Paid Subscribers Newsletter for October 31st 2025
The first paid newsletter includes my honest take on switching to Linux, how-to guides for Windows users, a look at my favorite podcasts and shows, and some advice from an unexpected conversation.
First, I want to extend a huge thank you for being a paid subscriber and supporting my home business. I really mean that. You’re letting me do what I love: helping people, sharing practical tech tips, and creating content that makes technology feel a little more manageable for everyone.
This is my first newsletter just for paid subscribers, and I’m genuinely excited to share it with you. As inspired by Paul Thurrott’s paid newsletter, I don’t want to be boxed into a rigid format. Each monthly issue will evolve over time, sometimes short, sometimes long, but always personal and useful.
Some months, I might answer your questions. Other times, I’ll share reflections, what I’ve been reading, watching, or testing in the Apple or Windows world. Think of this newsletter as a relaxed space, and a place where I can share what’s caught my attention lately.
I’ll be honest, it’s been a hectic month. This is very rare, but I haven’t published any new paid posts. I have been working on several paid how-to guides for people who prefer one-time purchases over subscriptions, along with some new free posts and a couple of videos.
🖥️ The Truth About Switching to Linux for Regular People
In this post, I addressed the recent hype about switching to Linux given the regular end of support for Windows 10. Enroll in the FREE Extended Security Updates program instead.
I’m asking people to NOT rush out and replace Windows 10 or 11 with Linux Mint. I used Linux Mint full-time for two months, and while I admire what the community is building, there are plenty of real-world frustrations that you don’t see in those “just switch” videos online, which often cherry-pick the best features.
It’s better to clean up Windows 10 and make it run better, and without all the junk Microsoft includes by default. That’s where tools like Windows Toolbox ($15 CAD) shine. It’s one of the simplest, safest ways to declutter your system and extend the life of your PC well beyond 2025, especially when paired with Microsoft’s begrudgingly offered Extended Security Updates program.
What I’ve Been Watching or Listening To
I’ve been catching up on Alberta @ Noon, Cross Country Checkup, and Real Talk, all great for hearing what people across the province (and country) are thinking about current events.
One recent Alberta @ Noon episode, “What Are You Watching?”, sparked discussions about shows like The Diplomat and Task. I tried Task — didn’t care for it.
If I’d called in, I’d have recommended Mobland and The Pitt. Both were outstanding. Mobland (Pierce Brosnan, Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren) was incredibly underrated and deserved more praise.
The Pitt, which won several Emmys in September for its first season, left a lasting impression. It’s gritty, authentic, and surprisingly heartwarming. If you watch anything this year, make it this. Season 2 starts in January.
For podcasts, I’ve enjoyed Where Everybody Knows Your Name (hosted by Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson). Their chat with Mark Ruffalo was terrific. Also worth a listen: Happy Sad Confused with Sigourney Weaver, who shared great stories about Alien and teased an upcoming project. She also shared her apparent praise for Alien: Earth, which I didn’t care for, and Alien: Romulus, which I enjoyed.
As for movies, Wick is Pain (John Wick documentary), Daddio (terrible name, great film), and Rebel Ridge are worth your time. Nobody 2? Not so much. It’s been a rough year for standout movies.
Book-wise, Michael J. Fox’s new one, Future Boy, is excellent. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how Back to the Future came to be.
Recent Paid How-To Guides ($5 – $10)
🧹 System Cleanup How-To Guide (PDF)
💻 How to Set Up Emby on Mac (PDF)
📺 Emby App on Roku How-To Guide (PDF)
▶️ YouTube App on Roku How-To Guide (PDF)
A Surprising, But Wonderful Conversation
A lady stopped by recently to buy an item listed on Kijiji. Somehow, we ended up talking tech (a rabbit hole I usually try to avoid). Right before she left, she brought up password managers.
Naturally, I had to follow up with a couple of my favorite recommendations:
Bitwarden — Free for personal use (this is what Mom uses).
1Password — My personal choice, and well worth paying for.
I’ll have a blog post and video about this soon, but I wanted you to hear the story here first.
Here’s my FREE How To Guide walking you through BitWarden:
Here’s my FREE Ho-To Guide walking you through 1Password:
Please consider buying me a coffee if you find these free guides valuable.
Closing Thoughts
This first paid newsletter is really a reflection of what I want this space to be, a blend of useful how-to content and personal reflections.
Once again, thank you for caring enough about my work to pay for it. You’re the reason my home-based business exists, and your support gives me the freedom to keep things “Refreshingly Simple”.
Email me directly with any questions or concerns using supporters@kevinthetechguy.ca, and I’ll prioritize your emails. Even if I don’t respond, I’ll consider your thoughts while creating future content.