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Ubuntu 24.04 LTS - (Noble Numbat) is supported for a very long time, until 2029, but I thought that screen sharing via Gnome remote desktop (GRD) was broken in Gnome 46.x which is provided by Ubuntu in 24.04 LTS.
So I decided an upgrade was required for remote access to work. But on reflection its not so simple. GRD in Ubuntu is provided with Microsoft Remote Dektop Protocol (RDP) support and without Virtual network computing (VNC) support. I chiefly use macOS and would rather use Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) which supports VNC not RDP. RDP works fine with Remmina, the Ubuntu provided RDP client, but not so far for me with the Windows App for macOS, or Remote Desktop Connection for Windows 11. I briefly considered a VNC server like its the millenium again, but VNC doesn't play well with Wayland so that doesn't really seem to be the answer. Neither is a third party tool like RustDesk. It want it vanilla and provided by the operating system vendor.
TL:DR – Ubuntu 25.04 has a LOT of new features so the time seems right to give it a try. Upgrade observations and instructions follow. Gnome Remote Desktop continues to be a voyage of discovery to get working the way I want it.
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Read more: Upgrading to Ubuntu 25.04 and Troubleshooting Gnome Remote Desktop
In recent years, the popularity of refurbished technology has surged, particularly for Apple devices. The 2021 MacBook Pro stands out as an exceptional choice for both professionals and casual users seeking a powerful laptop at a competitive price point. With refurbished units offering substantial savings, accessing the benefits of cutting-edge technology has never been more attainable. This article evaluates the specifications, benefits, and purchasing options for refurbished 2021 MacBook Pro models, showcasing how these devices can meet even the most demanding user needs.
TL:DR – The 2021 MacBook Pro is a robust and reliable option with advanced features, available through refurbished avenues that offer quality assurance and financial flexibility. This guide discusses the refurbishment process, models available, and considerations when selecting a unit, ultimately encouraging readers to explore these refurbished offerings to meet their computing needs.
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Read more: 2021 Apple MacBook Pro M1 - the Best Choice Refurbished Mac
Apple's MacBook Pro range is the benchmark for performance in both creative and professional workloads. This article provides a thorough comparison of the M1 Max, M2 Max, M3 Max, and M4 Max processors found in Apple's 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models since October 2021. The Max moniker denotes the most powerfully equipped MacBook Pro that can be found, so this isn't about lower end bargain MacBooks, instead the focus of this article is on differences in performance, specifications, features, pricing, and suitability for various user needs of these top-end MacBook Pro computers.
TL;DR – The newly released M4 Max outshines its predecessors—the M1 Max, M2 Max, and M3 Max—in multiple performance aspects, including CPU and GPU power, SSD speeds, sustainability credentials and application efficiency, though it comes at a much higher price than a user or refurbished model. Users looking for peak performance and newer features without budget constraints should go for the M4 Max, while those on a budget can still find excellent value in the refurbushed market for M3, M2 or M1 Max models. The M1 Max is particularly noteworthy, delivering much of the compute power and most of the features that current new model has, at a fraction of the price, with software updates guaranteed for years to come! My pick would be a 14-inch M1 Max (MacBookPro18,4) or M2 Max (Mac14,5), maxed out as much as my budget and reputable refurbished availability allows!
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Read more: Deeply Comparing the 2021 MacBook Pro M1 M2 M3 and M4 Max
The cheap and sometimes nasty routers provided for home networking by cable providers frequently make for configuration challenges for external access to internal services on computers in the home. Sometimes, the service providers block any advanced functionality altogether. This poor appoach doubtless leading to users opting for better providers. Enter the Virgin Media Hub 5 for people in the UK. This device has some benefits compared to previous versions. Virgin supports port forwarding on the Hub 5, which is needed to poke a hole through the router to a device on the local network to allow it to be accessed from the Internet, so lets look at the technical aspects. This short article goes into TCP port forwarding, the implications of modem mode, potential security risks, and practical troubleshooting measures. Additionally, you will be able to see what a successful port forwarding configuration looks like
TL:DR – Virgin Media has historically posed challenges for users attempting to set up port forwarding. Limitations in accessing certain ports, potential issues related to modem modes, and varied user experiences all made for problematic operations, and sometimes a stern sounding letter in the physical post from Virgin Media reminding the account holder of the scarieness of the open ports on home systems and the importance of meticulous configuration. Understanding of the complexities of IP networking and effective troubleshooting measures are important prerequisites to navigate these complexities.
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Read more: How set up Port Forwarding or a DMZ with a Virgin Media Hub 5
Secure Shell (SSH) keys provide a method of authenticating connections to various services which is particularly useful with virtual servers like Amazon EC2 instances where it is often the best or only way to connect to the server in the AWS console. This guide details the process of creating and adding an SSH key from a local computer with Ubuntu Linux to the authorized_keys file of an AWS EC2 instance. It covers the creation of SSH key pairs, the procedure to access the instance and update the authorized_keys file, and considerations to ensure the continued accessibility of the instance.
TL:DR – The process of adding or replacing an SSH key on an AWS EC2 instance allows secure access management for different users. This includes generating a new SSH key, connecting to the instance via SSH, updating the authorized_keys file, and testing the connection. Regularly updating SSH keys is good practice to maintain security, especially in collaborative environments. Additionally, proper management of the authorized_keys file is crucial to prevent accidental lockouts.
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Read more: How to create and add SSH Keys to AWS EC2 Authorized Keys
Ammazon Coins are no longer available for purchase as of February 20, 2025. You'll need to use any unused Amazon Coins in your account before August 20, 2025. After August 20, 2025, Coins can no longer be used in the Amazon Appstore, and any Coins you have purchased that remain in your account after August 20, 2025 will be refunded.
TL:DR – The deprecation or sunset of the Amazon Coins product means you need to act now to use any you may have accumulated.
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Read more: Grab some useful apps with Amazon Coins before they expire!
While initially appearing to be a minor configuration change, integrating Microsoft Remote Desktop Dervices (RDS) licensing via AWS Licence Manager with Windows Server in an Amazon EC2 environment with AWS Managed AD necessarily requires a quite complex Windows Server and AWS setup.
It demands precise configuration across both AWS services and Windows Server environments. A pre-requisite for attemting this is a deep understanding of the points at which these services from different vendors intersect. Proper configuration of AWS License Manager and adjustments in EC2 at the instance level and within AWS Managed Active Directory are critical to success. The end result is a robust and properly licensed installation of Remote Desktop Services for your Windows Servers which supports Microsoft Remote Desktop access, conveniently billed through AWS billing.
TL:DR – This is, I would say, moderately to very difficult. You'll need all the credentials for Windows and AWS. And patience. It took me quite a while, several days to make it work, and to document and test it for a client. Note: All the screenshots here are from my own AWS environment and the values are dummy values.
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Read more: Microsoft RDS via AWS License Manager in EC2 with Managed AD
- Why You Should Switch from MS Authenticator to Authy Today
- FileCloud in AWS
- Final Days of the Amazon Appstore for Android
- Automate SSL/TLS Renewals with AWS Certificate Manager
- Top red flags in phishing emails that you should never ignore
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- How to get Google Developer Badges on your developer profile
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- Updates to Standard Google Developer Program Membership
- Last Intel based Mac mini reaches Apple vintage support stage
- The absurd Complexity of Roaming Profiles v OneDrive Folders
- Step-by-Step AWS account setup with free tier access