Going Linux

By Larry Bushey and Bill SmithTechnology

Going Linux episodes

August 27 Going Linux #481 · Linux and Open Source Back-to-Basics
In this new format episode, Larry and Bill discuss rising Linux desktop market share, community-maintained LightDM, and rewriting terminal tools in Rust. They recommend user-friendly starter distributions like Linux Mint, Zorin, TUXEDO, Pop!_OS, and Nobara, and showcase how to use the TLDR utility for simplified command-line help.

Episode Time Stamps
00:00 Going Linux #481 · Linux and Open Source Back-to-Basics
02:04 Open Source News
05:34 LightDM 1.33 Release
07:42 Rust-Coreutils Progress
10:10 Open Culture Spotlight - Jamendo
13:06 Starter-friendly Linux distributions
16:45 Zorin OS
20:57 Tuxedo OS
25:18 POP!_OS
29:54 Nobara Linux
35:05 Command line shenanigans
35:42 Navigating the man pages
36:11 The tldr command
39:16 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-4687-889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe
40:28 End
41 min
August 08 Going Linux #480 · Listener Feedback
Larry and Bill get some answers to the questions they asked about the current release frequency, episode length, and topics that meet user needs.

Episode Time Stamps
00:00 Going Linux #480 · Listener Feedback
01:21 Update on Linux with hearing aids
02:34 Feedback on the future direction of the Going Linux podcast
03:05 Daniel: Is Orca pre-installed on CachyOS
06:12 Lee: Response to our request
08:11 Adopting Linux Mint to extend Windows hardware
11:02 Ham radio and Linux
12:08 Today's computer users don't want to tinker - agree and disagree
18:43 Computers should just work - that's why I switched
20:00 Our current release schedule - answer questions within two weeks
22:58 Best time for an episode to land - no opinion
23:23 Best episode length - 30 to 60 min
24:17 Topics that interest you - Understanding Linux, Linux news
25:03 Show format - Comment and tutorials, Q and A but don't let the answers drag
25:45 One change you would make - User topics and Q and A in the same episode
28:33 Ken 'The Small Box Admin'
29:33 Release schedule - twice a month but back to a regular cadence
30:21 Best time for a new episode to land - no preference, just a regular cadence
31:18 Episode length - 20, 30, max 60 min
31:36 Preferred topics - home labs, media servers, raspberry pie and single board computers, mini PCs, virtual machines, containers, BSD, monitoring and trouble shooting, shell scripts, automating tasks, fun Linux projects, learning resources, Linux in education, certs, getting a Linux job.
37:42 The change with the most value - community involvement
38:41 Josh: My Linux journey
39:28 Release schedule - Twice a month
39:46 Topics - Users, groups and permissions
40:39 Did you start using Zorin base version or pro version?
41:18 David: Your focus has drifted, become boring for a non-techie, non-gamer, experienced Linux user
1 hr 17 min
July 19 Going Linux #479 · Asking your opinion on the future
Larry and Bill invite listener feedback to shape the future of Going Linux. They question if their current release frequency, episode length, and topics meet user needs. They aim to refine the show’s format while remaining dedicated champions for Linux and helping users get things done.

Episode Time Stamps
00:00 Going Linux #479 · Asking your opinion on the future
01:29 Bill's CachyOS is still running well
01:46 Linux and amateur radio
03:53 Computer users today don't want to tinker
05:23 Users expect that their computer just works
07:08 Apple advertises the 'it just works' message, even if it doesn't
10:41 We want to hear from you
12:47 Does our current release schedule work for you?
15:56 What is the best time for a new episode to land?
17:16 Do you have a preference on episode length?
18:49 What topics are you interested in hearing more about?
20:00 What show format do you prefer? Commentary? Q and A? Interviews? Tutorials?
21:45 What one change would have the most value for you as a listener?
22:20 Our view on why we do this podcast
23:53 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe
25:31 End
26 min
June 06 Going Linux #468 · How to try Linux without affecting your current system Pt. 1
Today, we're tackling a question we hear a lot: "How can I try Linux without messing up my current computer?" It's a great question, and the answer is often simpler than you might think. One of the easiest ways is to use a USB drive.

Episode Time Stamps
00:00 Going Linux #468· How to try Linux without affecting your current system Pt. 1
02:20 Bill is still running Zorin OS
02:27 Larry and Bill discuss switching from Ubuntu Cinnamon to Linux Mint and about open source funding
09:18 Reid wrote about supporting open source
12:08 Daniel asked about Fedora
14:55 Liz commented on the state of the world
22:35 David switched from Zorin back to MATE
27:10 Frank wrote with a quibble about our Office Suites episode
29:27 Gus provides a solution for a cheap Linux Backup
35:38 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe
36:35 End
37 min
May 24 Going Linux #478 · Listener Feedback - plus hearing aids support on Linux
In this episode hosts Larry and Bill focus on listener feedback regarding podcast formats, encryption, and the role of open-source software in accessibility.
- Listeners David and Stephan express a preference for maintaining the podcast in MP3 format and as an audio-only medium, noting that video is often unnecessary and less convenient for mobile listening.
- David also recommends Parabolic, an open-source tool for downloading web video or audio from sites like YouTube.
- Following a previous episode, a listener named Rob asks about the feasibility of double encryption, or encrypting an already encrypted file.
- Bill shares a personal update regarding his recent hearing loss and his journey to find hearing aids compatible with Linux. He discusses how Linux and Pipewire support devices using ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids) and Bluetooth LE.
- Bill highlights EasyEffects as a valuable Linux application that allows users to adjust audio channels specifically for hearing aids while using the operating system.

Episode Time Stamps
00:00 Going Linux #478 · Listener Feedback - plus hearing aids support on Linux
01:53 Bill and Larry have NOT distro hopped (yet)
02:17 Ubuntu MATE project status
05:18 David: MP3 or not and a software pick
06:34 Parabolic
07:57 Video 'podcast'
09:26 Dave Jackson's view of what makes a podcast
10:37 Stephan: Feedback on our audio and video
13:05 Rob: Comments on our encryption. Can you encrypt an encrypted file?
16:01 Open Source helps with hearing deficits
17:56 The open source and Linux link via Bluetooth audio
21:25 Frequencies are programmed into the hearing aid
22:57 Streaming audio to the hearing aids
24:13 No special software required
24:56 Using the EasyEffects app to make adjustments
30:11 Selective listening
31:21 Send in your hearing aid tips for Bill
33:16 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe
36 min
March 19 Going Linux #477 · CachyOS
In this episode we explore CachyOS, an Arch-based distribution that prioritizes high performance and system responsiveness. Unlike fixed-release systems like Ubuntu, CachyOS utilizes a rolling release model, providing continuous updates to software and kernels without requiring full OS reinstalls.
Several key technical optimizations set CachyOS apart such as Optimized Kernels, BORE Scheduler, and Cachy Browser.
To lower the barrier to entry for the Arch ecosystem, CachyOS includes user-friendly tools such as the Calamares installer, which allows users to choose from various Desktop Environments like KDE Plasma or GNOME, and CachyOS Hello, a utility designed to make post-installation configuration dead simple. Bill notes that gaming performance on CachyOS is excellent.

Episode Time Stamps
00:00 Going Linux #477 · CachyOS
01:14 Bill switches to CachyOS
01:54 Larry has not switched from Linux Mint Cinnamon
02:36 What impressed Bill about CachyOS
08:12 What is CachyOS?
08:54 Rolling release vs. fixed release
13:13 CachyOS strengths
14:32 CachyOS performance optimizations
18:44 Which processors support which performance optimizations?
22:48 The BORE scheduler
25:36 EEVDF Scheduler
27:23 CachyOS user interface and desktops
30:15 Our recommendations
33:37 CachyOS Hello app
35:58 Application picks
38:56 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe
39:58 End
40 min
March 07 Going Linux #476 · Encryption - Introduction
This episode is an introductory guide to the fundamentals of encryption. We define essential terminology such as plaintext, ciphertext, and algorithms while distinguishing between symmetric and asymmetric cryptography. Beyond basic concepts, the source explores modern security applications like secure browsing and end-to-end messaging, alongside emerging technologies like post-quantum and homomorphic encryption. The episode emphasizes that digital privacy is a fundamental human right, protecting users from identity theft, mass surveillance, and data tampering. We highlight tools like Signal and Proton Mail to offer practical advice for maintaining digital trust in an increasingly data-driven world. The episode concludes by framing encryption as the primary defense for financial and personal safety in the modern era.

Episode Time Stamps
00:00 Going Linux #476 · An intro to encryption
01:10 Bill is still on Manjaro, Larry upgraded Linux Mint
05:32 Encryption: definition
06:28 Core concepts: plain text, cypher text
06:44 Cypher text
08:58 How it works
09:48 The main types of encryption
12:22 Key signing parties
13:51 Common applications
17:59 Cool new cryptographic techniques
18:33 Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
21:43 Homomorphic Encryption (HE)
27:17 Quantum Cryptography (Quantum Key Distribution)
29:55 Biometric Encryption
31:32 Why even care about encryption?
32:25 How encryption makes stolen data useless
33:22 Defending Against Mass Surveillance Preventing "Eavesdropping"
34:18 Preserving Human Rights and Free Speech Protecting Vulnerable Groups
36:09 Ensuring Data Integrity Anti-Tampering
37:03 Maintaining Digital Trust Foundation of the Economy
37:31 Ideas to protect you security
39:25 Final thoughts
41:53 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe
44 min
February 07 Going Linux #475 · Listener Feedback
Listeners (JackDeth, Pierre, Stefan, Frank) provided extensive feedback on audio quality and format preferences including detailed discussions of mp3, flac, opus, and ogg formats. Gus shared thoughts on audio production using Linux. We discuss web hosting. Stefan suggested creating a listener map feature. We also have a dedicated segment addressing printer compatibility and setup on Linux.

Episode Time Stamps
00:00 Going Linux #475 · Listener Feedback
03:16 JackDeth: Audio quality and formats
11:39 Printers for Linux
13:11 About web hosting
17:59 Pierre: Proposed audio format change
21:46 Kenneth: Feedback regarding alternative feed
24:05 Stefan: Thoughts on mp3, flac, opus, ogg, and a listener map
26:50 Keneth offers free hosting
28:05 Gus: Feedback on our webhost
29:28 Frank commented on the audio format
29:43 Joe: Returns and comments on Discord
32:58 David: Maybe this one!
35:51 Gus: Audio production on Linux
42:08 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe
43:50 End
44 min
December 28, 2025 Going Linux #474 · Bluetooth Devices
Bill is still running Manjaro with KDE. Larry is in a new location. Getting your wireless gear to play nice with Linux. Definition: Bluetooth. The graphical method, the command line method. The need to use the more advanced command line method is rare with modern Linux systems.

Episode Time Stamps
00:00 Going Linux # 474 - Bluetooth Devices
01:13 Bill is still running Manjaro with KDE
02:49 Larry is in a new location
03:27 Getting your wireless gear to play nice with Linux
05:38 Definition: Bluetooth
06:59 The graphical method
07:37 Check that Bluetooth is enabled
08:48 Connecting a device
10:49 The command line method
14:35 Needing to use the more advanced command line method is rare with modern Linux systems
15:02 Printers
15:60 Winmodems
18:02 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe
18:57 End
19 min
November 12, 2025 Going Linux #473 · Listener Feedback
Bill and Larry both break things. Questions for the listener: In addition to MP3, should we have a second feed? If so, should it be OGG, FLAC, OPUS, or something else? Suggestions for Solitaire, website upgrades, community comments, episode topics, printers, running Linux Mint, and computers for running Linux.

Episode Time Stamps
00:00 Going Linux #473 · Listener Feedback
01:30 Bill broke Manjaro
02:30 Larry breaks audio
03:18 Request to provide a FLAC feed
04:18 Questions for the listener: In addition to MP3, should we have a second feed? If so, should it be OGG, FLAC, OPUS, or something else?
09:18 Jblough: Ideas for an online Solitaire game
10:40 Frank: Free, open source Solitaire
12:50 Jack: Confusion over the feed
21:10 David: A link suggesting CachyOS is more popular than Ubuntu or Mint
23:57 Tolga: Unable to leave comments. Distro suggestions.
29:27 Kenneth: A suggestion for our website
32:60 Frank: Think Penguin
34:35 Paul: Asus laptop and Mint
35:53 Jim: Linux printers
42:30 Frank: Weird RSS stuff
45:14 Torontal7: About the picture in our ogg file
48:31 David: An interesting episode idea
54:46 Paul: Problems with Linux Mint
59:28 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe
60:32 End
1 hr 1 min

About Going Linux

From the publisher's feed

Once you become aware that there is a dependable, secure, capable, and modern computer system that rivals all others in popularity and actual use, you will want to try the Linux operating system on…