r/techadvice

I'm thinking of buying a used M2 macbook air which is mostly going to be used for college programming projects and presentations, maybe some machine learning projects down the line. However, I am confused if I should get the newer macbook neo or the m2 air, used or refurbished and 8gb or 16gb ram? I'm upgrading from a 2017 I5 macbook air so a pretty big jump in terms of performance.

I would ideally like to stay with the macOS, but I wouldn't mind switching if there is a better deal on a windows laptop in terms of performance per buck. My budget is $500-600.

Is an additional antivirus program needed for a windows computer or is windows defender enough. I’ve heard so many conflicting points of view. Do antivirus programs really bloat your computer and slow your system down? If an antivirus program is recommended, what is the best program to use.

I’m writing this because I genuinely don’t know if I’m overthinking or facing reality.

I’m an international student in Australia currently studying IT, and over time I’ve developed a real passion for cybersecurity. What started as curiosity became something much deeper. I spend time learning about networking, Linux, cloud, threat detection, security tools, attack/defense concepts, and trying to build projects outside university. It’s one of the few things that actually excites me and makes me want to keep learning.

The problem is fear.

Sometimes I wonder if all this passion will slowly die because of the job market and my visa situation.

As an international graduate, I know I’m not always the easiest person to hire. Many companies may prefer citizens, PR holders, or people with no sponsorship concerns. On top of that, if companies need experienced talent, they can recruit globally or hire people who already have years of experience. That makes me question where someone like me fits in.

I’m not afraid of hard work. I’m already working while studying, managing financial pressure, and trying to build skills at the same time. What scares me is putting years into something I care about, only to hit a wall because of circumstances outside skill alone.

Did any other international students break into cybersecurity after graduating?

How realistic is it to get an entry-level role in SOC, IT support leading into security, cloud support, or similar pathways?

Should I keep pushing hard in infosec, or be more strategic and pivot into something adjacent first?

Would really appreciate real experiences or blunt advice

please help me get rid of my 2018 posts.i don’t care if the account still exists, but i have two pictures that are ruining my life i need them off the internet , i was a minor in the pictures so please send help or reach out privately on instagram @29008.03 if u’d like to help me report the account

thank you ;)

my left earbud has stoped charging. if i move it around eventually it will charge for 3 seconds then stop, ive tried everythin i know its not the case bc i have another case and it doesnt work in that one. i have cleane the charging things 4 times earbud everything and i cant factory reset bc well its dead and i cant charge it, pls help