Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th April 2026.

12th April, 2026.

Right, then … it’s officially Sunday morning: and I’ve made a video about The Daleks’ Master Plan.

I don’t think it’ll have any effect on the BBC: nor do I think I’ll see an animated version of the story, any time soon.

But … ?

At least I’ve got it out of my system.

~≈📺≈~

OK … I’m something of a tech watcher: even if not a tech expert.

So remember many years ago, buying a (second-hand) Mac that shipped with a version of Ubuntu Linux: as the re-seller couldn’t afford to supply it with a copy of the then current operating system.

So … ?

So, ever since, has been interested in flavours of Linux.

And keep — where I can afford to — a spare computer around, with a version of Ubuntu, for use as a backup machine.

Granted, I’m a huge fan of Apple products: and very aware I’m heavily tied into Apple’s ecosystem.

But also aware having an alternative is important.

I’ve also kept an eye one the few governments — local and national — who use free operating systems.

So was interested to hear that the French government had decided to make the switch.

Partly as a matter of cost*: much open source software is given to home users for free, and at economic prices for enterprise users.

At least, more economically priced than Microsoft, Apple and Google.

The other reason to make the shift?

Is, as the TechCrunch article says, to “further reduce its reliance on U.S. technology”.

The French have long been a proud, and independent, nation: this choice plays to that pride, encourages the French tech industry’s independence … 

And frankly, is something the UK should be copying … 

~≈💻≈~

Let’s move on.


Yesterday’s Teaser saw Mum† and Debbi‡ putting in their answers: with both scoring five out of five.


 Let’s see how everyone does with today’s questions, shall we?

Here they are, along with the How To, License and video.

Q1)        Jonas Salk’s vaccine was declared safe on 12th April.   Of which year of the 1950s?

Q2)        Dr Salk’s vaccine vaccinated children against what: polio, tetanus or Hansen’s disease?

Q3)        The STS-1 mission launched on 12th April, 1981.   In a what: Apollo Rocket, Falcon rocket or Space Shuttle?

Q4)        Dally Messenger was born on 12th April, 1883.   He played what: rugby, cricket or Aussie Rules football?

Q5)        Finally … ?   The late Nicholas Brendon was born on 12th April, 1971.   He played Xander Harris in which TV series?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1)        The Apple 1 computer was created on 11th April: of which year of the 1970s?

A1)        1976.

Q2)        The Apple 1 was designed by whom: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak or Ronald Wayne?

A2)        Steve Wozniak.

Q3)        The company that built the Apple 1 was called the Apple Computer Company.   The company’s now called what?

A3)        Apple Inc: usually just called Apple.

Q4)        The Apple 1 could be connected to a what: tv set, radio or cinema projector?

A4)        A TV set.

Q5)        Finally … ?   The Apple 1 stored data and programs on what: cassettes, CDs or DVDs?

A5)        Cassettes.

Here’s a thought …

“There are so many different phases of stuttering, and it always breaks my heart.”

Nicholas Brendon, April 12, 1971 – March 20, 2026.

A song …

And an earworm …

The next ten question sets are on 16th, 21st and 23rd April. They’re about World Voice Day, Elizabeth 2nd and León and Castile.

Your comments, and today’s answers, will be published in tomorrow’s Teaser.

AI is avoided when writing these questions.

Answers are as accurate as possible: at the time of writing.

Decisions about scores are final.

Thank you for coming: have a good day.

*        Apparently, the French national Gendarmerie, one of their national police forces, having been using a custom version of Ubuntu for many years, now: partly, if I’ve understood things correctly, on cost grounds.

†        Hello, Mum!

‡        Nope: he played a character called Bret Vyon, Debbi.   Still, and to the best of my knowledge, he’s the only actor to have worked with the first eight doctors, in one way, shape, form or another.

        I don’t think there’s any cassettes that could … but there’s honkin’ great tape drives out there …