Dear Friends,
Hello, it's Carter here.
I regret to inform you of some sad news. As they say, all good things must come to an end, and so it is with our time together on these platforms. Due to the discontinuation of my accounts on proprietary IM services and the limited adoption of free software alternatives, I find myself compelled to bid farewell to each and every one of you. To fully emancipate myself from the grasp of those proprietary software giants, I have re-registered all my online accounts, effectively rendering my previous ones inactive.
You all hold a special place in my heart, filled with cherished memories. I'm hesitant to say goodbye, yet it's a necessary step. Even in my absence, I wish for your days to be filled with unending happiness and joy. If you ever feel the need to reach out, please do so on the message board; your thoughts mean a lot to me.
To minimize unnecessary costs, my mobile number (+8613936676562) has been suspended, and it can no longer be used to receive phone calls and SMS/MMS messages. For any communication, kindly drop an email to mcut17198@autistici.org, though please understand that responses might take several weeks or even months due to circumstances beyond my control.
My blog has now been closed, but a selection of articles remains accessible through the links below, continuing to contribute to the free software community.
Thank you for being a part of my journey. May your paths be illuminated with positivity and success. Goodbye, not farewell, for memories last forever.
Warmest regards,
Carter
I have resided within the epoch of a digitalized society, where information and data pervade every aspect of our lives. Furthermore, sophisticated machinery relentlessly processes this deluge of information. In contemporary times, none of us can fathom a life devoid of these digital essentials. We have basked in the unparalleled convenience that the digital society has bestowed upon us, availing ourselves of a myriad of software applications and services. We perceive these machines as being at our beck and call, serving our every need.
The majority of individuals have embraced Windows as the operating system for their computers. Its alluring graphical user interface captivates users, and its global reach continues to expand. Despite occasional glitches, it has emerged as the preeminent operating system among computer users worldwide.
When indulging in online media consumption, individuals are spoilt for choice with platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify, among others. These platforms enable us to watch videos and listen to music from the comfort of our homes, a testament to the advancements in technology.
The advent of communication tools such as Skype and WhatsApp has fostered a heightened sense of global connectedness. These platforms have rendered face-to-face conversations for every trivial matter obsolete, as nearly every task can now be accomplished from any corner of the globe, thanks to the ubiquitous presence of the Internet.
Upon encountering my maiden smartphone, my excitement and amazement knew no bounds, signifying my entrée into the realm of the digital society.
My previous foray into the digital world was with an iPhone, whose sleek interface and impeccable performance left a lasting impression. I adhered strictly to installing applications solely from the App Store, trusting it to provide a haven of safety for my device.
On my computer, I had deployed an antivirus software, which instilled a sense of security within me. I believed it to be a steadfast guardian against malware, vigilant in alerting me and facilitating the removal of any detected threats.
My photographs were kept in iCloud, where they were seamlessly synchronized, backed up, and preserved. Initially, this solution seemed both reliable and convenient.
My pursuit of entertainment on YouTube was thwarted by governmental restrictions. Undeterred, I was introduced to a proxy toolchain, and without hesitation, I installed Google Mobile Services on my phone, eager to bypass these barriers.
My insatiable curiosity for novelty led me to experiment with various GNU/Linux distributions on my computer—Deepin, Ubuntu, Debian, and Linux Mint. Each one, with its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, amazed me in its own right.
In an attempt to harness my creativity, I sought out the cracked versions of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, and Adobe Illustrator. I believed that these tools were essential for my artistic endeavors. Additionally, I engaged in a playful competition with a classmate on WeChat, striving to outpace them in step count by constantly clutching my phone and wandering hither and thither.
My fascination with Minecraft extended beyond the game’s boundaries, as I embraced the role of Steve. In this virtual world, I indulged in the joy of building, creating, and surviving, each task offering its own unique thrill.
During my Minecraft adventures, I found myself had a crush on a girl who shared my passion for the game. We spent countless hours together, exploring the same server hosted by a cloud service provider. However, our peaceful coexistence was disrupted when another player maliciously destroyed her carefully constructed structures and ruined her hanging decorations. In response, I made a solemn stand, confronting the perpetrator and standing by her side, determined to protect our friendship and our right to enjoy the game without fear of disruption.
As I ventured further into the digital realm, I found myself gravitating towards foreign services and software, seeking privacy and a different user experience. WhatsApp, Skype, and Spotify captured my attention, with Spotify particularly piquing my curiosity. I believed that it offered a superior alternative to QQ Music, but acquiring an account proved to be a daunting challenge. Despite the difficulties, I persevered, even seeking the assistance of my friends in my quest to access this elusive platform.
I had perceived myself to be indulging in the allure of the digital realm, yet the world proved to be a far cry from the utopia I had envisioned. It harbored impediments, treacherous pitfalls, and perilous domains.
As I navigated through my iPhone’s sleek interface, marveling at its impeccable functionality, I was oblivious to the clandestine transmission of my personal data to Apple Inc. for questionable purposes. Apple’s professed commitment to safeguarding its clientele’s privacy rings hollow, akin to a cynical jest. Furthermore, iPhones embody a tyrannical nature, allowing no alternative operating system besides the restrictive iOS.
My innocence in uploading photographs to iCloud unknowingly relinquished my privacy, effectively entrusting the narrative of my life to a nefarious entity, as Apple stands among the most controversial proprietary software titans globally. The company relentlessly churns out spyware and engages in covert surveillance of its users, unabashedly violating trust.
Initially, my intention was to merely process textual content, leading me to encounter the costly Microsoft Office. Disheartened, I resorted to WPS Office, only to be confronted with advertisements that hindered my computer’s performance. At that juncture, my awareness of LibreOffice was nonexistent.
Subsequent to installing an antivirus program on my computer, it paradoxically became inundated with advertisements and bundled software, eroding my confidence in security and privacy. The realization dawned that no proprietary software could adequately safeguard these concerns. My attempts to purge my system of malware proved futile, as I was oblivious to the fact that the primary culprit lay within Windows itself.
Windows Updates, a seemingly innocuous feature, emerged as a chronic time-waster, hindering even the most critical tasks. However, the true extent of its insidiousness became apparent as these updates facilitated the infiltration of malware and spyware into the proprietary operating system, effectively regressing its functionality.
Embracing Google Mobile Services initially promised a seamless experience with Google and YouTube. Yet, unbeknownst to me, I had unwittingly invited a monstrous entity into my phone. This proprietary contaminant, akin to a noxious pollutant, sullied my device, much like a single grain of verminous matter can spoil an entire pot of porridge.
Upon installing GNU/Linux, I overlooked the significant contributions of the GNU project, failing to grasp the profound philosophy that underpins the GNU/Linux ecosystem. My ignorance led me to dismiss Debian sarcastically due to its incompatibility with certain proprietary software, a decision rooted in a lack of understanding. Richard Stallman, the visionary behind the Free Software Movement and the inception of the GNU project, had his principles misconstrued with the advent of non-free distributions.
My pursuit of cracked Adobe software reflected a naivety and shortsightedness, until I discovered GIMP, Kdenlive, and Inkscape – tools that embody the principles of both freedom and zero cost. Yet, I persisted in my allegiance to Adobe’s proprietary offerings, heedless of the alternatives.
Ignorantly, I surrendered my travel itineraries to the monstrous claws of proprietary software development through the innocuous act of competing step counts on WeChat. Furthermore, by uploading my health and fitness data, I unwittingly subjected myself to a pervasive form of surveillance, becoming a cog in the machinery of universal monitoring.
I erroneously assumed that I was savoring the experience of Minecraft with my heart’s companion, unaware that it was more than just Service as a Software Substitute. Little did I know that the server software was proprietary, inadvertently transforming us all into puppets manipulated by the monsters of the digital realm. It dawned on me that proprietary software, by its very design, cannot foster genuine connections or facilitate the enjoyment that stems from unfettered interaction.
My youthful naivety prevented me from recognizing that only free software could grant me the privacy, freedom, and control I sought. Irrespective of its origin, be it within China’s borders or beyond, proprietary software consistently fails to respect my privacy.
My enthusiasm for Spotify was once unbridled, yet I was oblivious to the deleterious effects of Digital Restrictions Management (DRM). Spotify, in its imposing guise, imposed DRM upon its users, simultaneously trampling on software freedom and cultural liberties. In comparison, even QQ Music, which does not employ end-to-end DRM, appears more benign.
I had previously vented my frustrations over the unauthorized sharing of my chat records, yet I had never once protested, nor had I fully comprehended, the devastating consequences of proprietary instant messaging services on privacy. These platforms, through their ubiquitous presence, expose users to the scrutiny of both governments and corporations, eroding privacy at every turn. It was only later that I came to comprehend the paramount importance of free, end-to-end encrypted communication tools that truly cherish and safeguard my privacy.
I formerly lamented the inadequacy of my erstwhile computer, devoid of TPM 2.0, which rendered it incompatible with the recent Windows 11 iteration. Nevertheless, Windows 11 stands as a testament to duplicity, as it fails to alter the historical trajectory of Microsoft’s encroachment upon software liberty. Rather, it arrives cloaked in the latest nefarious functionalities and technologies, perpetuating an unjust hegemony within the digital realm. The incorporation of TPM serves as a conduit for an even more oppressive implementation of DRM, fettering users’ access to their own digital assets.
Furthermore, Microsoft is zealously orchestrating the premature demise of myriad devices, still robust and dependable, by directing them towards the recycling bin or, lamentably, the landfill. These relics, despite their continued functionality and safety, are being victimized by the profit-driven agenda of corporations that leverage proprietary software as a bludgeon to expedite their obsolescence. The outcome of this orchestrated decline is the deliberate slowing or outright incapacitation of these devices, thereby compelling consumers to relinquish their hard-earned money in exchange for the latest offerings from these same companies.
After delving into the articles penned by the Free Software Foundation, I attained a stark realization: I had been dwelling within the confines of a digital prison, with proprietary software developers constituting both the ceiling and the floor, and their creations serving as the impenetrable fences.
The thought of remaining imprisoned and subjected to exploitation was intolerable. I aspired to break free from this digital cage and embrace software freedom as my salvation.
Commencing with modest steps, I embarked on a gradual transformation, systematically replacing the digital constructs that constrained my autonomy with replacements that upheld the values of freedom. One by one, I dismantled the barriers erected by proprietary software, substituting them with solutions that respected my right to choose and innovate.
As I progressed, I found myself increasingly enamored with the elegance and beauty of free software, its charm resonating deeply within me as I discovered a realm where collaboration, creativity, and individual liberty flourished unhindered.
Upon transitioning from a nefarious Windows operating system to a libre and gratis replacement, a profound sense of liberation and rejuvenation coursed through my being. This realm was devoid of intrusive advertisements, vexatious pop-up notifications, and the perpetual Windows Update cycle. GNU/Linux bestowed upon me the autonomy and mastery over my computing endeavors.
In my pursuit of image manipulation, I encountered GIMP, a formidable tool that, while paralleling the prowess of Photoshop, eschews the shackles of spyware and proprietary malware. Furthermore, the amalgamation of Kdenlive, Audacity, and Inkscape ignited within me a passion for graphic design and multimedia crafting.
Having exchanged my proprietary Huawei device, burdened with EMUI, for a OnePlus smartphone adorned with LineageOS, I experienced an unparalleled sense of orderliness and sophistication in my mobile interactions. F-Droid, with its vast repository of libre applications, empowered me to embrace a more liberated digital existence, fostering a realm of free software that enriches my daily life.
The necessity for antivirus software has vanished, as my trust in solely utilizing verified, free programs ensures that my computer remains inviolable to viral incursions. The robust system permission management framework inherent to GNU/Linux underscores its inherent security and reliability, freeing up my system resources for pursuits that truly resonate with me.
I harness the capabilities of Syncthing to seamlessly synchronize my daily essentials across various devices, circumventing the necessity of a central server and granting me unparalleled autonomy. The realm of free software adheres to my privacy sanctity, eschewing any form of prying into my quotidian activities. Hence, I repose my unwavering trust in the software residing on my devices, allowing them to synchronize my data across platforms without the specter of surveillance looming overhead.
I have attained a profound understanding of the core ethos underlying GNU/Linux, and I proudly advocate against proprietary software development, striving for the preservation of our liberties. Consequently, I have embraced exclusively free software GNU/Linux distributions, opting for those that are either fully liberated or offer such an option, such as Trisquel GNU/Linux and Debian GNU/Linux. Furthermore, I make conscious choices in acquiring hardware that supports a free BIOS, integrating it seamlessly into my daily endeavors.
While I continue to utilize a step counter to monitor my fitness progress, I steadfastly refrain from uploading this data to any proprietary network service. I am resolute in maintaining control over my health and wellness journey, eschewing the shackles of tracking and surveillance that often accompany such services.
I stumbled upon KDE software, a veritable digital trove of excellence. The myriad of applications crafted by KDE embody the essence of freedom, with a significant portion of them not only being free but also exceptionally well-regarded and widely adored. This discovery prompted me to substitute numerous proprietary software with KDE’s offerings, thereby enriching my digital existence through the embrace of free software.
In the realm of gaming, I abandoned the proprietary game Minecraft and embraced the free replacement, Minetest. Additionally, I installed SuperTuxKart, another esteemed free game, onto my computer. Despite the absence of immediate companions to share these experiences with, the mere act of playing these games was imbued with joy, stemming from the profound satisfaction of software freedom.
I indulge in the melodies of free culture songs sourced from the realms of Libre.fm and Jamendo, as well as the visual narratives of PeerTube’s unfettered videos. For a broader spectrum of popular videos and songs, I navigate the vast expanse of YouTube through the lens of a libre software client, ensuring my access remains unencumbered. My adherence to free formats such as Vorbis, FLAC, Theora, and WebM, devoid of any Digital Restrictions Management, underscores my commitment to the realm of cultural and artistic expression, where liberty and freedom are not merely ideals but integral components of the creative process. Thus, I have wholeheartedly embraced this ethos, allowing it to permeate every facet of my engagement with the world of art and culture.
I cherish my connections with friends and closest confidants through the avenues of free software instant messaging and social services. On Mastodon, we stay abreast of each other’s updates, while Matrix serves as a secure conduit for our unwavering connectivity. The encryption inherent in free software ensures the privacy of our camaraderie, while its verification mechanisms uphold the authenticity and genuineness of our bonds.
Now, I possess a computer fortified with TPM 2.0 technology, yet I have eschewed Windows 11, its proprietary nature being a point of contention. Instead, I have installed a libre operating system, ensuring that this security chip serves as a bastion of protection for me, rather than bolstering the interests of proprietary software developers.
Furthermore, I find continued utility in my vintage ThinkPad X200 and OnePlus 6, devices that would likely be deemed obsolete by the standards of proprietary software developers. However, from the vantage point of libre software, these machines remain stalwart and dependable. The ThinkPad X200, with its compatibility for a free BIOS, grants me an even greater degree of autonomy, while the OnePlus 6, despite its age, continues to perform admirably under the stewardship of postmarketOS. In this manner, I defy the notion of planned obsolescence, embracing the longevity and versatility of libre software solutions.
In my foray into the expansive realm of libre software, I garnered an abundance of insights and achievements far surpassing my initial expectations. My computer has transcended its former lethargy, now thriving with robustness and vitality, adeptly tackling the majority of my daily endeavors, even those of considerable complexity. My intelligent devices have been liberated from the confines of proprietary software’s unethical agendas, now fully dedicated to serving me, the end-user.
By embracing free software, I have liberated myself from the nefarious machinations of proprietary platforms. My digital realm is now devoid of surveillance and censorship, with the shackles of restrictive practices permanently cast aside. I cherish the privacy and tranquility that now reside within my heart.
I now revel in the freedom that free software offers, a precious gift I have acquired through my transition. Yet, the journey ahead remains lengthy; many still grapple with the constraints of proprietary software, and gaps in its replacement persist. It behooves me to continually refine my abilities, actively participate in the Free Software Movement, and strive towards a more liberated digital society for all.
Abandon all recollections of the past. Forge ahead with a clear mind. Initiate my journey and persevere with unwavering determination.
On my way to software freedom.