#i tried to set up linux to get actual firefox running but it didn't work 😭

[danceintheskies]

WHAT FHE HELL

[dollsonmain]

First thing I did after getting through the whole OOB setup wankery was uninstall a bunch of shit, then install a bunch of other shit (Algodoo and Synthesia both work, thank goodness, they're old programs so I was a little worried, and I did have to buy a new unlock key for Synthesia but it was on sale today so like $30 instead of $40), and install shit for the shit (uBlock etc. for Firefox).

Son was afraid to use it at first and tried to get me to get him a slower laptop with a smaller HD that was cheaper but I decided to get the one with 16GB RAM and 1TB because the price wasn't that different, really. Still happy the sticker said it was about $700 and it was actually closer to $500.

That Guy was pissed off that I gave Son time to decide he was ready to use the new laptop on his own instead of forcing it on him.

We picked out and ordered a silicone keyboard cover together.

I'm tempted to scratch the case on purpose so Son doesn't have to worry about it (he opted not to get a case for it since it won't be moving around), but I'll wait until the 30-day return period has passed at least, and maybe by then Son will be less worried about breaking it. He's broken two school laptops this year and one the year before, but he's not broken the laptop that stays here in all this time so I'm not worried he's going to break this one. All the other breakings happened because he was tantruming after being bothered by a specific kid at school or frustrated with a teacher, and that kid isn't here.

That Guy was complaining because "Win11 is spyware" and I was like "Yeah, I know. Not many other options on new Windows-based systems, though." I wouldn't mind getting Son set up with Linux but it's not like I've ever used Linux or know how to get the two whole programs Son likes to use to run on it.

I'm not too worried about the garbage parts of Win11 since all Son does do is watch YouTube and play with Algodoo and Synthesia. That's literally it. No other websites (I can't even get him to look stuff up for himself, he's too worried he'll do something wrong despite me installing script and ad blockers), no other programs, just those three things.

I did install OpenShot and InkScape so he has the opportunity to play around with those, and told him that he can install the modules to let him learn how to code in Python on that laptop, which might be something to look into this summer, especially if he doesn't have his license yet and can't get a summer job. He's 17, now, but I don't think he's quite ready to take his driving test, and that's ok.

I didn't install Libre Office, he doesn't do that kind of thing on his personal laptop but he does use some of the Microsoft suite on his school laptop. I can install it any time if he decides he needs it.

Anyway, what he wants to do for a living is be a stocker at a grocery store, which won't work out in the long run because that doesn't pay enough to live off of, even at full time. It might be enough once he's been there a while and maybe he can get promoted to management. Maybe he can find roommates or maybe he can just stay here. I'd rather not stay here myself, but I can't earn enough to live off of, either.

I think the guys that come in to the gas station and stock stuff for specific vendors get paid more and suggested Son look into being an assistant in that job so he doesn't have to worry about driving the big truck (I saw a bunch of job postings for vendor assistants while I've been looking for work) but can get an idea of what that kind of work is like if he doesn't end up finding a similar job at a store in town. It's not a job that would sustain him, but would be a good job to start out with, though it might be easier for him to stock just one brand in multiple places versus stocking a whole store. It could also lead to him learning a lot about the brand's products and moving to selling/ordering. Each vendor has a sales rep that comes in once a week, rearranges things (they kind of fight over prime space....), orders whatever is low for the shop, and talks to the shop manager about new products or products that are being discontinued, etc.

It's an option, either way.

He could work on learning coding in his off time if he wants to.

I won't push it on him, though. I think he'd be really good at coding once he got the hang of it because of the way he can work with numbers and how sharp his memory is and the same for vending/selling, but that doesn't mean he has to do that.

I hate setting up new computers omg. I forgot they require an email and login now for windows. Kids a kid he doesn’t have one. Required a second email too so now mines on there and I wanted the new laptop to not be tied to me at all ever. Goddammit.