technology use in old age ...

[tOsYZYny]

I'm middle-aged, but thinking ahead at some point, computers or technology in general might be too difficult to use and my interest to overcome that friction will dwindle. Barring unforeseen circumstances or incidents that might make that come sooner than later, how do you foresee your use of technology in the future?

For myself, when I first got into software engineering, I spent a considerable amount of my time outside of work learning new programming languages, frameworks, etc. While I still learn new things, the amount of time I allocate to such activities is fairly limited. It is more focused on addressing those friction points such as backing up my system configuration, media, or projects. But at the end of the day, that too requires an understanding of the abstractions that are supposed to make life easier.

I am thinking that at some point, I will lose interest in setting up a FreeBSD system even if I have pretty much automated the process. Even if it is reliable, I would imagine if it would break in the future, I wouldn't have the energy to persevere through it. I maintain a router and workstation. Perhaps once I am 'done', I will use library computers so I have less to own and manage. While this isn't specific to FreeBSD, it is an important facet.

If I go with a cloud provider, then that merely solves the where problem and exchanges it for authentication. Along the same lines would be managing bills, financial accounts, etc.

In summary, the future technology friction I see:
1. maintaining and using equipment or systems
2. credential management

I wonder, how could FreeBSD target and support a wider audience (and support my older self in the future)?
I would be willing to pay for support, members here are extremely supportive.
Throwing money at the problem doesn't necessarily result in a good outcome, someone could still be malicious, or take advantage of an elder.
While remote support is a given, could their be a community that finds someone in your area to physically help you figure out your issue?

After checking the FreeBSD website, I do see there are various hardware providers such as one in Wheat Ridge Colorado that builds custom systems with FreeBSD. I suppose that could address the hardware side of things, but for support, I would imagine most mainstream places would be few and far between.

Back to libraries, since they're everywhere, perhaps that is a resource that can be leveraged to some extent.

What are your thoughts? I apologize in advance for my random ramblings.

 

[JohnK]

I think it's whatever you want to do. I know one gentleman that is writing a documentation generator thing in c# (not his native language) and even taking programming courses in other languages just to keep his brain active. He's in his 70's.

 

[Deleted member 81054]

Back to libraries, since they're everywhere, perhaps that is a resource that can be leveraged to some extent.

Libraries leave you with privacy concerns: who is seeing your display, what breadcrumbs have you left on the computer, in the printer, etc. Plus, it's not "home" (e.g., you have to wear pants, can't just get up and leave the machine for a while as you make a sandwich, etc.)

I am thinking that at some point, I will lose interest in setting up a FreeBSD system even if I have pretty much automated the process. Even if it is reliable, I would imagine if it would break in the future, I wouldn't have the energy to persevere through it.

I'm a bit past "middle age" so the novelty of building a system is a FAR distant memory. I use computers as tools to do something MORE interesting (than building/configuring said tool). So, I find a comfort point where the tools I am using are "adequate" and stop wasting my time on building/refining them in favor of applying them.

E.g., my Windows boxes run W7 (x64) and the most recent apps are probably approaching a decade old (maybe 2016 vintage). However, they meet all of my needs so why waste more time installing newer versions -- and, discovering newer bugs? I address "security risks" by simply air-gapping those machines -- no need for updates that will eventually stop coming as individual applications reach End-of-Support.

If I need a new tool for a particular reason, then I will resign myself to building, installing or configuring it, as required. But, only if some existing tool (or SET of tools) won't already address that need. The adage "Life's too short..." takes on concrete meaning as you get older and start to realize just how short it is!

I also try to think about the tools that I am likely to need, going forward. E.g., I have a metric buttload of media so finding something specific can take a lot of time ("Where MIGHT I have put it?"). So, I built a database to index all of my media so I can find particular files or groups of files without having to act as a human jukebox/changer.

Because wasting time on something as inane as looking for a file is no longer a viable option!

 

[tOsYZYny]

True, I forgot the "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service". Perhaps when I am in that predicament, I can say, I'm old, I'm confused .

 

[SirDice]

(e.g., you have to wear pants, can't just get up and leave the machine for a while as you make a sandwich, etc.)

Well, you can but other people might give you some funny looks though

 

[tOsYZYny]

In regards to your media, how do you store it? I am thinking that encryption is unnecessary, I don't have anything private and at some point, it will add unnecessary friction even for myself (even if it is a single command via geli attach ). I am happy and proud to say it is on ZFS, but perhaps in the future, I will just use memory cards and plug those into my TV when I want to look at photos. There is something to be said for simplicity, I had photo books as a kid and anything worthwhile was in the photo book. Since it is so easy to take a photo and store it on a computer, it doesn't seem to hold the same value per se.

Along the same lines, I shoot RAW and have kept all of my RAW photos, but I have not gone back to edit a single one after I have processed it to generate a JPEG. I am thinking that I should drop those now rather than keep that clutter around as it doesn't provide any utility.

I should also mention that part of my motivation is that when my grandparents passed, part of my responsibility was to organize and process all of their belongings (that was years ago, but can't help but think that it will be easier to deal with it now than later).

Well, you can but other people might give you some funny looks though

Would it be too much to ask that we get some computers in the library running FreeBSD ?

 

[JohnK]

Encrypting media?
Hacker: "*sigh* This must be the file. ....'MMMbop.mp3' Damnit!!"

 

[Deleted member 81054]

In regards to your media, how do you store it? I am thinking that encryption is unnecessary, I don't have anything private and at some point, it will add unnecessary friction even for myself (even if it is a single command via geli attach ).

I just use large 3.5" disk drives. Nothing smaller than 1TB in the house, presently. I keep duplicate copies of every file -- but that may not mean duplicate DISKS. E.g., I have all of my optical media also available on magnetic media as ISO images. Because it is so much easier to pick an ISO off of a 4T disk than to sort through many optical media to find the one you want.

[I have a LOT of disks!]

just use memory cards and plug those into my TV when I want to look at photos.

I am leary of solid-state media. I've had thumb drives fail -- often. And, will you be able to find the hardware to read those in the future? (can you read floppy disks? smart-media cards? compact flash?)

I figure I can always keep a PC/thin-client that has a SATA interface around. And, a spare server for the SAS drives.

Since it is so easy to take a photo and store it on a computer, it doesn't seem to hold the same value per se.

I have mixed feelings about photos. As they are so easy to take (no "developing" time or expense or inconenience necessary), I am quick to snap photos of things rather than trying to resort to verbal explanations. "This is what it looks like..."

The downside is that they just proliferate! It's easy to find yourself with thousands of photos -- and no way of keeping track of what's where! (esp because they all get bogus names like DCS-12345.jpg).

OTOH, if you delete one, there is no way to get it back as the "scene" is likely no longer in existence.

Along the same lines, I shoot RAW and have kept all of my RAW photos, but I have not gone back to edit a single one after I have processed it to generate a JPEG. I am thinking that I should drop those now rather than keep that clutter around as it doesn't provide any utility.

Again, I try not to delete anything for fear of later needing it. OTOH, if you have the JPG form, all you are discarding is the ability to process additional detail or do color/lens corrections. How likely would I be to want to post-process a photo of some equipment I purchased at an auction? OTOH, if you had photos of your newborn....?

I should also mention that part of my motivation is that when my grandparents passed, part of my responsibility was to organize and process all of their belongings (that was years ago, but can't help but think that it will be easier to deal with it now than later).

This. My other half would never forgive me if I dropped dead, today. So, I try to keep whittling down the "pile" to something that is more manageable. As well as not considering ANY of it to be valuable: "Just throw it all away!" (though that could be a significant undertaking)

Even prior to death, it seems prudent (as I get older) to want to make what I have more "portable". Eventually, you want to move into a smaller home -- just because it is easier to take care of. The more "stuff" you have, the harder that becomes.

When I moved here, I had 80 cartons (the sort that you purchase copier paper in, 10 reams at a time) of paperback books. I am now down to one such carton. And, several nooks with thousands of books stored on microSD cards within. I've started scanning all of my reference books and school texts so I could get rid of the "dead trees". Likewise, bank statements, tax returns, medical documents, etc. As with photographs, once you choose to DISCARD these, it's virtually impossible to recover them. So, the effort to scan them (and make copies on electronic media) seems worthwhile. (Today, I am scanning the repairs, upgrades and sale information for the previous house before returning them to the safe deposit box).

How many VHDCI cables do I need to keep, on hand? Can I get rid of the film scanner? What about the ASR33?

These are the questions that would be distressing to anyone who was tasked with cleaning up AFTER me...

 

[Deleted member 81054]

Well, you can but other people might give you some funny looks though

It's that third testicle.... gets them all the time!

 

[USerID]

And what made you think that you can't handle it? Review the paradigm and architecture of your communications. Bring the information matrix to the level of a "pensioner". I don't want to run and keep up with the "fashionable" world. I don't use a smartphone (only for 2 cases: activating Telegram and viewing CCTV cameras), I don't use proprietary products. I don't use AI, 3D printing, Large Hadron Collider. I have everything simplified to the point of ugliness. Simplify your environment. I'm 51. Not an "average" age in general, because in my country the average lifespan of a man is 60 years.

 

[Deleted member 81054]

I have everything simplified to the point of ugliness.

There is no need to avoid all technology out of fear of being overwhelmed by it. I much prefer using air-conditioning over an old-fashioned fan when the outdoor temperature is 115F. I like driving across town (20 miles) instead of walking. Or, using email to communicate with friends and colleagues around the world in near real time. These are technological innovations that make my life better.

OTOH, I have no need for text messaging, 150 TV channels, carrying a computer with me (cell phone) so I can check the price of an item at some store OTHER than the one I am presently at, etc.

Simplify your environment. I'm 51. Not an "average" age in general, because in my country the average lifespan of a man is 60 years.

Cognitive decline is usually a function of actual age and not "closeness of death". Assuming, of course, that factors adversely affecting lifespan don't reflect poorly on general health.

 

[whodat]

I should also mention that part of my motivation is that when my grandparents passed, part of my responsibility was to organize and process all of their belongings (that was years ago, but can't help but think that it will be easier to deal with it now than later).

I totally get that. I used to help a lady who organized estate sales. My gosh the amount of work involved. I learned to hate attics and storage buildings especially. It's crazy the amount of "stuff" people accumulate in a lifetime. It pretty much scared me straight and I have lived my life as a borderline minimalist. Hauling 70 years worth of magazines down from the attic, one box at a time,

I really have no idea what I'll be into in the future, though. I don't even know what technology will look like then. I always just have to see where I am now and adjust according to my needs.

E.g., my Windows boxes run W7 (x64) and the most recent apps are probably approaching a decade old (maybe 2016 vintage). However, they meet all of my needs so why waste more time installing newer versions -- and, discovering newer bugs?

I think I read something you said about this in another post. I had never considered this and it seems like a brilliant thing to do. Absolutely I am stealing your approach.

 

[Deleted member 81054]

[sticking with old software]

I had never considered this and it seems like a brilliant thing to do. Absolutely I am stealing your approach.

There are no free lunches. The "cost" for not keeping current with applications and OSs is added vigilance on your part.

My workstations are air-gapped so reasonably safe from "infection", corruption, theft, etc. So, I can tolerate NOT having "security updates" -- because the environment is inherently secure.

For out-facing hosts, however, there are no such guarantees. E.g., THIS machine is potentially vulnerable to exploits. To adopt the same approach means:

• not visiting sites (or services) that could put the machine at risk
• not opening email attachments without understanding what they are
• not installing untrusted applications
• etc.

This has to apply to ALL users of the machine(s)! E.g., SWMBO knows not to open email attachments from her friends... those same friends who have had THEIR computers compromised despite being "current" with OS, etc. (If you are a house guest of ours and want to go online, I will give you a "clean" laptop to use... and then reinstall its original disk image once you have left!)

So, there is scant little on THIS machine; an MUA, a browser and PDF reader (so I can examine technical papers that I've downloaded to determine if they are as I expect).

Because there is so little on it, I can afford to reinstall the original image (created whenI built the machine) at any time -- overwriting anything that may have snuck onto the machine.

I do this periodically. I remove the current disk drive and replace it with a copy of the drive as it was initially built. All of my email still remains on the server(s) so no need to salvage any of that. My address book and web links are copied over from the retired disk.

At the same time, I take the disk that was previously retired (not THIS one but the one before) and mount it on a laptop onto which I have loaded the most recent AV product. So, the AV product is more recent (and thus has a better chance of being aware of more recent malware) than the last files ever written on the subject disk. I then scan the disk for signs of infection, expecting none (because I have been vigilant).

We have a second out-facing machine -- a laptop -- that we use for ecommerce and other "sensitive" interactions. We do any necessary "research" on THIS machine and sneakernet the references/URLs to that laptop. So, we can limit the amount of time we spend on-line (exposed!) with that laptop. I've built a custom "restore image" for the laptop so it automatically wipes anything that might have crept onto it while it was in use. This avoids our "getting lazy" with the security discipline, there.

Be sure you understand all the implications of this! E.g., when a site that we are visiting on the laptop wants to send us an email for 2FA or to confirm an order, that can't be accessed FROM the laptop! (because that's just one more possible vulnerability that you could lose sight of) Instead, we have to move back to THIS machine to see the email, jot down any "confirmation code" and return to the laptop to complete the transaction.

Getting people to observe this level of discipline is not trivial. (And, because THEY usually don't have to fix the problems that they have caused, there are no "consequences" to their transgressions!)