Scott Tansowny

My name is Scott Tansowny. I started tansowny.tech and have been using Linux and computers in general most of my life. I am passionate about open-source technology and use open-source operating systems exclusively on all of my tech.

Choosing a Linux Distro: Mobile Edition

Tired of being locked into the Google and Apple duopoly? Looking for more privacy, control, and freedom from Big Tech on your mobile device? Linux-based mobile distributions offer compelling alternatives that put you back in control of your phone or tablet. Unlike traditional desktop Linux distributions, mobile Linux distros face unique challenges around hardware compatibility, app ecosystems, and battery optimization. They do, however, offer a level of customization and privacy you can’t get from proprietary operating systems and help empower you to breathe new life into older devices.

Choosing a Linux Distro: Which Distro?

Updated September 1, 2025

So, you have decided to install Linux on your desktop computer, laptop, or server and need to choose a distribution or “distro”. Or maybe you’re already a Linux user and are just looking to try out something new. Either way, with hundreds of different Linux distros available, the choice can be daunting, as each one offers its own unique set of advantages and trade-offs.

Choosing a Linux Distro: Community-Based or Corporate-Backed?

When choosing what Linux Distribution to use, a key factor can be who is developing the distro and for what purpose. Basically, this boils down to community-based distributions such as Arch Linux and Debian and corporate-backed distributions such as Ubuntu or Fedora. There are some key differences between the two types that I will discuss here which may impact which type of distro you choose.

Choosing a Linux Distro: Rolling or Fixed?

Linux distributions are constantly updating their software and packages to new versions and there are two main ways that a distribution can do this, a fixed release model and a rolling release model. So, what are the differences, and which one is right for you?

Choosing a Linux Distro: Which Desktop Environment?

Updated August 25, 2025

The look, feel, and features of your Linux distribution are greatly impacted by the desktop environment or DE that it uses. A desktop environment is basically a selection of packages that work together to give you a full, cohesive experience. Some distributions focus on a particular DE while others make using any of them easy. To help with the decision of which DE to use I will briefly describe my top picks and some pros and cons of each.

Tracking Cookies: What Are They and Should You Be Concerned?

You may have come across the term internet cookies or tracking cookies especially with a recent focus on online privacy, online security, and concerns with being tracked. Well what are cookies?

Multi-Factor Authentication: What Is It and Do You Need It?

You may have come across the term multi-factor authentication with the continued coverage of cyberattacks on individuals and businesses. Losing access to an important account such as your email account or banking site can be a terrible and costly experience but possibly the easiest way to prevent this is using multi-factor authentication.