Monthly Archives: March 2023

My Experience Using a Graphic Tablet as a Trackpad

Hello, dear reader! In this post, I want to tell you about my experience of replacing my computer mouse with a graphic tablet as a trackpad, and why I decided to make the switch.

Additionally, I will be discussing a software called Barrier. Enjoy!

Problems with My Hands

In the past, I used my hands inaccurately, constantly clicking on the keyboard and using my graphic tablet at a fast pace. Unfortunately, this was a big mistake that has led to persistent pain in my hands.

Whenever I type too much or use a mouse, the pain intensifies. It has even reached a point where I struggle to hold objects, such as a mug, due to the intense pain. At times, my fingers can stop working and cause excruciating pain for a period of time, making it necessary for me to be very cautious.

Replacing the Mouse

Since using a mouse causes me a lot of pain and inconvenience, I began searching for an alternative. In the past, I used a trackpad which was less painful, so I thought of getting an external trackpad for my computers. However, I only found trackpads from Apple, which come with exorbitant prices. Although I acknowledge that it is a great device, I do not want to support the company due to their controversial practices.

Afterward, I began using my old graphic tablet, an Xp-Pen G640, which was not very painful and worked great. It was then that I had an idea to purchase a graphic tablet with a multi-touch surface that could double as a trackpad. My initial choice was the Wacom CTL 480, but I could not find it in my country as it was only being sold by one individual who quickly sold out. Instead, I decided to purchase the Wacom CTL 680S, which has worked out well for me.

Using the Wacom CTL 680S as a Trackpad

Now, onto the question: how has the Wacom CTL 680S worked out for me?

In a word, it’s been amazing. The size of the tablet is almost the same as my laptop, with a large surface area that’s extremely convenient to use. Additionally, all gestures work, including scrolling and switching between workspaces, but only if you configure the drivers correctly.

The tablet also comes with a great pen that you can use for drawing, using the system, or playing games. It’s completely up to you how you choose to use it. Personally, I found using the pen as a mouse to be amazing as it feels like holding the cursor in your hand. It’s incredibly easy to use and has been a great addition to my setup.

Pros:

  • Large surface area
  • Convenient to use with a pen
  • Has multi-touch functionality
  • Great design
  • Bluetooth module and battery can be easily added if required

Cons:

  • Like in most trackpads, the surface is not a big button and requires double-clicking the title of a window to move it, instead of just holding down. However, this issue can be easily solved by using the pen instead, which works much better.

Ultimately, whether or not to use a graphic tablet as a replacement for a mouse or trackpad is up to you. Personally, I found it to be very convenient and easy to use. After using it for over a week, I can confidently say that it’s the best way to control a computer that I’ve ever used.

Goodbye, mouse, forever.

About Barrier

Firstly, what is it?

Barrier is a KVM software that allows you to control multiple computers at the same time using only one keyboard and mouse.

Currently, I have three machines with graphical interfaces and one with a framebuffer console. Rather than having multiple keyboards and mice cluttering up my workspace, I can just move my cursor to the other machines and control them with ease.

If you use multiple machines, I highly recommend giving Barrier a try. It’s incredibly convenient and easy to use.

Thank you for reading.

Written by Alexa Hattori.

—

Please send any comments to unixcat (at) anche (dot) no.

Should we love our enemy?

Hello, dear reader! In this philosophical post, I want to discuss the phrase “You should love your enemy” that many religious people often use.

Should we?

The short answer is no, but it’s not as simple as it sounds.

The most important thing is that we should never do bad things to our enemies. Revenge is bad and only perpetuates evil. We should never answer evil with evil or hate our enemies or anyone else. Hating will never help you, just like revenge. It will only hurt you more.

What should we do then?

It depends on you and what the person did. You have to choose for yourself.

First, you can do something good for that person and show them kindness. Remember, evil will never help you, and maybe that person will change themselves. Remember to never hate!

The other option is to exclude that person from your life if you are able to and just forget them and never see them again. That works too.

Sometimes, your worst enemy can become your best friend.

Why is revenge never good?

Because revenge never helps anyone. It only perpetuates more pain and evil for more people. How do you think it will end? Do you think you will feel better?

For example, if you hurt someone as revenge, then they will hurt you as revenge, and the cycle will never end. It will never make you or that person happy.

Another thing, especially popular in movies, is when someone kills an important person to you, and you want to kill them in return. But ask yourself, do you really think it will help you? It won’t bring back that person to life. You will only do a very bad thing that will likely make things worse.

That is my opinion.

—

Please send any comments to unixcat (at) anche (dot) no.

 

What is the sense of life?

Hello, dear reader. In this post, I want to discuss the sense of life.

What is the sense of life?

I think there’s no right answer for everyone; it depends on the person. I believe that the sense of life is to do things that make you happy, to live a happy and fulfilling life.

How can you find the sense of life?

First of all, you shouldn’t dwell on it too much. There’s no need to “search for the sense of life.” You should just live and enjoy your life. However, it can take years to find the sense to live, to find yourself, to find what you really like. It can be anything, such as playing music, cooking, being a philosopher, or something else.

The most important part is that you should enjoy what you are doing. Think about what you want to do for a while, try it, do it, enjoy it, live by it. Just remember that it shouldn’t hurt anyone else or you. No one deserves to be hurt.

What if you can’t find anything you like, even after trying everything? Maybe it’s just not the right time, or you’re just too young and will understand later. Don’t be upset because of this. Searching for yourself can take months, years, or a lifetime. Eventually, you will find what you like. For now, do what you want, can, and enjoy.

And, remember to always be yourself. Don’t try to be someone else unless it hurts someone. If you’re “not like everyone” and society doesn’t accept you, don’t try to change yourself because of society. Just say to yourself, “Why should I care?” You can be strange, weird, but you should be yourself. If you like white, but the rest of the world likes black, you shouldn’t force yourself to like black.

Your life is yours.

Thank you for reading. Written by Alexa Hattori.

—

Please send any comments to unixcat (at) anche (dot) no.