Software Archives - tektoc

How to Install Linux Mint on an External SSD — Without Touching Windows

Graeme — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:31:52 +0000

If you’ve been curious about Linux but weren’t ready to commit to replacing Windows, this tutorial is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. In this video, I walk you through how to install Linux Mint on an external SSD — giving you a fully working Linux system that lives on a portable drive you can plug in whenever you want, while your Windows installation stays completely untouched.

This method is a fantastic alternative to traditional dual-booting, and it’s one of the safest ways for beginners to explore Linux without the risk of losing files or accidentally overwriting Windows.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, you’ll want to have three things on hand: an external SSD (much better than a standard USB flash drive for speed and reliability), a smaller USB thumb drive of at least 8GB to use as the Linux installer, and a Windows PC.

You’ll also need to take a couple of preparatory steps in your computer’s BIOS settings. Specifically, you’ll want to disable Fast Boot and Secure Boot before you begin. If you use BitLocker to encrypt your drive, make sure that’s decrypted first as well — the video covers this in plain, easy-to-follow language.

Creating the Linux Mint Installer

The tutorial covers downloading the Linux Mint ISO (the Cinnamon edition is recommended for its familiar, Windows-like look and feel) and using a free tool called BalenaEtcher to flash that ISO onto your small USB thumb drive. This turns the thumb drive into your installation media.

The Install Process — And the Critical Step

Once you boot from the USB installer using your computer’s Boot Options Menu, the installation process itself is straightforward — but there is one step where you need to pay close attention.

When the Linux Mint installer asks how you want to set up your storage, you must choose “Something Else” rather than the automatic option. This is what allows you to manually tell the installer to put everything — including the bootloader — on your external SSD rather than on your internal Windows drive. The video walks through this partitioning step carefully, including how to set up the required EFI, root, and home partitions.

The Result: A Truly Portable Linux System

After installation, the video demonstrates the best part: with the external SSD unplugged, the computer boots straight into Windows as normal. Plug the SSD back in, select it from the boot menu, and you’re in Linux Mint. Two operating systems, zero compromises.

Whether you’re exploring Linux for the first time or looking for a safe way to learn without risking your Windows setup, this approach is highly recommended.

Watch the full step-by-step tutorial in the video at the top of this page!

As always, make sure you have a backup of your data before taking on a project like this – just in case!

Fix Microsoft Edge Video Quality: Turn Off This Hidden Setting

Graeme — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:35 +0000

If you’ve ever watched a YouTube video in Microsoft Edge and thought the picture looked too sharp, overly bright, or had a strange green tint, you’re not alone. Microsoft Edge video quality has been an issue for many users after Microsoft changed a little-known setting in the browser.

Why Your Videos Suddenly Look Wrong in Edge

Many of us enjoy relaxing with a good tech video or family clip after dinner. But sometimes the picture just doesn’t look right. Colors seem off, details look artificially sharpened, and everything feels a bit harsh.

In my latest video I share exactly what happened to me. I spent hours re-editing and re-uploading a video because I thought the problem was on my end. Then I opened the same video in Chrome and it looked perfect. That’s when I discovered the culprit: Microsoft Edge’s “Enhance Videos” feature.

This setting is turned on by default for many computers with newer NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards. It tries to make videos look better by sharpening, adjusting contrast, and even upscaling them. The intention is helpful, but on good-quality videos it often makes things worse—adding unwanted color shifts and that oversharpened look.

How to Fix It in Just 30 Seconds

The good news? Turning it off is simple and takes less than a minute. Here’s exactly what to do:

Open Microsoft Edge. Click the three dots in the top right and choose Settings. On the left side, click System and performance. Scroll down to the System section. Find “Enhance videos” and toggle the switch to Off. Refresh your YouTube page and enjoy natural-looking video again.

I show a clear before-and-after comparison in the video so you can see the difference for yourself. Once disabled, videos play exactly as the creator intended—no more guessing or wasted time troubleshooting.

This small change can save you frustration and help you enjoy your favorite content the way it was meant to be seen. It’s one of those quiet settings that quietly works against you until you know it’s there.

If you use Microsoft Edge regularly, I recommend checking this today. It’s a perfect example of a practical tech tip that keeps things simple and stress-free.

Watch the full video for the easy walkthrough and my relaxed explanation of why this happens. You’ll finish knowing exactly what to do and feeling more in control of your everyday tech.

Vibe Coding: Build Apps Without Any Coding Skills

Graeme — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:25:34 +0000

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating your own simple tools but figured coding was out of reach, vibe coding is about to become your new favorite thing.

What Exactly Is Vibe Coding?

Vibe coding flips the old rules upside down. Instead of learning tricky languages like Python or Java, you simply describe what you want in plain English. You tell an AI partner—like Google Gemini—your vision, and it handles the heavy lifting. Think of yourself as the architect and the AI as the builder who turns your ideas into working apps.

No more staring at confusing code. No more late-night tutorials. Just clear instructions and practical results. In my latest video I walk through exactly how this works and why it’s such a friendly fit for everyday tech users who want to get more done without the frustration.

How I Built “Tech News Daily” With Vibe Coding

I started with a simple idea: a desktop app that gathers the latest tech headlines in one clean window. Using vibe coding and Google Gemini, I described the layout, the news sources, and how I wanted it to update automatically. In minutes the AI generated the working prototype.

Then I took it further and turned the same app into a custom WordPress plugin. I asked the AI to add my brand colors, automatic scheduling, and a clean reader-friendly design. The best part? When something didn’t work quite right, I just told Gemini what went wrong in plain English and it fixed the issue—no debugging required.

You can see the finished news aggregator live right now at tektoc.net/tech-news-stream. It’s proof that practical projects are within reach when you let AI do the coding part.

Vibe coding really does change everything. It puts the power back in your hands so you can create the exact tools you need for your daily routine—whether that’s a personal news feed, a simple organizer, or something else entirely.

If this sounds like the kind of practical tech you’ve been waiting for, grab a coffee and watch the full video. I show every step, including the moments when things went sideways and how easy it was to get back on track. You’ll finish feeling confident that you can start your own first vibe coding project today.

Drop a comment below and let me know: what simple app would you build first if coding wasn’t a barrier? I read every one and love brainstorming ideas with you.

See you in the video!

How to Safely Install Linux Mint on a Second Drive (Legacy BIOS)June 8, 2026
Figure Robotics Just Changed the Game: What 110 Hours of Non-Stop Robot Work Really MeansMay 30, 2026
How to Access Your BIOS: Boot Order, Fast Boot, and RAM Speed Made SimpleMay 18, 2026
Compact Camera 2026: Why They’re Back — and Which One You Should BuyMay 15, 2026
How to Install Linux Mint on an External SSD — Without Touching WindowsMay 13, 2026

The post Vibe Coding: Build Apps Without Any Coding Skills appeared first on tektoc.

Linux vs Windows: What Beginners Must Know

Graeme — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:22:38 +0000

Understanding the Basics Before You Decide

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should switch from Windows to Linux, you’re not alone. The conversation around Linux vs Windows has become more common, especially as people look for alternatives that are secure, stable, and cost-effective.

But before you jump in, there are some important realities to understand:

First, Linux is not an app you install inside Windows — it’s a completely separate operating system. That means replacing Windows (unless you set up dual boot). Second, you don’t actually install “Linux.” You install a distribution, and there are hundreds to choose from. For most people exploring linux for beginners, Linux Mint is one of the easiest starting points.
It’s also important to understand that Linux can be more hands-on. While many users find it stable and refreshing, you should be prepared to troubleshoot occasionally and learn new workflows.
Software compatibility is another key difference in the linux vs windows discussion. Some Windows programs — like Adobe Creative Cloud or the full desktop version of Microsoft Office — don’t run natively on Linux. However, excellent alternatives like LibreOffice and OnlyOffice are available. And if you absolutely need certain Windows software, dual-booting may be your best option.
The good news? Anything you do in a web browser works the same. Online banking, email, Google Docs, and Office Online are unaffected by your operating system.
Gaming on Linux has improved dramatically, though competitive multiplayer titles may still present challenges.
Linux is also widely regarded as highly secure by design.

The bottom line? Linux isn’t a drop-in Windows replacement — it’s a different ecosystem. If you’re open to learning and adapting, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Watch the video above for more information that will help you decide if Linux is right for you!

Open-Source vs Subscription Software: Who Really Wins?

Graeme — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 23:26:58 +0000

Which Is Better: Rent, or Own?

Over the last decade, the way we use software has fundamentally changed. What used to be a one-time purchase is now almost always a recurring subscription. From creative tools to office software, users increasingly rent access instead of owning a product outright.

This shift raises an important question: is subscription software actually better, or does open-source software offer advantages that many users overlook?

Subscription software appeals to companies because it provides predictable revenue and allows continuous updates. For users, subscriptions can offer convenience, cloud features, and seamless collaboration—especially for services that rely on online infrastructure. In many business environments, subscriptions genuinely make sense.

However, subscriptions come with trade-offs. Stop paying, and access disappears. Prices can increase without warning, features can be removed, and long-term access to your own files may depend on an active account. Over time, these costs and restrictions add up.

Open-source software works differently. Its source code is publicly available, meaning the software isn’t tied to the survival or decisions of a single company. Many open-source tools are free to use, don’t require ongoing payments, and allow users to retain full control over their data and workflows.

Contrary to common myths, modern open-source software is often powerful, polished, and widely used. Tools like Blender, Linux, OBS, and LibreOffice prove that open development can compete with—and sometimes outperform—paid alternatives.

Ultimately, the choice between open-source and subscription software isn’t about which is “better,” but about understanding incentives. Subscription software optimizes for convenience and recurring revenue, while open-source prioritizes resilience, transparency, and user control.

Knowing the difference helps you choose tools that truly serve your needs—today and in the long term.

Watch the video above for an in-depth look at both of these options, and the circumstances under which they offer the best value.

Actual Budget Review: Is It the Best Free Quicken Alternative for Everyday Users?

Graeme — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:15:45 +0000

If you have been using Quicken for years and are quietly wondering whether there is a better — or at least cheaper — way to manage your personal finances, you are not alone. Quicken has grown more complex, more expensive, and more subscription-dependent over the years, and a lot of long-time users are looking for a way out. Actual Budget might be exactly what you have been waiting for.

In this video, we take a close look at Actual Budget — free, open-source personal finance software available on Windows, Linux, and Mac — and explore whether it can genuinely serve as the best free Quicken alternative for everyday users.

What Is Actual Budget?

Actual Budget is a free, open-source finance application designed to help you track spending and manage a household budget without the bloat — or the monthly bill — that comes with Quicken. It runs locally on your computer, meaning your financial data stays on your machine and never lives on someone else’s server unless you specifically choose that option.

It is lightweight, fast, and straightforward to install — even on older hardware. If your current budgeting software feels like it is doing more than you need (and occasionally making mistakes because of it), Actual Budget is worth a serious look.

How Does It Compare to Quicken?

The honest answer is that Actual Budget is not trying to replicate everything Quicken does — and that is actually a strength. Where Quicken has become increasingly automated (sometimes to the point of introducing errors), Actual Budget keeps you in direct control of your data. You enter or import your transactions, you categorize them, and you see exactly what is happening with your money.

Some things Actual Budget does not do: it will not automatically download and price your investment portfolio. If that is critical to your workflow, it is worth knowing upfront. However, for the vast majority of day-to-day household budgeting — tracking income and expenses, monitoring account balances, reviewing spending by category — it handles everything you need cleanly and quickly.

You can import transactions from your bank using the standard QFX file format, which is the same format Quicken uses — so that part of your workflow does not change. And if you have existing Quicken data, there is an import option available, though some adjustment of categories and balances is typically needed to get things lined up correctly.

Getting Started: What to Expect

Setup involves adding your accounts (checking, savings, credit cards), choosing between envelope budgeting and tracking budgeting, and setting up your spending categories. The video walks through each of these steps in detail, so if you would rather see it in action before committing, that is a great place to start.

One feature worth highlighting is off-budget accounts — a way to handle savings earmarked for irregular large expenses (like annual insurance or property tax) so that those big payments do not distort your monthly spending picture. It is a thoughtful approach that maps naturally to how a lot of people already think about their money.

Reporting in Actual Budget is visual and dashboard-driven rather than print-oriented. It is not as deep as Quicken’s report library, but for most users it provides exactly the at-a-glance insight they need: total income, total expenses, month-over-month changes, and net worth trends.

If you have been searching for a free personal finance software option that is stable, private, and genuinely easy to use on a daily basis, Actual Budget is one of the most compelling options available right now. It is not perfect, but for the kind of straightforward household financial tracking that most of us actually need, it delivers — without the subscription fee.

The video linked above is a high-level overview. For deeper features and documentation, the Actual Budget website has excellent resources to explore further.

The Actual Budget website can be found here: Your Finances — made simple | Actual Budget

Linux Mint Dual Boot on Windows 11 – One-Drive Install Guide

Graeme — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 17:27:06 +0000

How To Install a Linux Mint Dual Boot With Windows 11 and Secure Boot

Setting up Linux Mint alongside Windows 11 on a single drive is an excellent way to enjoy the strengths of both operating systems on the same PC. In this tutorial and video walkthrough, I demonstrate how to complete the entire dual-boot process while keeping Secure Boot fully enabled, ensuring a safe and modern system configuration.

We begin inside Windows 11 by preparing the drive for Linux Mint dual boot. This involves shrinking the existing Windows partition to create unallocated space that Mint can use during installation. The video explains how much room to set aside, what Windows disk-management tools to use, and how to confirm that the changes have been applied correctly.

From there, we move into your computer’s UEFI firmware. This step includes checking Secure Boot status, adjusting the boot order, and ensuring that the system is ready to install a second operating system without disrupting your existing Windows setup. Because Secure Boot stays enabled throughout the entire process, this guide is ideal for users who want to retain system integrity and avoid disabling important security features.

During installation, Linux Mint detects the existing Windows Boot Manager and offers the option to install Mint alongside it. I walk through selecting the proper installation mode, choosing the available free space, and allowing the installer to configure the EFI system partition and GRUB bootloader automatically.

Once installation is complete, we restart the system and verify that the GRUB menu correctly lists both Linux Mint and Windows 11. We also review a few key post-installation checks to ensure that Secure Boot remains active, updates are installed properly, and both operating systems boot exactly as they should. Whether you’re exploring Linux for the first time or building a flexible dual-OS workflow, this guide provides a clear, safe, and secure method to run Linux Mint and Windows 11 together on a single drive.

The post Linux Mint Dual Boot on Windows 11 – One-Drive Install Guide appeared first on tektoc.

How to Improve PC Sound Quality | FxSound Tutorial

Graeme — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 17:07:45 +0000

Make Your Computer Sound AMAZING With This Free App

Looking to get better sound from your Windows PC? Whether you’re listening to music, playing games or streaming movies, many systems don’t deliver the depth, clarity and immersion your ears deserve. That’s where FxSound comes in — a powerful, free and open-source Windows audio enhancer that upgrades your entire audio chain.

In this video, I guide you through exactly how to install and use FxSound to improve PC sound quality. We start with a little context: the app traces its lineage back to DFX Audio Enhancer, a longtime favourite for audio boosters, and in late 2023 the team made it fully open-source (GPL 3) and free to use.

Next, we dive into how it works: by installing a virtual audio driver and processing the system output, FxSound acts as a digital audio engine — offering a 9-band equalizer, bass and volume boost, surround/spatial effects, and presets tuned for music, gaming and movies.

I then walk you step-by-step: download from the official site, install, choose your default audio device, select a preset, and tweak the sliders for your gear. I cover best practices: use the built-in presets as starters, adjust carefully to avoid distortion, and switch profiles depending on what you’re listening to.

Whether your setup consists of laptop speakers or high-end headphones, you’ll notice fuller bass, improved clarity and better overall balance. If you want to get more from your audio without spending on fancy hardware, this is a smart solution.

Watch the video now, try it on your own system, and let me know in the comments what gear you’re using and how your audio improves. Don’t forget to like the video, share it if you found it helpful, and subscribe for more PC audio tips. Enjoy your upgraded sound experience!

The post How to Improve PC Sound Quality | FxSound Tutorial appeared first on tektoc.

How to Dual Boot Windows and Zorin OS on a Second Drive

Graeme — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 23:02:10 +0000

Dual Booting Windows and Linux With a Second Hard Drive/SSD

If you’ve ever wanted to explore Linux but don’t want to give up Windows entirely, setting up a dual boot system is the best way to go. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to dual boot Windows and Zorin OS safely by installing Zorin on a second hard drive.

Zorin OS is one of the most user-friendly Linux distributions, designed to feel familiar to Windows users. The process begins by downloading the latest Zorin ISO file from the official website and using Rufus in Windows to create a bootable USB drive. Once that’s ready, reboot your PC, enter your BIOS or boot menu, and start the Zorin installer.

When prompted, choose “Erase disk and install Zorin OS” and select your second drive as the installation target. This ensures your Windows installation remains untouched. The Zorin OS install media will automatically look after all the necessary partitioning for the installation. After installation, your PC will automatically configure a boot menu allowing you to choose between Windows and Zorin at startup.

Once you boot into Zorin for the first time, update your system using the built-in Software Updater or Terminal. Then, you can easily access your Windows drive from the Zorin file manager to move your documents, pictures, and other files.

With this setup, you can enjoy the speed, privacy, and flexibility of Linux while keeping your Windows environment available whenever you need it.

Watch the full video tutorial below to see each step in action and learn how to install Zorin OS on a second drive safely and efficiently.

The post How to Dual Boot Windows and Zorin OS on a Second Drive appeared first on tektoc.

How to Choose the Right Linux Distribution | Best Linux for Beginners Explained

Graeme — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:36:29 +0000

With So Many Linux Distributions Out There….How Do You Choose?

If you’ve ever thought about switching to Linux, you’ve probably discovered that the hardest part isn’t the installation—it’s choosing which Linux distribution to install. With over 600 options, the choice can feel overwhelming, especially if you are looking for the best Linux for beginners.

In this guide, we’ll break down the three main Linux families to help you make sense of it all.

Arch-based distributions (like Manjaro or SteamOS) deliver cutting-edge updates and customization options but require more technical knowledge. They’re ideal for users who love tinkering and don’t mind occasional troubleshooting.

Fedora-based distributions (such as Nobara and Ultramarine) are backed by Red Hat and balance modern features with reliability. They’re a solid choice for professionals and developers who want up-to-date software.

Debian-based distributions (including Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS) emphasize stability, ease of use, and community support. They’re perfect for beginners and those seeking a dependable everyday system.

Once you know which category fits your style, consider your goals. Do you want something that looks and feels like Windows? Linux Mint or Zorin OS might be your best bet. Are you more interested in learning the ins and outs of Linux? Ubuntu or Fedora are great places to start.

Finally, test your shortlist! Run Linux live from a USB drive and check hardware compatibility, speed, and usability.

Remember: there’s no single “best” Linux distribution—only the best one for you.

Check out the video above for a more in-depth look at selecting the best Linux distribution for you!

NOTE: some corrections have been made to the video since it was first published:

2:25 As mentioned by a number of viewers, Fedora is, in fact, strongly oriented toward open-source software as opposed to proprietary software. Sorry for the confusion on that.

12:25 As viewer @privacyvalued4134 has pointed out, when testing Linux on a thumb drive the OS is loaded into memory, so you only need a thumb drive big enough for the ISO. This ALSO means that any applications you install or files you save will not persist after shutdown/restart, so keep your PC running until your testing session is done.

The post How to Choose the Right Linux Distribution | Best Linux for Beginners Explained appeared first on tektoc.

Software Archives - tektoc

How to Install Linux Mint on an External SSD — Without Touching Windows

What You’ll Need

Creating the Linux Mint Installer

The Install Process — And the Critical Step

The Result: A Truly Portable Linux System

Other Linux install tutorials on tektoc:

Inexpensive drive enclosures and SSDs on Amazon

Recent Posts

Fix Microsoft Edge Video Quality: Turn Off This Hidden Setting

Why Your Videos Suddenly Look Wrong in Edge

How to Fix It in Just 30 Seconds

Recent Posts

Vibe Coding: Build Apps Without Any Coding Skills

What Exactly Is Vibe Coding?

How I Built “Tech News Daily” With Vibe Coding

Linux vs Windows: What Beginners Must Know

Understanding the Basics Before You Decide

Recent Posts

Open-Source vs Subscription Software: Who Really Wins?

Which Is Better: Rent, or Own?

Recent Posts

Actual Budget Review: Is It the Best Free Quicken Alternative for Everyday Users?

What Is Actual Budget?

How Does It Compare to Quicken?

Getting Started: What to Expect

Recent Posts

Linux Mint Dual Boot on Windows 11 – One-Drive Install Guide

How To Install a Linux Mint Dual Boot With Windows 11 and Secure Boot

How to Improve PC Sound Quality | FxSound Tutorial

Make Your Computer Sound AMAZING With This Free App

How to Dual Boot Windows and Zorin OS on a Second Drive

Dual Booting Windows and Linux With a Second Hard Drive/SSD

How to Choose the Right Linux Distribution | Best Linux for Beginners Explained

With So Many Linux Distributions Out There….How Do You Choose?

Check out the video above for a more in-depth look at selecting the best Linux distribution for you!