Based on BSD, it is *nix like but much more polished. It'd be most folks favorite BSD even if they don't know what's under the hood.

Otherwise, personally, it's OpenBSD. Really an amazing project

Not true. I own a John Deere tractor and live on an old farm.

There's plenty you can repair or customize on your deere tractor. As somebody else pointed out, some of their advanced machines are more like robots that plant and harvest for you. They're really cool, but it should come as no surprise that a computer controlled robot needs more sophisticated ways of maintaining than a tractor when you run a new hydraulic line or change the oil...

The way that technological progress works is first it's only possible for large entities like governments, than for the elite, then for the masses.

Just look at flight for instance.

The news here is that some private citizens are doing it, which means -- over some time, maybe decades -- such technology will be readily available to all

People do illegal stuff all the time, and there are plenty of scumbag landlords. Even though it is illegal for the landlord to do that, it's ALOT easier for them to do it then physically changing the lock or locking you out.

With that said, you are right that you would probably be protected in some way and would have the ability to put up a fight were that to happen

Obligatory XKCD:

https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.io?url=https%3A%2F%2Fxkcd.com%2F538%2F

Nothing a crowbar and hammer can't handle -- and easier than trying to "hack" a lock

Or he just evicts you.

This! OP is complaining about something that is none of his damn business.

If you dislike what the landlord is installing, tell him not to install it in your apartment. If he tries to do it anyways? He's crap, and you need to move

You're missing some of the point.

It's not your building, and your landlord has a genuine right to make improvements to the premises to help them manage their rentals.

If your landlord wants to plant trees on his or her property, cut down trees, paint the building bright orange with purple polka dots, or what not they have every right to do so. If you don't like it, or otherwise don't like your management, you have the right to move at the end of your lease, but no court will grant you a no penalty end to your lease if you dislike the buildings color.

Similarly if they are minimizing OpEx and maximizing CapEx, that's not your call. You can dislike their greed, but it's nothing that you can do anything about.

So if they are terrible managers why don't you move? I wouldn't live in a place that couldn't keep the elevators working all summer, for months at a time.

Or are you talking that they break down once in a while? I hate to tell you, but being a landlord is hard. You can't just replace an elevator, and all mechanical systems have some maintenance required. That perfectly fine elevator may be breaking down because someone always overloads it when moving, or what not.

You don't think they'll figure it out?

The smart thing is not to play passive aggressive games. Tell your landlord, in writing, about your objections.

If they're good htey will comply and not install smart appliances in your home or you'll move, and make good on the promise

Would you also argue that the electric meter violates privacy? On the outside of the building, anyone who cares can walk up and look to see what power you are using in a big apartment building.

What about security cameras in a shared parking lot for safety?

The reality is that just because something is new, doesn't mean it violates your privacy. With that said, while it would not be invasive to put a security camera in a parking lot, it would be if it was put in your bathroom.

What you therefore have to balance is the benefit of new technology with privacy concerns.

The law has yet to catch up here, and it will probably be some decades before it does. The IoT is coming, and there's not much we can do....

Let's say you unplug it, and turn it off.

They send a repairman out, who costs $50 an hour, to see why the hub is off.

They realize it's because you shut it off, you get billed the cost of the repairman.

I know you'll say "but it only took a few seconds for the repairman" but that's not how maintenance people work.

Of course your rights vary by state based on state laws, but definitely don't want to go changing things without a landlords permission.

Actually that could cause trouble. You are removing an improvement your landlord put in, they can charge you back the cost of coming back out to check it.

Better to tell them in writing you won't accept it.

You have a point about YOUR electricity. Smoke detectors / outdoor lights / etc are all supposed to be wired to a landlord meter. Unless your landlord has contracted with an electrician to hardwire the plug to a landlord meter, they have no right to install it.

So there's actually pros and cons here.

From the plus side, a smart thermostat can be used for good. It can let your landlord know in the event of a malfunction (phone home if it has an issue or stops working), prevent tenants from putting the heat above or below a certain level (yes it's your heat BUT if you turn off the heat in the winter you'll have broken pipes, which is bad for everyone), allow you to save on heating costs, etc.

Similar pros can be made for other connected devices. Water leak devices that can phone home if a pipe starts to leak (useful under the kitchen sink), and other such things. And, while a broken pipe would be painful for both tenant and landlord, many features are just for landlords. Tenant locked out and forgot their keys? Unlock the door with a smart lock instead of driving over to the building.

BUT privacy is an issue. Some of the smart thermostats include microphones, and you do not want your landlord able to be able to listen in or spy on you!

Additionally, what if your landlord is evil, and decides to change your smart lock when your rent is late? Locking you out until you pay?

So, all in all, it's a mixed bag, and the law hasn't caught up yet. In many states you can opt out of "smart" locks and things, and inform your landlord you want old fashioned locks and things and they cannot force a smart device on you. If they do try to force it, document document document! Get everything in writing, send it certified, and inform your landlord you will be notifying the state attorney general, and / or breaking your lease if they force the issue.

In addition to the problems with changing metrics between patrons, we also see bias in survey results. Women and minorities tend to score lower on surveys for doing the same work. There was a study that proved this by changing the name (and perceived race and gender) of an instructor in an online class. In all classes, the instructor remained the same, although the survey averages were quite different.

Which assumes you have a mom and dad to live with locally, or that your parents are willing and able to support you.