Privacy Policy
As a UK-based blog dedicated to helping beginners explore Linux and open-source computing, we take your privacy seriously. Whether you are here to learn about Ubuntu UK, get started with Linux Mint, or set up your first Raspberry Pi, we want you to feel confident about how your information is handled. This policy explains, in plain English, what we collect, why we collect it, and the rights you have under the UK GDPR.
Data We Collect
We believe in collecting as little as possible. Our team only gathers the information needed to run the site, respond to your messages, and understand which guides are most useful to our readers. We never sell your data to anyone, full stop.
Information You Provide
When you use our contact form, we ask for your name, email address, and message. That is it. We use this information solely to reply to your enquiry, whether you are asking about open-source software recommendations or a Raspberry Pi tutorial.
Automatically Collected Data
Like most websites, we collect anonymised usage data through analytics. This includes things like which pages you visit and how long you stay, but it does not identify you personally.
Cookies and Tracking
Cookies are small files stored on your device that help websites function and improve. We use a small number of them, and we keep things transparent.
Essential Cookies
These cookies are required for the site to work properly, such as remembering your cookie preferences. They do not track you across other websites.
Analytics Cookies
With your consent, we use optional analytics cookies via Google Analytics to see how visitors navigate our Linux for beginners content. These help us improve our guides over time.
Managing Cookies
You can manage or delete cookies at any time through your browser settings. Disabling analytics cookies will not affect your ability to read our articles.
Analytics
Understanding how people use our site helps us create better content, from Linux Mint walkthroughs to open-source software roundups.
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to gather aggregated statistics about visits to fernhilllinuxproject.com. This tells us which topics, such as Ubuntu UK guides, are most popular.
IP Anonymisation
IP anonymisation is enabled on our Google Analytics setup. This means your full IP address is never stored, protecting your privacy while still giving us useful insights.
Opt-Out
If you would prefer not to be included in analytics, you can opt out using Google’s official browser add-on or by declining analytics cookies on your first visit.
Third-Party Services
Some parts of our site rely on trusted third-party providers. Each of these has its own privacy policy, which we encourage you to review.
YouTube
We embed YouTube videos in some tutorials, such as Raspberry Pi setup guides. When you play a video, YouTube may set cookies and collect data according to its own policies.
Mailchimp
We use Mailchimp to send our newsletter. If you subscribe, your email address is stored securely with Mailchimp and used only to deliver updates about new Linux and open-source content.
Other Services
We may occasionally link to external resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites, so please check their policies before sharing personal information.
Your Rights Under GDPR
As a resident of the United Kingdom, you have clear rights under the UK GDPR. If you would like to exercise any of them, simply contact us and we will respond promptly.
Right to Access
You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
Right to Rectification
If any information we hold is inaccurate or incomplete, you can ask us to correct it.
Right to Erasure
You can ask us to delete your personal data, and we will do so where no legal obligation requires us to keep it.
Right to Object
You have the right to object to how we process your data, including any analytics or marketing activity.
Data Retention
We do not keep your information longer than necessary.
Contact Form Data
Messages sent through our contact form are retained for 12 months, after which they are deleted.
Analytics Data
Analytics data is kept for 26 months before being deleted or fully anonymised.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, our team is happy to help.
You can reach us at [email protected] for any privacy-related requests.
Postal Address
Alternatively, you can write to our registered address in London, United Kingdom.
We are committed to transparency and to protecting the privacy of every visitor who comes to us to learn about Linux, Ubuntu UK, Linux Mint, open-source software, or the Raspberry Pi. If anything in this policy is unclear, or if you simply want to talk through your rights under the UK GDPR, please do not hesitate to get in touch.