Zunaid Ali-Contributor

Zunaid Ali

Contributor

September, 2023
Linux, Windows, Programming
  • 153
    articles
  • 76
    Features
  • 37
    Lists
  • 40
    Guides

About Zunaid Ali

Zunaid Ali first became interested in technology after using a computer for the first time in 2006. He's been producing how-to content since 2018, reaching thousands of people in the process.

As a kid, Zunaid used to read tech tutorials and troubleshooting guides on popular blogs. That made him want to start his own writing career. After the coronavirus pandemic, he finally decided to jump into the tech writing world. Before joining How-To Geek, he had written for HecticGeek, Distroid, and UbuntuPIT, among others.

Zunaid first tried Linux when he wanted to learn Web Development in 2021. Due to his inexperience, he messed up his laptop trying to dual-boot Ubuntu with Windows. Frustrated, he went all-in with Linux and removed Windows completely. And that's when he fell in love with it. He's been actively experimenting with Linux since then.

After finding his first writing gig on Linux in April 2022, he decided to specialize in it so he could share his knowledge and insights with fellow open-source enthusiasts. He joined How-To Geek in September 2023 and has been writing as a freelance contributor since then.

Zunaid is currently pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Information & Communication Technology. When he's not writing, he's reading tech blogs, coding fun projects, or learning about new technologies. Other than Linux, he also has an interest in Android Development and Cybersecurity. He has experience in C/C++, Java, HTML/CSS/JavaScript, and Python. You can find some of his hobby projects on his GitHub.

Latest

Windows Task Manager at full screen with the Services app opened on top of it.
I disabled 4 Windows background services and freed up gigabytes of RAM instantly

Save your Windows PC from these secret silent killers.

Linux terminal displaying the use of some Bash tricks to make repetitive work easier.
4 Linux terminal tricks that make boring jobs weirdly satisfying

Turn those boring chores into small enjoyable moments.

1
A file with Python code opened in bat file reader in a Linux terminal.
5 essential Linux terminal upgrades that make command-line work actually enjoyable

Modern tools can make the Linux terminal prettier, faster, and smarter.

6
Linux screen with Tux and a Gear icon.
12 things I do right after installing Linux (and you should too)

Don't wait.

6
The Samsung Galaxy A21s phone showing it's battery usage of different apps.
I forced my 6-year-old Galaxy phone to last a week on battery—here's how

Easy tweaks, longer battery, less time plugged in.

1
A USB micrphone and a phone recording audio kept side by side.
Skip the expensive USB mics: Your phone already has what you need (I have proof)

Before spending on a better mic, give that thing in your pocket another chance.

CachyOS desktop running on a laptop.
CachyOS is how I finally understood Arch Linux without the installation nightmare

A gentle bridge between you and one of the most difficult-rated distro.

3
Flow Launcher opened as well as its settings windows behind it.
This open-source Windows launcher does what Microsoft’s new Start menu should have done

A control center that can outclass many Windows features.

1
Logos of several companies and an abondoned seal over a UNIX operating system running on a vintage computer
The most ambitious Linux project of all time failed because lawsuits were more lucrative

The story of a hobby project outrunning billion-dollar backing.

1
Laptop showing the KDE logo on screen, with a blue and purple background and 'KDE' in large letters behind it_
I discovered KDE’s hidden superpowers after installing these 3 open-source utilities

Making sure I can push Plasma to its limit.

1
A screen with the Windows Terminal and some codes.
I started playing CTFs, now they're my new hobby

Hack your way through.

A laptop with Windows 11 and the Windows Explorer icon next to it.
I found a 7-Zip alternative. I'm not going back

Choose the better zipper.

17
A laptop running CachyOS with the terminal open and different configurations displayed.
CachyOS is closing the one gap that used to keep me on Windows

It might finally be the time to say goodbye to the blue squares.

18
Windows 11 logo centered on a blue background, surrounded by icons from PowerToys, Syncthing, Everything Search, KDE Connect, and MSI Afterburner.
I turned Windows into a keyboard-first operating system with these 3 free tools

Ditching the mouse never felt so good.

The Qubes OS logo and Home Assistant logo in front of a server room.
I finally understand why Qubes OS is perfect for Home Assistant—and nothing else comes close

It fills the security gaps that HA had for years.

Laptop on the Windows 11 settings screen coming out of a toggle button.
This 30-year-old Windows shortcut does what Settings refuses to do

It just refuses to retire.

KitchenOwl mobile app opened and displaying grocery items.
These 4 open-source apps solved problems I didn't think software could fix

Hidden gems like these are why I love open-source so much.

Automate automation running and displaying in the notification panel with Do not disturb turned on.
I automated my Galaxy phone, and it saves me more time than Samsung's last 3 updates combined

No need to wait for updates when you can do it yourself.

Network DNS settings menu opened on top of Cloudflare's connection testing website.
Your ISP watches everything you do: Enable this Windows 11 setting to stop it

Upgrade your browsing privacy.

6
Two Intel Optane SSDs and a warning triangle sign.
The real reason Intel killed its fastest SSDs, and why your next drive will be completely different

The technology that beat every SSD quietly died because of one thing Intel couldn't control

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