The Old Grey Techie - For Tips, Tricks & Techniques For Techies Of All Ages And Abilities

In the world of operating systems, Linux often emerges as a point of discussion, especially among tech enthusiasts and professionals.  While Windows dominates the consumer market, Linux has carved out a significant niche for itself, particularly in servers, embedded systems, and increasingly, on personal computers.  This article aims to explain what Linux is and explore why many consider it a superior choice compared to Windows.

Microsoft software dominates the business and personal computing landscapes. From operating systems and productivity suites to development tools and email clients, Microsoft offers a comprehensive suite of applications that many rely on daily.  However, the rising popularity of open source software provides a viable alternative that can potentially replace all Microsoft products.  For those considering this transition, the process might be easier than you think.  This article explores how you can replace Microsoft software with open source alternatives and the benefits of making the switch.

The Shocking Discovery In early January 2025, digital privacy researcher Dr. Günes Acar of Radboud University in the Netherlands noticed something suspicious. While browsing his university’s site on a desktop, he detected a hidden channel connecting back to his Android device. The culprit? A script embedded in the site via the ubiquitous “Meta Pixel.” What he uncovered next was jaw-dropping: the Pixel wasn’t just reporting browsing data to Meta’s servers—it was quietly looping that data back into Android apps, namely Instagram and Facebook. These apps were reading the browsing history of users—even when browsing in Incognito mode or behind a VPN—without user knowledge or consent . This method exploited a subtle but powerful loophole in Android’s architecture, enabling web and app communication by rerouting Pixel calls through local network ports on users’ devices. Essentially, when you clicked a link in any browser, that browsing event was secretly matched to your logged‑in app ...

In today's hyper-connected world, our smartphones are extensions of ourselves. We use them to navigate, communicate, shop, bank, and entertain ourselves.  But behind the sleek interfaces and convenient functionality, a silent, pervasive data collection process is constantly at work, conducted by something called app trackers.  These trackers, often hidden within the apps we use daily, collect vast amounts of information about our behaviour, preferences, and even our personal lives. Understanding what app trackers are, how they operate, and the potential risks they pose is crucial for anyone who values their privacy and security.  It's time to pull back the curtain and take a closer look at the apps residing on your smartphone and the trackers lurking within.

One of the latest trends is the use of friend and family locator apps, designed to help us keep track of our loved ones’ locations in real-time.  These apps, such as Life360, Find My Friends, and Google Maps’ location sharing feature, promise peace of mind and enhanced safety.  However, alongside their benefits come significant risks and dangers that users need to be aware of.  This article explores these potential pitfalls and offers guidance on how to use these apps responsibly.

When it comes to spreadsheet software, Microsoft Excel is often seen as the gold standard.  However, LibreOffice Calc, a free and open-source alternative, has been gaining popularity among users who seek powerful functionality without the hefty price tag.  While Excel has its strengths,  LibreOffice  Calc offers numerous advantages that make it a compelling choice for many.  In this article, I’ll explore the top 10 reasons why  LibreOffice  Calc might just be better than Microsoft Excel.

In the world of smartphones, there's a constant battle between high-end devices like the iPhone and more affordable alternatives like the Moto G04.  It's a debate that often leaves consumers wondering if the extra money they spend on flagship phones like the iPhone is truly worth it.  While there's no denying that premium devices come with certain advantages, when you break down the features, performance, and overall value, a phone like the Moto G04 may very well be the smarter choice for many users. In this blog post, I'll explore why a phone like the Moto G04 could beat more expensive phones like the iPhone, focusing on key factors like cost-effectiveness, performance, usability, and longevity.

In recent years, the UK telecom industry has witnessed a significant consolidation of power, with BT’s acquisition of EE being one of the most notable moves in the sector. However, this merger, which was supposed to bring efficiencies and better services to customers, has had the opposite effect.  Complaints against EE have surged since the integration with BT, leaving many customers frustrated and disillusioned. But, as we’ll explore in this blog post, this surge in complaints is not all that surprising when considering the broader context of corporate mergers, customer service issues, and the natural growing pains of integration.

In today’s digital world, your smartphone knows more about you than your best friend does. From the apps you use to the locations you visit, the amount of personal data being collected is staggering.  Android, being the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, is a primary target for data tracking and surveillance.  If you're concerned about how your data is being handled, you're not alone — and thankfully, you're not powerless either. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ultimate method to protect your privacy on Android devices. Specifically, we’ll explore how to block app trackers using DuckDuckGo App Tracking Protection and enhance your browsing privacy with the Opera browser’s built-in VPN. These tools, when used in tandem, create a formidable shield against most digital snooping.

We live in a world where smartphones are an extension of ourselves.  From social media to banking, navigation to shopping, our phones hold a vast amount of personal information.  But while we may feel in control of the apps we download, there’s a hidden layer most of us overlook - app trackers.  These silent intruders monitor our behaviour, collecting data, often without us realising. Are you still happy with your apps now?

Managing passwords securely has become more critical than ever.  With the increasing number of online accounts, each requiring unique and complex passwords, it's easy to fall into the trap of using weak, repetitive passwords. This not only compromises the security of individual accounts but also puts your entire digital identity at risk.  Enter KeePass , a powerful, open-source password manager that stands out in the crowded field of password management tools. If you're not using KeePass for your password management, you really should be!