Configuring Bluetooth in Linux
[Tue Jan 18 12:08:01 CST 2022]

I recently bought an Avantree aptx headphone, which works both in a wired and wireless (via Bluetooth). So, since my Linux laptop has Bluetooth enabled in the BIOS, I decided to configure it from the command line. I found these directions explaining how to use the commands hcitool and bluetoothctl to do it. But, although scanning for the devices would find the headphones, I was subsequently unable to trust/pair it. Next, I checked the ArchLinux Wiki page on Bluetooth, and installed a GUI tool (Blueman), then followed these other directions. I was now able to pair the device, but the quality of the sound is so bad that I preferred to go back to wired mode. I don't know if it's an issue with Linux or Bluetooth, but the fact is that using Bluetooth devices on Linux remains a total pain. {link to this entry}

Tests of browser privacy
[Mon Jan 10 14:54:57 CST 2022]

I recently came across a very useful website showing public tests of web browser privacy. The table shows the main browsers, as far as I can see. It looks as if the Tor browser is the best. No surprises there. After that, we have the Brave browser and LibreWolf (I had not heard about this one). It also looks as if Firefox is a very distant fourth browser on the list, although I assume that running it with relevant extensions (as I do) would make a big difference. {link to this entry}