Getting started
Before you install: a practical checklist
Check the source, compatibility, costs and permissions before adding an app or game.
THE FIELDNOTES LIBRARY
Know a little more.
Clear research, practical trade-offs, and official places to get started.
Explained
APK or app bundle: what is the difference?
Why Android downloads do not always arrive as one interchangeable file.
Field guide
How to choose an app: compare the task, cost and exit options
A practical app-selection method with a LocalSend and KDE Connect example, a small trial task, and checks before committing your files.
Privacy
Review Android app permissions without guessing
A practical way to connect each permission request to the feature you actually want to use.
Getting started
Understand Get, price and Open in the App Store
Know what the store button means, then inspect the app before confirming a download.
Subscriptions
Find and review subscriptions billed by Google Play
Check the billing account and renewal details before assuming that deleting an app ends a subscription.
Subscriptions
Review an Apple-billed app subscription
Use the billing record and the subscription page to understand renewal status and cancellation.
Game saves
Steam Cloud: what to check before switching computers
A cloud feature is useful only when the game’s supported files and your expected progress line up.
Getting started
Read a PC game’s requirements before buying
Platform names, client requirements and hardware details answer different compatibility questions.
Recording
Make a short, private test recording in OBS
Establish a reliable picture, audio source and save location before recording a long session.
Privacy
Understand a browser extension’s permission request
Connect requested access to a concrete feature before adding another extension to your browser.
Recording
Record an iPhone screen and check the clip before sharing
Use the built-in recorder, decide whether the microphone belongs in the clip and inspect the saved result.