The Latest From Kevin The Tech Guy - 3 Things To Know on Friday Jan 31 2025
From lost emails to resurrected smartwatches, this week’s newsletter covers why your inbox might be failing you, what I learned after two months with Linux Mint, and more!
Introduction
Ever feel like your inbox is working against you? Important emails get lost, while spam sneaks through. This week, I’m reminding you that it’s time to ditch Hotmail, so newsletters, including mine, make it to you inbox.
But that’s not all. I also spent two months using Linux Mint as my main OS to see if it could replace Windows. The short answer? Not quite. Plus, I’m busting some of the biggest computer myths people still believe, and covering the latest tech news.
Let’s dive in.
What’s on Tap:
Why Some Emails Never Make It to Your Inbox – A look at email deliverability issues and how to make sure you actually receive the messages you care about.
Linux Mint vs. Windows – After two months using Linux Mint as my main OS, I’m sharing what worked, what didn’t, and why I ultimately went back to Windows.
14 Computer Myths You Probably Still Believe – From slow computers to battery life myths, I’m breaking down common misconceptions and what’s actually true.
Tech News You Might Have Missed:
Signal’s new sync feature – Finally transfer your messages to desktop.
iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS 15.3 updates – What’s new?
Pebble is back! – The iconic smartwatch is returning with hackable software.
Microsoft’s January update issues – Windows PCs are experiencing audio problems.
Google’s new accessibility features for Android – Starting with Samsung's Galaxy S25.
Let’s dive in!
Letting Go of Hotmail, But Fondly Remembering the 90’s: Let’s Make Sure Those Emails (and My Newsletter) Actually End Up in Your Inbox
The Short Version
Missing out on newsletters you actually want to read? That might be why if your inbox is stuck in the Hotmail era. Sure, the 90s gave us mix CDs and Friends marathons, but it’s time your emails caught up. Let’s make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Know More
Hotmail is more than just an old email provider—it’s a digital time capsule from the late '90s and early 2000s. Back when burning mix CDs was an art form, Britney Spears ruled the airwaves, and SimCity crashed your Gateway computer, Hotmail was the email to have. But in 2025? Not so much.
For those of us sending newsletters, Hotmail is a headache. Emails bounce, sender reputations take a hit, and messages don’t always land where they should. If you’re still holding onto your Hotmail address, chances are it’s become a graveyard for spam, promo emails, and forgotten login credentials. And while there’s nothing wrong with keeping a little nostalgia alive (long live Friends box sets), your inbox should actually work.
This post dives into why Hotmail makes email deliverability harder than it should be, what it means for people trying to reach you, and why upgrading to a modern email provider doesn’t mean giving up on the past—just making sure the emails you want actually make it to your inbox.
I Used Linux Mint for Two Months on My Main PC. I Think Windows is Still the Better Choice
The Short Version
I wanted to love Linux Mint. After two months of using it as my main OS, I saw its strengths—but also hit enough roadblocks to make me switch back to Windows 10. If you’re wondering whether Linux Mint is a real alternative or just another headache, here’s my take.
Know More
I gave Linux Mint a real shot, running it as my main OS for two months. It’s polished, lightweight, and great for basic tasks like browsing, email, and document editing. But the cracks started to show as soon as I needed to install certain apps, connect peripherals, or do anything beyond the basics. Software support is hit-or-miss, workarounds are often clunky, and some programs don’t run as well as Windows.
For non-tech-savvy users, Linux Mint’s so-called “user-friendliness” has limits, and for power users like me, the compromises add up fast. It’s not that Windows doesn’t have its own frustrations—but at the end of the day, it’s still the more supported and practical option for most people. I wanted Linux Mint to work, but I needed something that just works, and that’s why I went back to Windows 10.
14 Computer Myths You Probably Still Believe
The Short Version
Think your computer is slow because of a virus? Worried about leaving your laptop plugged in? You might be falling for some outdated tech myths. Let’s bust the biggest ones so you can stop wasting time, money, and unnecessary stress on bad advice!
Know More
There’s a lot of outdated advice floating around about computers, and chances are, you’ve believed at least one of these myths. From the idea that a slow computer must have a virus to the fear that leaving your laptop plugged in will ruin the battery, these misconceptions can lead to unnecessary frustration, wasted money, and bad tech habits.
The truth is, many of these so-called “facts” were never entirely true, or they’ve changed as technology has evolved. Macs and Linux machines can get viruses, deleting files won’t magically make your computer faster, and no, buying a brand-new machine won’t fix problems caused by unsafe browsing habits. This post breaks down 14 common myths, explains what’s really going on, and gives practical advice to help you keep your computer running smoothly.
Tech News You Might Have Missed
Signal's new sync feature will finally transfer your existing messages to desktop
Pebble is back! The iconic smartwatch is returning with its OG founder and 'hackable' software
Microsoft Confirms January Update Issues: Audio Problems Hit Windows PCs
Google rolls out new accessibility features for Android, starting with Samsung's Galaxy S25
Conclusion
That’s a wrap for this week! Whether you’re rethinking using Hotmail, questioning some long-held tech myths, or just glad to see Pebble making a comeback, there’s plenty to chew on. If you’ve ever wrestled with Linux Mint (or still swear by it), I’d love to hear your take. And if your Windows PC suddenly lost sound after that January update, well… at least there’s a fix for it.
As always, if something here sparked a thought, hit reply and let me know. Until next time—may your inbox stay uncluttered, your updates not break anything, and your smartwatch stay humble (if you want it to).
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