Decoupling

As I have stated before, I am working on the process of decoupling from the monster. I am trying not to be stupid about it, but instead I am trying to have a backup system/methodology for my bad habit of needing to read/write something each day.

So I spent a bit of time recently trying to figure out what the monster provides me and if/how I can change habits to minimize contact with the monster.

Communication in today's monster is what needs addressing the most. I can send e-mails to friends and post here easily when I have my always-on internet link. But the always-on part is one thing that I fret about. I have set up firewalls and use an operating system (Linux Mint) that seems to be only minimally beholden to the vagaries of corporate intrusion into my "stuff".

That was the preamble to the discussion. The simple idea is that having an always-on internet connection is just like having the door open to what is on your computer. Simply put, this simple fact is was has been concerning me lately. I wrote earlier that I was trying to figure out how to minimize my contact with the monster and I strongly believe that the simple need of turning the connection to the monster to the "off" position is the simplest and best option.

So first suggestion is to look at your interface device. If you are on your cell phone to access the monster, you can rest assured that you have maximized corporate snooping. I won't even begin to discuss that particular part of the problem right now.

If you are on a computer, then I would recommend strongly that you wander out and buy an old laptop and begin the process of building a system that can increase the difficulty of corporate scum looking in on you.

My first suggestion is that you look for a small laptop. Stay away from a Chromebook, those are the belly of the beast. I think that a five to ten year old dell or lenovo would work just dandy and they are cheap. Here in Portland, we have a place (FreeGeek)that sells used/donated laptops kitted out with a current copy of Linux.

Start there. I will try to write another post next Friday continuing my rambling.