes. this is because our brains can either over-register (hypersensitivity) or under-register (hyposensitivity) sensory input.

Hypersensitivity: When the World is at Full Volume

this is when your brain lets everything in. sounds, sights, and feelings that NTs filter out can be overwhelming, distracting, or even physically painful.

Sound: the hum of the fridge is a roaring monster. you can hear the electricity in the walls. a crowded cafe is a literal wall of painful noise.

Sight: fluorescent lights are searing torture devices. a cluttered room is visual chaos that makes your brain short-circuit. busy patterns on a carpet can make you feel dizzy.

Touch: the tag on a shirt feels like a shard of glass. a light, unexpected touch can feel like an electric shock. the texture of certain foods (looking at you, mushy bananas) is a full-body violation.

Smell: someone's perfume from across the room can be suffocating. the smell of cleaning products can give you an instant headache.

this constant sensory assault leads to sensory overload, which is the fast track to a meltdown or a shutdown. it's your brain's emergency brake.

Hyposensitivity: "Is This Thing On?"

this is the opposite. your brain isn't getting enough sensory data, so you actively seek it out. this is "sensory seeking," and it's all about getting the input your body craves.

Sound: you love loud music with deep bass. you thrive in noisy environments. you might make your own sounds (humming, singing, vocal stimming) just to feel something.

Sight: you're mesmerized by spinning objects, flashing lights, and super bright, saturated colors.

Touch: you crave deep pressure. this is why weighted blankets, tight hugs, and even crashing into things can feel so good and calming. it helps your brain know where your body is. chewing on things is also a big one.

Taste/Smell: you love extremely spicy, sour, or crunchy foods. you need that intense flavor profile to even register that you're eating.

and yes, you can be hypersensitive to some things (sound) and hyposensitive to others (touch) at the same time. it's a custom cocktail of sensory chaos.

The "Hidden" Senses are a Big Deal

it's not just the main five. two other senses are key to the autistic experience:

Proprioception (Body GPS): this is your sense of where your body is in space. if this is off, you might be clumsy, bump into everything, or not know how hard to press when you're writing.

Interoception (Internal Dashboard): this is how you read your body's internal signals. if this is wonky, you might not realize you're hungry, thirsty, or have to pee until it's an absolute emergency. it also makes it super hard to identify your own emotions. you feel something big and uncomfortable, but you can't tell if it's anger, fear, or just needing a snack.

Sensory Survival Kit: IYKYK Edition

Tame the Overload (Create Your Bubble)

Light Control is Non-Negotiable: ditch the "big light." use lamps with warm bulbs. get dimmer switches. wear sunglasses inside if you need to. no shame.

Headphones are Your Best Friend: noise-canceling headphones are not a trend; they are a medical device. loop earplugs are also a lifesaver for filtering sound without blocking it completely.

Curate Your Comfort: cut every tag out of every piece of clothing. find your brand of seamless socks and buy 20 pairs. it's okay to have a "uniform" of safe, comfortable clothes.

Build Your Sensory Go-Bag

This is your emergency kit. a small bag with your essentials: headphones, sunglasses, your favorite fidget toy, a chew necklace, a calming scent (like a lavender roller), and a safe snack (like crunchy pretzels). never leave home without it.

Let Yourself Stim: stimming (rocking, hand-flapping, pacing, fidgeting) is not weird or bad. it's a natural, healthy, and incredibly effective way to self-regulate. it's how your body deals with being over or under-stimulated. don't let anyone make you feel bad for it. organizations like the Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) are great for learning more about stimming acceptance.

3. Inside the Autistic Brain: Routines, Glitches, and Big Feels

so much of the autistic experience is internal. it's about the internal architecture that dictates how we handle the world.

Routines are Not a Quirk. They are a Lifeline.

to an outsider, our love for routine can look rigid or obsessive. but from the inside, routines are a life-saving anchor in a chaotic world.

the world is unpredictable and sensorially overwhelming. a routine creates a predictable path through the day. it means we don't have to waste our limited battery life on small decisions like what to eat for breakfast or what order to get dressed in.

that frees up cognitive energy to deal with the hard stuff, like a last-minute change of plans at work. a broken routine isn't an "inconvenience." it can throw our entire system into chaos and trigger major dysregulation.

Executive Function? My Brain's CEO is on an Unscheduled Vacation.

executive functions are the skills that let you plan, organize, start tasks, and manage your time. it's your brain's project manager. for many of us, that manager is brilliant but also perpetually overwhelmed and easily distracted.

this is executive dysfunction, and it looks like:

Task Initiation Failure (aka The Wall of Awful): you want to do the thing. you need to do the thing. but there's an invisible wall between you and the thing. it's not laziness. it's a brain glitch.

Planning is Hard: the instruction "clean your room" is meaningless. it's too big. we need it broken down into "1. pick up clothes. 2. put clothes in hamper. 3. clear off desk."

Time Blindness: we have two units of time: "now" and "not now." gauging how long something will take is a superpower we do not possess. this is why we're often late or ridiculously early.

Object Permanence (for tasks): if something isn't right in front of my face, it ceases to exist. this applies to chores, emails, and sometimes even friends.

Emotional Regulation is a Full-Time Job

we feel things. a lot. our emotions are dialed up to 11. joy is ecstatic. sadness is a deep abyss. but managing these huge feelings is a massive challenge.

Alexithymia is a thing: this is the clinical term for "i feel a very strong emotion but i have no idea what it is." it's like your internal dashboard is flashing a giant red warning light, but the label has fallen off.

Meltdowns vs. Shutdowns: this is what happens when the system overloads. it's an involuntary neurological response, not a tantrum.

Meltdown: the "fight or flight" response. it's an external explosion of distress. crying, yelling, hitting things. it's the brain's pressure valve releasing.

Shutdown: the "freeze" response. it's an internal retreat. we go quiet, nonverbal, and might seem completely zoned out. it's the brain pulling the plug to prevent further damage.

Boss Up Your Brain: Life Admin & Emotion Hacks

Get Your Executive Function in Order

Externalize Everything: your brain is for having ideas, not holding them. use sticky notes, phone alarms, visual planners, to-do list apps. get it all out of your head and into the physical world.

Embrace the Spoon Theory: this is a classic neurodivergent metaphor. you start the day with a set number of "spoons" (energy units). every task costs spoons. socialising costs a lot. a quiet day at home costs less. when you're out of spoons, you're done. it's a brilliant way to explain your energy limits. you can read the original essay at But You Don't Look Sick.

Body Doubling: can't start a task? have someone else just be in the room with you. they don't have to help. their quiet presence can be enough to get your brain over the "wall of awful."

Master Your Emotional Thermostat

Name It to Tame It: get an emotion wheel chart. when you're feeling a big, confusing feeling, look at the wheel. just finding the word for it ("oh, this is apprehension") can make it less scary.

Have an Escape Plan: know your personal signs of overload (getting hot, talking faster, hands tensing up). when you feel it starting, have a pre-planned exit strategy. "i need to go to the bathroom" is a universally accepted escape hatch.

Create a "Nest": have a designated safe space in your home. fill it with your comfort items: weighted blanket, soft lighting, headphones, a good book, your favorite stim toy. this is your charging station.

4. The "Plus Ones": When Autism Brings Friends (ADHD, Anxiety, etc.)

autism loves to roll with an entourage. it's super common to have other conditions hanging out, too. knowing about these is key to understanding your whole experience.

Anxiety & Depression: The Usual Suspects

anxiety is basically autism's best friend. i mean, if you lived in a world that was constantly too loud, confusing, and demanding, you'd be anxious too. masking (pretending to be neurotypical to fit in) is a direct cause of chronic anxiety.

depression often follows. feeling constantly misunderstood, isolated, and exhausted from the sheer effort of existing can, unsurprisingly, lead to depression.

AuDHD: The Ultimate Neurospicy Combo

ADHD and autism have a huge overlap. so many of us have both. welcome to the world of AuDHD. it's a life of contradictions.

understanding ADHD is a game-changer for many autistics, even without a formal diagnosis. resources from orgs like CHADD can be super helpful.

Tummy Troubles & Sleepy Struggles

the brain-gut connection is real. chronic GI issues (constipation, food sensitivities, stomach pain) are incredibly common for us. so are sleep problems. our brains often don't want to shut down, leading to insomnia and wonky sleep schedules.

Comparing the Vibes: Autism vs. ADHD vs. AuDHD

So, What's the Vibe Here?

the autistic lived experience isn't a tragedy. it's not a puzzle to be solved. it's a different neurotype. a different way of being human.

it's the joy of a perfectly textured food, the deep comfort of a weighted blanket, the pure bliss of infodumping about your special interest to someone who actually wants to listen. it's seeing the patterns and details that everyone else misses.

your brain isn't broken. it's autistic.

and the best thing we can do for ourselves and for each other is to stop trying to force the Linux brain to run Windows. instead, let's get curious about what it can do. let's build a world with more accessibility, more acceptance, and a lot more grace.

you are not alone in this. your experience is valid. welcome to the club.

[linuxgamenews]

Experience the New X4: Timelines DLC Storyline

X4: Timelines DLC launch expands the game with further update details across Linux and Windows PC. Thanks to the talent and skill of Egosoft's developers. Available on Steam, GOG, and Humble Store. Get ready to dive into an epic space adventure with X4: Timelines DLC. This new storyline in the X4 universe for Linux, full of scenarios that let you take on all the different aspects of X4 gameplay. As you play through these scenarios, you’ll unlock even more content within the X4: Timelines storyline. Plus, you’ll also earn rewards for your main X4 sandbox universe. Including revamped ships, new systems, points of interest, and even a new faction in the game. You’ll launch into the shoes of Harper Donel, a trader in the border territories who isn’t afraid to take risks. A chance encounter will not only shake up your immediate plans but also change your understanding of the universe and everyone in it. So get ready for a story full of intrigue and mind-blowing revelations.

X4: Timelines DLC - Story Trailer

X4: Timelines is here to take you on an unprecedented space journey. This latest addition to the X4 universe also uses fresh and exciting ways to introduce new players to the core mechanics. Long-time space adventurers are in for a treat too, with a gripping new storyline that takes place outside the usual sandbox. Brace yourself for massive challenges and unexpected dives into the rich lore and history of the X series. This expansion is your gateway to unexplored territories and untold stories. Just select ‘Timelines’ from the main menu of X4: Foundations and embark on an adventure that transcends time and space. Along the way, you’ll unlock various bonuses for your X4 sandbox universe. This isn’t just an expansion; it’s also a game-changer for this universe. Whether you’re a seasoned space explorer or new to the galaxy, this thrilling new chapter promises to captivate you with its blend of mystery, adventure, and strategic gameplay. Check out the FAQ for even more details. So, what are you waiting for? Launch into X4: Timelines and experience a whole new dimension of space exploration and storytelling. It’s time to see the X4 universe like never before. Available on Steam, GOG, and Humble Store for on Linux & Window PC. Priced at $14.99 USD / £12.49 / 14,99€.

[coelacanth-whispers]

You seem to be an expert on these matters, so please help me resolve a argument:

I'm trying to get other acolytes to appreciate "How to install Linux on a dead badger" as one of the foundational texts of Lithurgicoding and Cyber-occultism from before the Fall, but they are insistent it's just a work of satire. Am I having a stroke?

<You may be, as a symptoms of being surrounded by mind numbing stupidity. That is one of the most ancient and holy texts, any Ra loving self respecting half decent acolyte knows this.>

<I regularly apply those same principles in my day to day activities!>