France Government Transition to Linux

France wants less Windows. Are government offices switching to Linux?

In recent years, there has been increasing discussion that Europe wants to become more technologically independent. And one of the countries taking this seriously is France. It is gradually increasing the use of open source software, including the Linux system, in public administration.

However, this is not any sudden revolution or an immediate “shutdown of Windows.” The reality is more complex – and more interesting.

Why France is addressing a move away from Windows

The reason is relatively simple: control over data and technologies.

A large part of European institutions today rely on services from American companies such as Microsoft, Google, or Amazon. This brings several risks.

For example, data may be subject to foreign legislation, and the state does not have full control over its systems. There is also dependence on a single supplier (so-called vendor lock-in).

That is why France is promoting so-called digital sovereignty – the ability to manage its own IT infrastructure without dependence on foreign companies.

More information:

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-sovereignty

Linux in public administration? What is actually happening

France has been using open source for a long time. A key role is played by the government agency DINUM, which is responsible for the digitalization of the state.

So what is really happening?

Some offices are testing and deploying Linux. Internal open source projects are being created, and European and domestic solutions are being supported.

An interesting fact is that the French police (Gendarmerie) switched to their own Linux distribution earlier – and saved millions of euros in licensing costs.

Verification:

https://www.gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr
https://www.linux.com/news/french-police-move-linux

The end of Microsoft Teams? France is looking for its own solution

Another area is communication tools. France has started testing alternatives to Microsoft Teams and is increasingly using open source solutions based on Jitsi.

The advantages are clear – greater control over communication, open source with the possibility to audit the code, and independence from external companies.

Official sources:

https://jitsi.org
https://code.gouv.fr

It’s not just France. The whole EU is moving in a similar direction

France is not alone. The European Union as a whole is addressing the same issue – dependence on foreign technologies.

The European Parliament and the Commission are therefore analyzing risks, supporting open source, and investing in their own projects (for example, Gaia-X).

More information:

https://www.europarl.europa.eu
https://www.data-infrastructure.eu/GAIAX/Navigation/EN/Home/home.html

What is true and what is not

Exaggerated or inaccurate information often appears on the internet. Here is the reality:

France does support Linux and open source. Some government offices are already using Linux. The state wants greater control over IT.

There is no plan to completely eliminate Microsoft Windows. There is no specific transition timeline. This is not a sudden decision, but a long-term trend.

France is gradually changing its approach to technology. This is not a dramatic “end of Windows,” but a thoughtful step toward greater independence, security, and control over data.

Linux plays an important role in this – but more as part of a broader strategy rather than a single replacement.

Raspberry Pi NAS with NTFS Drive – Simple Home Server Guide

If you have an unused older Raspberry Pi 2 at home and a spare external SSD or HDD and you’re not sure what to do with them, you can turn them into a simple NAS server.

Raspberry Pi is often used as a small home server, and one of the most common use cases is a simple NAS – that is, network storage that can be accessed by various devices on the home network.

This guide is written to work on common Debian-based distributions and is usable for both Linux and Windows.

Set Up Remote Desktop First

Before you start the actual installation of the NAS server on Raspberry Pi 2, it is very sensible to set up a remote desktop first.
For example, according to a guide like: Raspberry Pi 2 Remote Desktop.

This will save you time, nerves, and in practice also unnecessary mistakes that often arise when working purely via the terminal or when constantly reconnecting a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Remote desktop allows you to control the Raspberry Pi from another computer just as comfortably as if you were sitting directly in front of it. All configuration, package installation, and possible troubleshooting can then be done clearly in a graphical environment, which is especially useful during the initial setup of a NAS server.

Why Remote Desktop Is Important Before Setting Up a NAS

When installing a NAS server, you will deal with multiple steps at once – disk setup, folder sharing, user permissions, network services, or automatic startup after system boot. If you do not have graphical remote access at this stage, every small change means unnecessary delays.

Thanks to remote desktop, you can:

• manage the Raspberry Pi from anywhere on the network,

• conveniently copy commands and configurations,

• quickly resolve errors without restarting the entire setup,

• keep the NAS server under control even after its final placement in a case or rack.

Practical Benefits for Long-Term Operation

A NAS server is not a device you physically return to every day. Once it is running, it is usually hidden somewhere in a corner, near the router, or in a technical room. That is exactly why remote desktop is an ideal tool for later administration, updates, or system status checks.

If you already have a working remote desktop, for example using VNC Viewer, you will have a much easier start in the world of a home NAS server and avoid situations where you have to reconnect a monitor again just because of a minor adjustment.

Setting up remote desktop before installing the NAS server is not an unnecessary extra step, but a practical foundation.

Once you have access to the Raspberry Pi remotely in a graphical environment, the entire NAS setup process becomes clearer, faster, and less prone to errors.

Only then does it make sense to continue with the installation of the NAS server itself and the configuration of the storage.

Continuation – Complete Setup

Here is the complete procedure to make Raspberry Pi work as a home NAS:

An NTFS drive + Samba with password protection + automatic mounting after reboot, compatible with Debian, Ubuntu, and Windows.

Variant: an external drive connected via USB in an external enclosure.

The shared folder is named (movies).
You can name it according to your own needs.

In this setup, the NTFS disk is mounted automatically after system startup and shared over the network using Samba, allowing secure access with a username and password from both Linux and Windows systems.

1.) Connecting the External Drive

Connect the drive to a USB port on the Raspberry.

Find out where it is mounted:

lsblk -f

Example output:

sda1  ntfs  movies  25E0-...  /media/hdddata/movies

Create the mount directory if it does not exist:

sudo mkdir -p /media/hdddata/movies

Set permissions (for a home network):

sudo chmod -R 777 /media/hdddata/movies

2.) Installing Samba

sudo apt update
sudo apt install samba samba-common-bin

3.) Creating a Samba User

sudo smbpasswd -a hdddata
sudo smbpasswd -e hdddata

Set the password as you like
hdddata → user for accessing the share

4.) Editing the Samba Configuration

Open the configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

4a) Global Settings

Make sure that [global] contains:

[global]
   workgroup = WORKGROUP
   server string = Raspberry Pi
   netbios name = RASPBERRYPI
   map to guest = Bad User
   client min protocol = SMB2
   server min protocol = SMB2
   max protocol = SMB3

4b) Disk Sharing

Add this to the end of the file:

[movies]
   path = /media/hdddata/movies
   browseable = yes
   writeable = yes
   guest ok = no
   valid users = hdddata
   create mask = 0770
   directory mask = 0770

Save: CTRL+O → Enter → CTRL+X

Restart Samba:

sudo systemctl restart smbd nmbd

Check status:

sudo systemctl status smbd
sudo systemctl status nmbd

Both should be active (running)

5.) Automatic NTFS Mount After Reboot

Open /etc/fstab:

sudo nano /etc/fstab

Add the NTFS disk line:

/dev/sda1  /media/hdddata/movies  ntfs-3g  defaults,nofail,x-systemd.automount  0  0

• x-systemd.automount → mounts the disk on first access
• nofail → the system boots even if the disk is disconnected

Save the file (CTRL+O → Enter → CTRL+X)

Verify mounting immediately:

sudo mount -a
lsblk

The disk must be mounted at:

/media/hdddata/movies

6.) Automatic Samba Start on Boot

sudo systemctl enable smbd
sudo systemctl enable nmbd

Samba will start automatically after every reboot of Raspberry Pi.

7.) Connecting From a Computer

Linux (Debian / Ubuntu)

In the file manager:

smb://192.168.50.52/movies

Login:

• user: hdddata
• password: the one you set

Terminal:

gio mount "smb://hdddata@192.168.50.52/movies"

Windows

In File Explorer:

\\192.168.50.52\movies

Login: hdddata + password

Tip: You can use raspberrypi.local instead of the IP address, but avahi-daemon must be installed.

Test After Reboot

Restart the Raspberry:

sudo reboot

Verify the disk:

lsblk

Connect from your computer via Samba – the disk should be visible immediately.

This completes the setup: your NTFS disk on Raspberry Pi is accessible via Samba with a password, automatically mounted on boot, and fully functional for Debian, Ubuntu, and Windows.

Samba: Wiki

When a NAS on Raspberry disconnects disks from the network by itself after a few minutes of inactivity:

Fix Raspberry Pi NAS Network Dropouts

Master the Web: How to Find Exactly What You Are Looking For (2026 Edition)

In the digital age, the problem isn’t finding information

— it’s filtering out the noise and censorship. With AI-generated content, algorithmic filtering, and regional restrictions flooding the web, reaching verified, uncensored, high-quality data requires a professional approach. Whether you are looking for technical tutorials, global news, or information restricted in your country, this guide will show you how to find it.

1. How to Find Reliable and Uncensored Global News

Getting a comprehensive and uncensored view of global events can be challenging, especially in regions with blocked media or algorithmic suppression. Here is how to access reliable information:

Use Multiple Search Engines and News Sources

Different platforms may index and rank content differently. For broader and less filtered results, combine multiple tools:

• Brave Search – Uses its own independent web index.
• DuckDuckGo – Does not track your history and limits personalization.
• Swisscows – Privacy-first search engine based in Switzerland.
• Reputable international news organizations like Reuters, Associated Press, BBC.

Real-Time & Alternative Sources

For faster and sometimes uncensored first-hand information:

• Telegram – Search public channels related to specific regions or conflicts.
• X Advanced Search – Use location operators like
  near:"Taipei" within:10mi
• Bellingcat – Open-source investigations and media verification.

How to Bypass Regional Censorship and Access Uncensored News

Some news may be blocked or hidden depending on your country. To get a more complete picture and access information freely, it’s useful to use privacy tools and change your virtual location.

1. Use a VPN to change your location

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets you change your virtual location and encrypt your internet traffic. This allows you to:

• Compare search results from different regions and detect which stories might be censored.
• Access content that is restricted or blocked in your country.

2. Types of VPNs and their benefits

• Commercial VPN services – Provide apps for Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. Examples: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN. Suitable for everyday browsing and sensitive content.
• Free VPNs – Easy to access but often limited in speed, data, and server choices. Some may track user activity.
• Self-hosted VPNs – You can set up your own server (e.g., WireGuard, OpenVPN). Requires technical knowledge but gives you full control over your data.

3. Choosing regions for less filtered access

Neutral regions usually offer access to a broader range of news. Recommended countries include:

• Switzerland
• Iceland
• Netherlands

4. Test multiple locations and compare results

Search the same keywords from different VPN locations. Observe which articles appear and which are missing. This helps you detect suppressed or censored stories.

5. Advanced: Using the Tor network for maximum anonymity

For higher privacy and access to uncensored content, consider Tor:

• Tor routes your traffic through multiple nodes around the world, hiding your real IP address.
• Provides anonymous access to websites, including “.onion” sites not available through regular browsers.
• Using Tor is ideal when content is heavily censored in your country or when maximum anonymity is needed.

Using Tor & .onion Sources for Censored Content

Download Tor Browser: https://www.torproject.org/

Download  Brave browser:    https://brave.com/

Tor Browser for maximum anonymity

For heavily restricted or sensitive topics, the Tor network is essential:

• Use Tor Browser to access the Tor network.
• Search .onion news sites that publish content unavailable on the regular web.
• Many independent journalists, whistleblower platforms, and alternative media operate exclusively on Tor to avoid takedowns and censorship.
• Combine Tor with trusted onion search engines or curated directories rather than random links.

⚠️ Always verify information from multiple sources — anonymity does not equal accuracy.

Trusted .onion Sources for Uncensored News & Information

Access these sites only via Tor Browser. They provide alternative or uncensored access to information that may be blocked or limited on the regular web.

📰 International & Independent Media (.onion)

• BBC News (Tor Mirror)
  Official BBC onion service offering the same content as the clearnet version, accessible in censored regions.
  (BBC onion address – official)
• Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (Tor access)
  Independent journalism focused on regions with restricted media freedom.
• ProPublica (Investigative Journalism)
  One of the first major newsrooms with an official onion site, focused on deep investigative reporting.

🔍 Search Engines & Directories on Tor

• DuckDuckGo (.onion)
  Privacy-focused search engine and the default search engine in Tor Browser.
  Useful for discovering onion sites safely without tracking.
• Ahmia
  A curated search engine designed specifically for indexing legitimate .onion websites and filtering illegal content.

🧠 Whistleblowing, Transparency & Research

• SecureDrop
  Used by journalists and media organizations to receive documents securely and anonymously.
• The Intercept (Tor version)
  Focused on national security, surveillance, and civil liberties.

⚠️ Safety & Verification Tips (Important)

• Prefer official onion mirrors of known organizations.
• Avoid random link lists from forums or paste sites.
• Cross-check sensitive information with clearnet sources like Reuters or Associated Press.
• Never download files from unknown .onion sites.

✅ How to Search .onion Sites Effectively

• Use DuckDuckGo (.onion) for general discovery.
• Combine keywords with terms like:
  investigation, leak, report, archive
• Compare results with VPN-based searches on the normal web.

🔗 Verified .onion Links for Uncensored News & Research

⚠️ Access these links only via the Tor Browser.
They are public, well-known, and commonly referenced by journalists and researchers.

🔍 Search Engines on Tor

• DuckDuckGo (.onion)
  https://duckduckgogg42xjoc72x3sjasowoarfbgcmvfimaftt6twagswzczad.onion/
  Privacy-focused search engine and the default search engine in Tor Browser.
• Ahmia (.onion)
  http://juhanurmihxlp77nkq76byazcldy2hlmovfu2epvl5ankdibsot4csyd.onion/
  Curated search engine for legitimate and safer .onion websites.

📰 Independent & Investigative Journalism (.onion)

• ProPublica (Official Tor Mirror)
  http://33xu4yhum2eiisxm6fntaslayop76fvaqgt3ak5dakdm3t7cub25cead.onion/
  Investigative journalism focused on corruption, abuse of power, and public accountability.

🛡️ SecureDrop – Anonymous Whistleblowing Platforms

Used by major news organizations to receive documents securely and anonymously:

• The Guardian SecureDrop
  http://xp44cagis447k3lpb4wwhcqukix6cgqokbuys24vmxmbzmaq2gjvc2yd.onion/
• The Washington Post SecureDrop
  http://vfnmxpa6fo4jdpyq3yneqhglluweax2uclvxkytfpmpkp5rsl75ir5qd.onion/
• Financial Times SecureDrop
  http://nqu6crmtnzs2hs5abo2uqni53yqsnnwqnerdxuzyz5yxairxlzjzt6yd.onion/

📚 Directories & Archives

• The Hidden Wiki
  http://zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad.onion/
  Directory of .onion websites
  ⚠️ Use with caution – links may lead outside journalistic or legal content.

⚠️ Safety & Best Practices

• Prefer official onion mirrors of known organizations.
• Avoid downloading files from unknown sources.
• Cross-check important information with clearnet sources such as Reuters or Associated Press.
• Onion addresses may change – always verify from official websites.

2. Finding High-Quality Tutorials (That Actually Work)

When searching for tutorials online, you often encounter low-quality content – outdated information, broken methods, or overly general advice. Finding tutorials that are truly valuable and up-to-date requires some strategy. Here are proven ways to find content that actually works.

1. Use Reddit for real user discussions

Reddit is one of the best places to find experiences from real users. Instead of just searching for generic tutorials, add the word “reddit” to your query.

• Example:
  best mirrorless camera for beginners reddit
  This query will show posts and discussions where people share their experiences with specific models, including pros and cons.

• Tip: Look for threads with a high number of comments and upvotes – they usually contain detailed and reliable information.

2. Focus on developer and expert platforms

For technical tutorials or complex procedures, it’s best to rely on sources where experts and developers share verified information:

• GitHub – find projects, scripts, and open-source solutions with detailed documentation.

• Stack Overflow – perfect for programming and code errors, often providing step-by-step solutions.

• Instructables – excellent for DIY projects, electronics, crafts, and creative solutions.

3. Filter results by recency

Even high-quality tutorials can become outdated. If you’re searching for info on new software or technology, always filter results by date:

• In Google, use Tools → Past year or set a custom time range.

• Older tutorials may contain outdated software versions, different installation steps, or obsolete components.

4. Search directly in specialized forums

Some tutorials and tips are never indexed by regular search engines but are available directly on forums. Searching within specific forums often gives you detailed tips from experienced users.

• Example:
  site:forum.xda-developers.com "finding accessories for phone model"
  This command searches all posts on the XDA Developers forum that contain information about accessories for a particular phone model.

5. Combine sources and verify information

The best approach is to combine multiple sources: Reddit provides user experiences, GitHub or Instructables give concrete procedures, and forums add solutions to potential problems you might encounter.

• Compare tutorials, check publication dates, and verify software versions or device models.

• If possible, follow video tutorials – they are often easier to follow and show the exact steps.

Finding high-quality tutorials isn’t just about typing the right query. Key steps include:

1. Focus on real user experiences (Reddit).

2. Use developer and expert platforms (GitHub, Stack Overflow, Instructables).

3. Filter results by date to ensure content is current.

4. Search directly in specialized forums.

5. Combine multiple sources and verify the information.

By following these strategies, you’ll significantly reduce wasted time on broken or outdated tutorials and get tutorials that truly work.

3. Advanced Multimedia & File Searching

Finding high-quality multimedia and specific file types can be challenging if you rely on basic searches. Advanced strategies allow you to locate high-resolution visuals, specialized documents, and even archived or removed content. Here’s a comprehensive guide.

1. High-Resolution Visuals

When looking for images, graphics, or videos, using the right platforms can save time and ensure quality:

• Unsplash – Free high-resolution photos that can be used for personal and commercial projects with minimal restrictions.
• Pexels – Offers both photos and videos, free for commercial and non-commercial use, often with diverse and modern visuals.
• Pinterest – Great for inspiration and curated collections, though images often link to original sources; always check usage rights.

Tips for effective image searches:

• Use specific keywords: instead of “nature,” try “sunset over mountains 4K” to get sharper results.
• Filter by size or resolution when the platform allows.
• Be aware of copyright restrictions: even if images are visible online, not all are free to use commercially. Check licenses or choose platforms offering clear usage terms (like Unsplash or Pexels).

2. Searching for Specific File Types

Sometimes you need documents, spreadsheets, or presentations instead of images. Search operators in Google can help you locate exact file types quickly:

• filetype:pdf – For research papers, guides, or reports.
• filetype:xlsx – For Excel spreadsheets, data sets, or templates.
• filetype:pptx – For PowerPoint presentations.

Example search:

"renewable energy trends 2026" filetype:pdf

This search will return only PDF files relevant to renewable energy trends in 2026.

Tip: Combine operators with site-specific searches for more precision:

site:un.org "climate change report" filetype:pdf

3. Finding Archived & Removed Content

Sometimes valuable resources have been deleted or altered. The Wayback Machine (archive.org/web) allows you to access snapshots of websites from the past. This is useful for:

• Retrieving outdated guides or tutorials.
• Accessing content that was removed or heavily edited.
• Comparing old versions of reports or web pages.

Tip: Combine Wayback Machine with site-specific searches:

site:example.com "old guide" 

Then paste the URL in the Wayback Machine to check previous versions.

4. Legal & Ethical Considerations

When downloading or using multimedia and documents, always consider copyright laws:

• Free platforms (Unsplash, Pexels) clearly specify usage rights.
• Always credit the creator if required.
• Avoid downloading copyrighted content from random sites for commercial use without permission.
• For educational or personal use, fair use may apply, but commercial usage often requires explicit licensing.

Ignoring these rules can lead to legal issues, so make it a habit to verify licensing before using files.

Advanced multimedia and file searching involves:

1. Using high-quality platforms for visuals (Unsplash, Pexels, Pinterest) and checking licenses.
2. Leveraging Google search operators to find specific file types.
3. Accessing archived or removed content with the Wayback Machine.
4. Always respecting copyright and usage rules to avoid legal problems.

By combining these techniques, you can efficiently locate high-resolution visuals, official reports, and historical content while staying safe and compliant.

Essential Resources for Multimedia & File Searching

Extra Tips for Video Files (.avi, .mp4, etc.)

1. Use Google search operators to find specific formats:

   "wildlife documentary" filetype:avi
   "tutorial video" filetype:mp4
   

2. Combine with site search for niche content:

   site:pexels.com "drone footage" filetype:mp4
   

3. Always check the license: even free videos may have restrictions for commercial use or require attribution.

• Use specialized platforms for high-quality visuals and videos.
• Use Google search operators (filetype:) to locate specific document and video formats.
• Access removed or archived content with the Wayback Machine.
• Always verify copyright and licensing to avoid legal issues.

Disclaimer:
This guide is for educational purposes only and focuses on improving information literacy, privacy, and access to diverse sources.