Trending Articles, Demos and tech notes
Why the New Low Cost MacBook Neo is a Game Changer
Apple redefined the entry-level laptop market with the introduction of its new low cost MacBook Neo. This model not only aims to attract budget-conscious consumers but also fills a significant gap in Apple's existing product range, which has traditionally focused on premium devices. The new models target students and first-time Mac users who require reliable technology without the high price tag typically associated with Apple products.
TL:DR – Game changing new MacBook is likely to be hugely successful with far better price performance and appeal than competitive Chromebooks and low end Windows machines for education users, general business users and budget conscious iPhone users.
- Details
- Written by: Angus Fox
Read more: Why the New Low Cost MacBook Neo is a Game Changer
Five alternatives to the Google Pixel 10a, but its still the no1 choice mid range android
The Google Pixel 10a, launched as part of Google's mid-range smartphone line, has already generated significant attention for its impressive trade-in value and overall performance even while on pre-order. However, as the smartphone market evolves, it is crucial for potential buyers to consider their options before making a purchase. This article checks out five compelling alternatives to the Google Pixel 10a, focusing on key specifications, performance, and overall value.
TL:DR – The Pixel 10a is the obvious choice if you need to pre-order a mid price Android device right now in February 2026. Its the latest, greatest device in the 'a' range from Google, with the same screen as the Pixel 10, a Tensor G4 chip supporting Gemini AI and a much longer lasting battery. The Pixel 10a is £499 before trade-in compared to £799 for the 10 and £999 for the 10 Pro this is significantly lower. It will be the longest supported and best choice unless you need the more powerful Tensor G5 and telephoto capabilites of the Pixel 10. Enhanced trade-in is available until end of March so get that old Pixel or iPhone out of the drawer and send it in!
- Details
- Written by: Angus Fox
Read more: Five alternatives to the Google Pixel 10a, but its still the no1 choice mid range android
Working headless RDP with GNOME Remote Desktop on Ubuntu 25.10
Setting up GNOME Remote Desktop for headless multi-user RDP access on Ubuntu 25.10 (Questing Quokka) is tricky. This guide shows a working approach if the out of the box clean install doesn't work using only the software included with Ubuntu Desktop and uses openssl to generate TLS certificates. It explains common errors you may see and how to resolve them.
TL:DR – I never really got this working on Ubuntu 25.04 So I spent a few hours trying to get to the bottom of it and finally it works!
- Details
- Written by: Angus Fox
Read more: Working headless RDP with GNOME Remote Desktop on Ubuntu 25.10
iPhone 5s 2026 iOS 12.5.8 surprise software update
iOS 12 received what is likely to be a final point release, to version 12.5.8, on 26 January 2026. That update was issued to extend the life of specific system services beyond January 2027. Despite this intervention, the platform is obsolete and does not benefit from routine patches, enhancements, or feature development.
TL:DR – I still have an iPhone 5s inherited from a client project. I use it as a backup two factor authentication device for my developer ID. It isn't really useful for much else but whenever I do use it I'm reminded how light it is and how perfect a device it was for the time.
- Details
- Written by: Angus Fox
Read more: iPhone 5s 2026 iOS 12.5.8 surprise software update
Joomla Server emails via Google Workspace in 2026
Why Joomla Email Delivery Still Matters in 2026
Email is not just a communication tool; for Joomla websites, it is the lifeline of transactional functionality. Whether it’s user registration confirmations, password resets, or payment receipts, these messages are critical. A single misconfigured server can halt workflows, frustrate users, and damage trust.
But email setup inside of Joomla is difficult, and needs careful configuration. Email systems have grown into complex systems with multiple complex security configuration elements which all need to work correctly to enable proper email delivery. Spammers have made it impossible to allow simple connections to an email server to send messages with no real concerns.
Lets take a dive in to what needs to be set up to enable email to work smoothly.
TL:DR – Fortunately, if you use Google Workspace, theres a relatively easy solution to allowing Joomlas Server emails to be able to be sent - App Passwords!
- Details
- Written by: Angus Fox
Read more: Joomla Server emails via Google Workspace in 2026
Running Gitea with Let’s Encrypt on macOS via Homebrew
Gitea is a lightweight, self-hosted Git service that’s perfect for personal projects or small teams. Setting it up with HTTPS using a Let’s Encrypt certificate on a local macOS machine can be tricky, especially with Homebrew installations. This guide walks you through a working setup, including running Gitea in the background and handling ACME challenges.
TL:DR – By using a custom LaunchAgent, you can run Gitea in the background with automatic Let’s Encrypt HTTPS, reliable background execution independent of Homebrew’s plist management, optional exposure on standard port 443 via pf redirects and automatic renewal of certificates with minimal fuss. This setup provides a secure, self-hosted Git service suitable for local networks or small teams.
- Details
- Written by: Angus Fox
Read more: Running Gitea with Let’s Encrypt on macOS via Homebrew
Running Homebrew Apache with Let's Encrypt SSL on macOS Tahoe
This HOWTO documents the steps to run Apache (httpd) installed via Homebrew on macOS, serving content over HTTPS with Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates. The configuration avoids permission problems and port conflicts by using a neutral certificate directory and high-numbered ports.
Prerequisites
- macOS with Homebrew installed.
- Apache (
httpd) installed with Homebrew:
brew install httpd- A valid Let’s Encrypt certificate for your host (obtained via
certbot).
TL:DR – This is unnecessarily complex to debug really mostly due to Apple's decisions over the years about security and local web servers combined with the need to verify your connection to the computer over the Internet but once you crack it, you'll have a nice local web development environment on macOS that 'just works'.
- Details
- Written by: Angus Fox
Read more: Running Homebrew Apache with Let's Encrypt SSL on macOS Tahoe
From Local Builds to Production DevOps: Automating Joomla Extension Release Management
Software development has evolved significantly over the past decade, with DevOps practices becoming essential for delivering reliable, tested code to production environments. Recently, we completed a comprehensive migration of our Joomla extension build process from manual local builds to a fully automated Git-based release pipeline, fundamentally transforming how we deliver software to our users.
TL:DR – The significant step-change from a manual, error-prone process into a robust, automated pipeline that will serve as the foundation for all future development takes some time, but the reward is in the professional process and more reliable releases that will be the result.
- Details
- Written by: Angus Fox
Read more: From Local Builds to Production DevOps: Automating Joomla Extension Release Management
Tips for Recovery Success Using GNU ddrescue on Ubuntu Linux
Data loss can be a distressing experience, whether it's due to a hardware failure or accidental deletion. Enter GNU ddrescue, a powerful data recovery tool specially designed for these unfortunate situations. This article serves as an exhaustive guide on using GNU ddrescue on Ubuntu Linux, offering insights into its installation, safe usage practices, and real-world applications that may assist in recovering your precious data. GNU ddrescue is a proven data recovery tool which you can trust. However, it is also quite a complicated command line tool. If only there was a way to make it more straightforward to use. Enter DDRescue-GUI! Sady this is now a paid download tool. It is still worth it though.
TL:DR—GNU ddrescue provides the easiest way to copy as exact an image as possible of a failing drive and should help avoid catastrophic errors. DDRescue-GUI makes that process much easier, but before embarking on this process you should check your drive with GParted, and use the smartctl command from smartmontools to ascertain if the drive is really failing as it will be easier to recover your data by mounting the drive if it is a healthy drive.
- Details
- Written by: Angus Fox
Read more: Tips for Recovery Success Using GNU ddrescue on Ubuntu Linux
Use an Apple Magic Mouse on Windows 11 PC
You do not have to switch to macOS just to enjoy the quality feel, precision and capabilities of the Apple magic mouse, especially the current rechargeable version. I have a dedicated Windows 11 computer for client work and, I like my accessories to all be the same so I set about making the Apple Magic mouse work. In this guide, I will walk you through the process of setting up and using the Magic Mouse fully on your Windows 11 PC. So, buy yourself an Apple Magic mouse 2 in Black or white cheaper than Apple, brand new from Amazon UK, and let's dive in!
TL:DR – I wasn't a fan until I got one for my Mac, but I've slowly been won over by the feel and the cordless convenience and now I have that for Windows too.
- Details
- Written by: Angus Fox
Warning: AI guardrails are not in place.
Google are clearly ambitious and bold on AI. In their Responsible AI 2024 report Google makes a striking admission, that "Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is coming into sharper focus". This isn’t just a vague nod to progress in AI research; it signals a fundamental shift in how we should think about the future of artificial intelligence. AGI is an important acronym to learn. The most famous fictional AGI is Skynet, the self-aware AI which is the main antagonist of the Terminator film and TV franchise. So if Google is getting closer to AGI we better be sure that there are guardrails in place. We know how those particular movies end!
TL:DR – While dystopian narratives tend to exaggerate the risks, I do feel like we are looking at a worrying future. The harsh reality seems to me to be that guardrails are not in place, and if we have learned anything at all from the last two decades exponential use of mobile devices and social media and the way it has transformed our society, we have learned that disruptive technologies almost always outpace our ability to govern them effectively.
- Details
- Written by: Angus Fox
- Improving product management productivity with AI
- Beyond the glimmer of Liquid Glass is a sparkle concealing a revolution
- New Cassette recorders in 2025
- Refactoring a Node.js app with Gemini CLI
- UK MacBook pick of the week = July 2025
- Grab some useful apps with Amazon Coins before they expire!
- Is Teams Essentials Worth It?
