Multizone | All our technotes
If we've published it, you can find it here.
When working with a large number of files, renaming them to lowercase can be tedious. A quick and effective method is to use the following zip and unzip commands:
zip -r foo.zip foo/* unzip -LL foo.zip
TL:DR – This approach creates a compressed archive of the directory and extracts it while converting all filenames to lowercase.
- Details
The Lenovo ThinkPad P15, powered by the Intel Core i7-10750H, emerged as a formidable option for professionals requiring a robust workstation. Superceded now by the P16 it is a refurb bargain. It manages to combine superior performance with remarkable durability and industry-grade features, making it stand out in a crowded marketplace. That may be no surprise to ThinkPad fans, and I had some of the first ever models so I speak from experience that the durability is legendary. This article delves into its specifications, design elements, performance metrics, and pricing strategies that appeal to budget-conscious power users.
TL:DR – The Lenovo ThinkPad P15 is an exceptional choice for those needing a reliable and powerful workstation. Its Intel i7-10750H CPU ensures rapid processing, while its rugged construction means it can withstand tough handling. With a variety of features tailored for productivity, it offers excellent value for its price point.
- Details
Read more: ThinkPad P15 i7 A blend of durability & performance
As we enter 2025, you might be wondering whether the iPhone 12 Mini remains a viable smartphone option. This article dives into its features, pricing, and performance compared to newer models, ensuring you have all you need to make an informed decision. The iPhone 12 Mini may still hold considerable value, as Apple don't make Mini phones anymore and is designed especially for those seeking a compact phone. Now its been discontinued you can find one without a hefty price tag. Read on as we compare the latest models, analyse performance, battery life, camera quality, and determine whether it's still a smart buy.
TL:DR – The iPhone 12 Mini is worth considering for those seeking an affordable and compact smartphone. Its powerful performance, current iOS software support, and decent camera capabilities make it a solid option for users who don’t require the latest USB-C connector and are looking for a smaller form factor. However, if you desire cutting-edge features, or to banish the lightning connector it might be worth investing in a newer model.
- Details
Read more: Reasons Why the iPhone 12 Mini is Still Worth Buying This Year
Microsoft announced (Jan 2025) that Copilot is now included in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family. This remarkable AI-driven productivity tool seamlessly integrates into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, bringing an array of features that significantly enhance productivity. In this article, we will explore various aspects of Copilot+, including its intelligent assistance capabilities, how it enhances user experience across different applications, and the various plans available to suit different needs. Whether you're a casual user, a business professional, or a developer, there’s something for everyone.
TL:DR – Microsoft 365 Copilot serves as more than just an assistant; it revolutionises the way we interact with work tools. Are you curious about how Copilot streamlines your workflows and makes tasks more manageable? Read on to discover how this innovative feature can benefit your everyday operations, and note that some plans are free.
- Details
Read more: Copilot is now included in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family
Google are clearly ambitious and bold on AI. In their Responsible AI 2024 report Google makes a striking admission, that "Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is coming into sharper focus". This isn’t just a vague nod to progress in AI research; it signals a fundamental shift in how we should think about the future of artificial intelligence. AGI is an important acronym to learn. The most famous fictional AGI is Skynet, the self-aware AI which is the main antagonist of the Terminator film and TV franchise. So if Google is getting closer to AGI we better be sure that there are guardrails in place. We know how those particular movies end!
TL:DR – While dystopian narratives tend to exaggerate the risks, I do feel like we are looking at a worrying future. The harsh reality seems to me to be that guardrails are not in place, and if we have learned anything at all from the last two decades exponential use of mobile devices and social media and the way it has transformed our society, we have learned that disruptive technologies almost always outpace our ability to govern them effectively.
- Details
Google maps in Android Auto took a bit of a beating for cluttering up the display online recently. It doesn't have to!
TL:DR – The search bar has a convenient ability to show directions history, but you can just tap arrow up to declutter your display. You're welcome.
- Details
Read more: Android Auto Maps really doesn't clutter the screen
Affordable, Reliable, and Feature-Rich Roku streaming players have established themselves for yers as a proven solution for hassle-free entertainment. Designed to be cheap yet highly capable, these devices offer a seamless streaming experience without unnecessary complexity. With a straightforward setup process and an intuitive interface, they provide easy access to a vast array of content.
Equipped with HDMI® connectivity, Roku devices ensure high-definition playback on any modern television. Their performance is consistently fast, reducing buffering times and delivering smooth video playback. The platform supports major streaming services, including Netflix, iPlayer, Channel 4, Amazon Prime, Disney, and Apple TV+, offering a comprehensive selection of films, series, and live programming. For added convenience, several models feature voice control, allowing users to search for content, adjust settings, or launch apps with minimal effort. This hands-free functionality enhances usability, making it an ideal choice for households seeking a streamlined experience. Roku’s reputation is built on reliability—it just works. With robust hardware and an intuitive user interface, it remains a top choice for those wanting a cost-effective yet feature-rich streaming device that consistently delivers high-quality entertainment.
TL:DR – I've been using Roku streaming devices to transform my oldest non-smart TV's into modern devices for over ten years and even my oldest Roku 3 devices are still getting software updates after all this time. The Roku app adds a second remote via your phone and you can search right from there and cast videos, music, and photos to your TV. Highly recommended.
- Details
Read more: Roku® streaming players give a new lease of life to older TV's
- Preventing MacBook Power On when opening the lid
- Finding the Best Copilot+ PC Deals on a Budget
- To Copilot+ PC or not to Copilot+ PC, that is the question
- Behind the curtain is AI just Smoke and mirrors?
- Windows 11 24H2 update - theres a lot to unpack
- A password manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux - KeePassXC
- Keeping macOS Up to Date
- Boosting your marketing in 2025 with a calendar
- Technology strategy for 2025 driving innovation and growth
- Don't give third parties your iPhone location
- Hardening Macs - Security policy for macOS Sequoia
- Lossless DVD and Blu-Ray burning with makemkv