Dop

Hi, I've been running linux mint for a couple years now, but I'm still a complete noob, every time I need to install an app or I need to go through a bunch of tutorial. Always found a way through though. Anyway, I'm currently running Mint 20.3 Una, and the System Reports suggest I upgrade to Mint 21 Vanessa. I would like to do so, but I have a couple questions for you: 1/ My USB ports don't work, so I can't make a backup of my system this way (and don't feel comfortable hosting a backup on the cloud since I'm currently using Proton and still have to move to another service). So I'm wondering if an upgrade is safe because I can't do a fresh install right now? 2/ Related to the first question: I'm using a old laptop (asus zenbook from 2015 or 2016, can't remember), so would I be find with an old hardware such as mine?

Cheers

That's it, I get an error message whenever I try to post or comment if I'm connected to my VPN, butnot trouble if I just get disconnected. Does not fit the idea of decentralized social media I had, but overall I'm mainly curious as to the reason why it is so.

Hi,

Trying to move group chat from telegram to a more private option, but the key feature is its web interface which is so convenient...

I've checked SimpleX, Session, Briar & Element-Matrix, but the first 3 do not have a web version and the latest only has a free version for self-hosting and I haven't looked into self-hosting yet.

I'd completely understand if what I'm looking for doesn't exist for free, but if anyone has a suggestion here, I'm interested!

Cheers

EDIT: Thank you all for your help, I guess I'll have to keep changing location, filling captcha and occasionally allow an exception. Keeping ones internet activity even remotely private requires effort, even with good tools.

Hi,

After reading time and again about how Mullvad VPN is the best VPN out there, I decided to give it a try and got myself an account & credit for a month worth of trial.

However after a couple days of use on my mobile (I also use Mullvad Browser), I'm getting bounced from many mainstream website.

Is this normal? Any settings I should adjust?

Cheers

Lemmy start by saying I don't trust telegram in termes of privacy (pun intended). But I still use it for specific purposes and I was wondering if there is a point in using a fork privacy-wise? I's assume not since it still uses telegram servers but still curious about an explanation as to why not! Cheers

More specifically, I'm thinking about forkgram, a telegram fork. I get that open source app make their code public therefore people can use it and build from it, but I thought it allowed for creating a separate app. Forkgram however still has all my chats so it must be able to connect to telegram servers and both apps must be somehow intertwined. Since telegram is only partly open sourced, I don't understand how this is possible and why telegram would allow this?

And additionnaly, isn't there a way to exploit this so we can store more stuff on PCs?

Edit: can't thank you all individually but thanks to everyone, I learnt something today, appreciate all of your replies!

Hi,

A friend wants to degoogle his phone, so I suggested the OS I'm currently using. The one we can't talk about... He wants a small/compact phone, so I suggested pixel 4a (not buying second hand though), but I'm afraid that planned obsolescence may kill the phone rather soon. What's your opinion?

Cheers and thank you for your help,