Destination Linux

Welcome to Destination Linux Episode 459! This week, we are jacking into the digital frontier with a packed mission log. Joining hosts Ryan and Jill is a "High-Tier" summon: Mathieu from Lutris, the man ensuring Linux gaming stays as smooth as a Gundam flight suit. We kick things off with a critical look at Healthcare Data Security. With the recent Navia benefit solutions breach affecting millions, we discuss why companies are demanding sensitive data they clearly cannot protect—and why it’s time to push back on providing Social Security numbers. Then, we break down the FCC’s official ban on foreign-made consumer routers. This move has effectively frozen the release of next-gen hardware like Wi-Fi 7 in the U.S. market. We explore the implications for your privacy and why Open-Source firmware (OpenWrt) and DIY hardware (OPNsense/pfSense) are now the ultimate safeguards for your digital sovereignty. Jill also returns with Part 2 of her SCaLE 23x highlights, featuring heartwarming reunions with Linux legends like Jon “Maddog” Hall and John Robinson (developer of Window Maker), plus a look at the Ubuntu Academy project. Finally, we cover the latest in Linux Gaming and AI, including Steam Client updates, VR gaming improvements in GE-Proton, and how TurboQuant is revolutionizing AI memory efficiency. Set your phasers to "Open Source" and join us for a "Plus Ultra" level of geekery! Timestamps [00:00:00] Welcome to Destination Linux [00:04:43] Community Feedback [00:18:13] Sponsored by Sandfly Security [00:21:34] Personal Security Stories [00:28:25] The Social Security Dilemma [00:34:20] Navia Data Breach [00:40:07] Highlights from SCaLE 23x [00:51:42] FCC Bans Foreign-made Routers [00:57:02] Building Your Own Router [01:04:44] Steam Client and SteamOS Updates [01:09:08] VR Gaming in GE-Proton [01:16:46] TurboQuant Improves AI Memory Efficiency [01:19:34] Closing Thoughts and Sign Off References Community & Tools FreeDroidWarn Solutions: https://github.com/woheller69/FreeDroidWarn?tab=readme-ov-file#solutions Sandfly Security (Sponsor): https://deviantairwaves.com/sandfly (Use code DESTINATION50 for 50% off Home Edition) Navia Healthcare Data Breach: https://lifehacker.com/tech/navia-data-breach-social-security-numbers SCaLE 23x Photo & Video Gallery: https://imgur.com/a/ZzVIzSA Jill’s Treasure Hunt (Eee PC/Window Maker): https://youtu.be/AQ5b1pLNSUc

Welcome to Episode 458 of Destination Linux! This week, the crew is joined by special guest co-host Craig Rowland of Sandfly Security for a deep dive into the shifting landscape of digital threats. In our Security Scoop, we break down the massive IDMerit leak that exposed nearly 1 billion sensitive records and discuss the "industrialization" of malware. We explore how attackers are using LLMs to create "Vibeware" or malware written in exotic languages like Crystal and Nim to bypass traditional EDR signatures. Jill takes us on a journey through her Top 5 Highlights from SCaLE 23x in Pasadena, featuring everything from meeting the creator of Lutris to preserving Linux history with "Maddog" and her SCaLE museum. For those looking to de-Google their digital lives, Ryan reviews Ente.io, an open-source, end-to-end encrypted photo storage solution that uses local AI for facial recognition, keeping your memories private and secure without losing "smart" features. Finally, we cover the latest in the Quickfire News with Zeb. Show Notes: Isaac's documentary trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch Unordinary People podcast: https://youtube.com/@unordinary_people Unordinary People podcast interview with Jill: https://youtu.be/1lmLuDTSLjU?si=mntitbm1Pqps3qU4 Sandfly Security: https://deviantairwaves.com/sandfly Use code code DESTINATION50 for 50% off Security Scoup: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/1-billion-identity-records-exposed-in-id-verification-data-leak/ar-AA1YlJs4 Mathew's SCaLE article: https://matthewplascencia.substack.com/p/penguins-penguins-everywhere-scale?triedRedirect=true Interview on Destination Linux with Yuning Liang from DeepComputing and RISC-V: https://youtu.be/1YoXdfGtPpw Interviews on Destination Linux with Jon "Maddog" Hall, Linux Legend: https://youtu.be/90N6oWIkDZI https://youtu.be/9WBd8ISmtuI Encrypted Cloud Photo Solution: https://ente.io/ Steam user numbers: https://www.techspot.com/news/111663-game-developers-cash-steam-sees-5863-titles-earn.html Linux 7.0-rc3 is big: https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-7.0-rc3 New SuperTux: https://www.phoronix.com/news/SuperTux-0.7-Released And become a patron at https://patreon.com/destinationlinux Support the show at https://shop.deviantairwaves.com/ Destination Linux website: https://deviantairwaves.com/ to get the links to listen to Destination Linux on your favorite podcasting apps, or the videos on YouTube, to support us, and to keep those Linux penguins marching! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome to Destination Linux 00:01:29 Community Feedback: The Kdenlive Documentary 00:06:25 Sponsored by Sandfly Security 00:09:17 Security Scoop with Craig: Ericsson & Agentless EDR 00:15:51 IDMerit Leak: 1 Billion Records Exposed 00:22:14 AI-Assisted Malware & "Vibeware" 00:34:10 SCaLE 23x Highlights: Part 1 00:40:27 Meeting Viewers at SCaLE 00:52:07 Linux 7.0-rc3 Released 00:58:17 Steam Statistics & Record Growth 01:04:17 SuperTux 0.7.0 Released 01:06:25 Closing Remarks Linux #opensource #podcast #security cybersecurity #infosec SandflySecurity #SCaLE23x #gamingSpecial Guest: Craig Rowland.

Is there a way to use the web without being the product? In Episode 457, the Destination Linux team explores the growing world of decentralized networks and alternative internet protocols. From federated solutions to mesh-style connectivity, we discuss how users are reclaiming their digital sovereignty. We also dive into the "Local First" movement with Jan, an open-source tool that allows you to run powerful AI models entirely offline. No subscriptions, no data mining, just pure local compute. In the news, we break down the latest corporate shakeup: SUSE is for sale again. We analyze what this means for the enterprise Linux landscape and the community. We also share our "Hidden Gem" open-source apps, including the multi-track video editor Flowblade, and see who survives Zeb’s Quickfire Revenge. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Underworld of Tech (DL 457) 00:01:46 - The Fight Against ID Verification 00:15:02 - Hidden Gems: Top Secret Open Source Apps 00:25:51 - Local AI: Keeping Your Data Off the Grid with Jan 00:27:30 - Deep Dive: Decentralized Networks & The Secret Internet 00:43:55 - SUSE For Sale: The Corporate Cycle Continues 01:05:23 - Steam Report: Is Linux Gaming the New Standard? 01:08:52 - Zeb’s Revenge: The Quickfire Round 01:14:48 - Final Thoughts & Community Mission

Welcome to Episode 456 of Destination Linux! This week, Ryan and Jill are joined by guest hosts Zebedee Boss and Nate (CubicleNate) to break down a massive week for mobile privacy and modular hardware. The Privacy Breakthrough: Ryan’s prediction comes true as Motorola and GrapheneOS announce an official partnership. We discuss what this means for the "ThinkPhone" line, the end of Pixel exclusivity, and the future of de-Googled mobile devices in the enterprise and government sectors. Hardware Innovation: Nate takes us through the Lenovo ThinkBook Modular AI PC. With a detachable secondary OLED screen and swappable I/O tiles, is Lenovo finally taking a page out of the Framework playbook? Plus, we look at the "AI" marketing fatigue and the potential for Linux compatibility on this unique form factor. The Policy Battle: Zeb dives into the heated debate surrounding California’s AB 1043 and its impact on Linux distributions. We examine the cautious responses from Canonical and Fedora, and the "ultimatum" issued by community members on the Ubuntu mailing list regarding age-verification code. Smarter Updates: Jill explains how Ubuntu 26.04 "Resolute Raccoon" is splitting its massive 600MB firmware package into 17 vendor-specific pieces to save your bandwidth and reduce server strain. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:20 Community Feedback: The "Algonet" and the Death of the Old Internet 00:16:36 New Patron Shout Out 00:19:20 GrapheneOS & Motorola Partner Up: The End of Pixel Exclusivity 00:30:00 Lenovo ThinkBook Modular AI PC: Detachable Screens & Swappable I/O 00:43:00 Age Verification Drama: Ubuntu and Fedora’s Legal Crossroads 01:15:00 Ubuntu 26.04 Firmware Split: Faster Updates for Everyone

Welcome to episode 455 of Destination Linux! This week, Ryan and Jill are tackling one of the biggest emerging threats to your online privacy: mandatory ID verification. Ryan delivers a massive, impassioned call to action on why we must protect our digital anonymity and push back against these invasive policies before it's too late. But that's not all! We’re also discussing Proton's surprising move away from Switzerland and what it means for your secure data. Plus, we dive into Intel's latest push for Linux gaming, explore some fantastic file-sharing applications, and talk about our excitement for the upcoming Southern California Linux Expo (SCaLE). Grab your favorite beverage, pull up a chair, and let's get into the latest in Linux and open source! Head to deviantairwaves.com to become a Patron and support the show Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome to Destination Linux 00:01:22 Community Feedback on Matrix 00:03:00 The Threat of ID Verification 00:18:04 Supporting Our Patrons 00:19:36 Exploring File Sharing Apps 00:29:14 The Southern California Linux Expo 00:33:41 Intel's Focus on Linux Gaming 00:41:00 Proton's Move from Switzerland 00:55:34 Thank You and Community Engagement

The "Modern Firefox" has arrived, but is it secure? In this episode of Destination Linux, we explore the Zen Browser, a gorgeous, privacy-respecting fork of Firefox that’s modernizing the web with vertical tabs and split views. But beauty isn’t everything, so we brought in the ultimate defense specialist, Craig Rowland from Sandfly Security, to help us navigate the increasingly hostile digital landscape. From AI-driven phishing attacks to the Notepad++ supply chain breach, Craig gives us a masterclass in "agentless" security and how to stay safe without bloating your system. We also break down Linux Kernel 6.19, featuring a 40% performance boost for older AMD hardware and the path toward stable HDR on the Linux desktop. Grab your favorite beverage, put down that USB drive, and let’s get started! Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome to Destination Linux 00:01:07 Community Feedback 00:07:57 Security Scoop with Craig 00:08:30 Browser Extensions and Security 00:16:41 Agentic AI and Privacy Concerns 00:26:28 Notepad's Security Vulnerabilities 00:30:42 Notepad++ Supply Chain Attack 00:35:52 Linux Kernel 6.19 Updates 00:48:04 Exploring the Zen Browser 00:55:39 Closing Thoughts and Thanks Head to deviantairwaves.com to support the show! Become a Patron or buy some amazing swag! Special Guest: Craig Rowland.

This week on Destination Linux, we are joined by a true legend of the open-source world: Mathieu Comandon, the creator and lead developer of Lutris. We dive deep into how Lutris became the "One Launcher to Rule Them All," managing everything from GOG and Epic Games to your retro console emulators. Check out Lutris here: https://lutris.net Mathieu gives us the inside scoop on the new Playtron partnership, the UMU (Unified Media Updater) initiative and we even discuss how Lutris helps non-gamers install apps. Plus, we tackle the Discord Debacle, are chat apps losing their way? Whether you're a distro-hopper, a Steam Deck user, or just here for the "shenanigans," this episode is your ultimate guide to the Linux-verse. Support the Show: Destination Linux is a podcast supported by the viewers, for the viewers. Become a Patron to get exclusive perks! Go to: www.deviantairwaves.com to learn more! Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro: Welcome to the Lutris Playground 00:01:28 Community Feedback: Gaming the Linux Way 00:11:01 Sponsored by YOU, the Awesome Penguins 00:11:22 Interview: Leveling Up with Mathieu from Lutris 00:13:30 What Is Lutris? One Launcher to Rule Them All 00:15:53 Lutris + Playtron 00:20:31 Jill’s Humble Brag 00:22:26 What Is UMU? Proton’s Fancy Cousin 00:28:33 Why Every Gamer Should Care About Lutris 00:29:47 Beyond Games: Installing “Real Work” in Lutris 00:30:35 Lutris Flatpak: One Click to Game City 00:36:39 Rootkits & Kernel Anti-Cheat: Boss Fight Mode 00:40:11 Headless Docker: Ghost Servers for Your Games 00:41:25 Wish List: “Send To” Magic Button 00:43:28 How Lutris Helps Non-Gamers (Yes, Really) 00:47:04 Tech YouTubers Jumping on the Linux Hype Train 00:48:51 Do Devs Even Have Time to Game? 00:50:37 Will AI Actually Help with Game Support? 00:58:55 How You Can Help Lutris Level Up 01:01:04 Lightning Round: Quick‑Fire Gaming Questions 01:06:27 Discord Debacle: Chat Apps Behaving Badly 01:15:56 Teaser for Next Week’s Linux Shenanigans 01:16:20 Outro: Keep Your Penguins Gaming

Can Open Source save the world? In episode 452, the crew dives deep into the "In-Between Dystopia" of AI layoffs and whether we are headed toward a Star Trek-style post-scarcity economy or a Mad Max wasteland. We also discuss why governments are finally breaking up with Big Tech to build sovereign stacks like La Suite, and why this is a massive win for the FOSS ecosystem. Plus, we look at Firefox’s return to its roots, the latest security blunders in the "Heap of the Maggots," and a surprising Linux update from GOG. Support the show by going to deviantairwaves.com and become a Patron or get some SWAG! 00:00 Intro: Open Source Can Still Save the World 01:06 Community Feedback: Star Trek or Mad Max? 03:46 Star Trek Nerd Fight: TNG vs DS9 vs TOS 05:04 AI Layoffs & the In‑Between Dystopia 06:52 Will We Ever Reach the Star Trek Economy? 07:54 Jill Corrects “Star Track” & Defends TOS 09:04 Capitalism, Greed & Why Jill Still Has Hope 09:53 Zeb’s View: Shareholders, NVIDIA & AI Hype 12:27 Why Destination Linux Stays Out of Politics 15:02 Sponsored by Our Awesome Patrons 17:47 Governments Break Up with Big Tech 19:28 Visio & La Suite: Building a Sovereign Stack 20:02 Why This Government Trend Is a Win for FOSS 26:29 Could We Run DL on La Suite Someday? 28:17 Firefox News: Our Favorite Browser Fights Back 31:42 Firefox Getting Back to Its Roots 33:14 Open Source Moves Faster to Fix Things 34:16 Heap of the Maggots: Security Hall of Shame 35:27 Notepad++ Gets Hacked 38:39 How Can Companies Protect Themselves from Hackers? 43:26 The Biggest Threat Vector 49:17 Jill Finds a Game She Doesn’t Like 50:47 GOG Shows Linux Some Love 56:43 Outro: Keep Your Penguins Marching

In episode 451 of Destination Linux, we are joined by Ilan Rabinovitch and Hannah Anderson from the Southern California Linux Expo (SCaLE 23x). We dive deep into what makes SCaLE one of the premier open-source events in the world, what attendees can look forward to this year, and essential tips for first-timers. Whether you are looking for your first role in tech or your next big career move, we discuss how to effectively network and leverage conferences to grow professionally. In the news, we cover the latest Google Voice Assistant settlement and the implications for user privacy. We also take a look at the troubling reports of Microsoft potentially turning over Bitlocker keys and the ongoing privacy concerns surrounding WhatsApp’s data practices. Use code 'LOL' for 40% off Scale23x Head to deviantairwaves.com to get more show content! 0:10 Welcome to Destination Linux 1:47 Listener Feedback 4:40 New Patron Shoutout 5:21 ScALE 23x Discussion & Interview 48:10 Privacy and Security Concerns 1:08 Final Thoughts and Goodbye

In this milestone Episode 450, Jill, Ryan, and guest host Zeb dive deep into the practicalities of building and running a startup entirely on Open Source software. We break down the essential tools making this possible, including VDO.Ninja for high-quality production, Nextcloud for seamless collaboration, and Matrix/Element for secure communication. The team also takes a hard look at the Orion Browser. It promises industry-leading privacy and security, but the big question remains: is it truly Open Source? We explore the nuances of its development and what it means for the community. Plus, we tackle the growing phenomenon of Ad Fatigue, the ethics of modern advertising, and how AI is changing the landscape of gaming reviews. 00:00:00.000 Welcome to Destination Linux 00:01:17.758 Listener Feedback : AI and Job Displacement 00:06:52.000 Patrons and Support 00:08:33.642 Security with Sandfly Sponsor 00:10:17.000 Running a business with Open Source VDO.Ninja 00:16:54.081 NextCloud for Collaboration 00:20:38.644 Matrix Element Chat 00:24:12.235 Privacy and Discord 00:26:35.000 Orion Web Browser 00:38:00.000 The Ethics of Ads 00:56:12.736 Gaming Review with AI 01:08:57.700 Closing Thoughts and Future Topics

Is RISC-V the hardware revolution we've been waiting for? On Destination Linux Episode 449, we sit down for an exclusive interview with DeepComputing CEO Yuning Liang. We dive deep into his personal origin story, the challenges of building open hardware, and the roadmap for the DC-ROMA and the future of RISC-V. Whether you are a developer, a hardware enthusiast, or a Linux lover, you won't want to miss this conversation about the next frontier of open computing! 00:00:00 Intro: Rebel Alliance Linux 00:01:44 Interview Begins: Yuning & RISC-V 00:02:46 Origin Story: From Nokia & Samsung to RISC-V 00:07:24 From Drones to Laptops: Early Projects that Shaped RISC-V 00:11:38 What Makes RISC-V Truly Different 00:16:43 Hard Mode Enabled: Challenges & Dark Moments 00:22:39 Big Wins: RISC-V Milestones & Supply Chain Reality 00:25:43 Chasing Full Linux Kernel Support 00:28:22 RISC-V History Lesson: From Idea to Ecosystem 00:36:17 Philosophy of Openness & Hardware Sovereignty 00:42:40 Can We Stop AI from Gobbling All the Hardware? 00:51:07 Why Now Is the Time to Challenge x86 00:56:21 RVA-23: Setting the Bar for RISC-V Laptops 01:00:11 Modular Dreams: Framework & RISC-V 01:02:33 Building a Sustainable Open-Hardware Future 01:11:03 Big Dreams: One-Third of CPUs on RISC-V? 01:14:06 How People Can Get Involved 01:17:45 Lightning Round: Fun with Yuning 01:21:44 Interview Wrap-Up 01:25:15 Thanks to Till & the RISC-V Tattoo Origin 01:26:00 Show Outro

The OG is back! This week on Destination Linux, we celebrate the new year with a legendary reunion as Zeb returns to the host desk as a guest alongside Ryan and Jill. We’re kicking off 2026 with a packed show full of cloud chaos, gaming breakthroughs, and some serious questions for Intel. In This Episode: The Return of Zeb: We welcome back as a guest the an OG of the show to talk about the current state of the Linux desktop. Nextcloud Chaos: Ryan and the crew discuss the journey of moving back to open-source tools and whether the self-hosting struggle is worth the reward. Wayland Check-in: Is it finally ready for primetime? We look at the progress and the remaining hurdles for the year ahead. GeForce NOW on Linux: It’s finally (almost) official! We dive into what this means for the future of AAA gaming on the Linux desktop. Intel’s Open Source Cred: From firmware changes to driver shifts, is Intel losing its status as the "Gold Standard" for Linux users? Zeb’s Gaming Gauntlet: We wrap up with game reviews specifically chosen to "welcome" Zeb back in the most chaotic way possible. Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro: New Year, New Linux, Same Zeb 00:02:38 Going Back to Open Source Tools (Nextcloud Chaos) 00:06:50 Community Feedback: AI vs. Human Creativity 00:29:44 Sponsor: Sandfly – Agentless Linux Bodyguard 00:32:31 GeForce NOW on Linux: Official at Last (Almost) 00:44:41 Is Intel Losing Its Open Source Street Cred? 00:58:55 Game Reviews Crafted to Torture Zeb 01:07:37 Thanks Zeb: OG Captain Back on Deck 01:09:01 Outro: Happy New Year!

What’s Inside: The 5% Milestone: We analyze the data behind the massive surge in Linux desktop adoption and why gaming is the secret weapon. The UpTech Project: Máirín Duffy introduces us to a student-led initiative bridging the digital divide with Linux. 2026 Predictions: From RISC-V taking over wearables to the COSMIC desktop challenging the status quo, we look at where the "Time Machine" is headed. And so much more! 00:00:00 Intro: Linux Time Machine to 2026 00:01:50 Extended Intro: Meet Captain Ryan, Jill & Mo 00:02:20 Show Schedule Update: New Flight Plan 00:02:59 Community Feedback: The Great Cranberry Sauce Debate 00:12:40 AI and Energy: Hungry Models, Huge Power Bills 00:15:51 Empowering Youth Through Linux & Tech 00:29:11 2025 Highlights: Linux Market Share Levels Up 00:33:18 Outtake: Technical Turbulence in the Time Machine 00:34:16 Shifting to Linux & AI: Hype, Hope, and Worry 00:40:38 Steam Machines Dream: PC Gaming’s Second Chance 00:43:38 SteamOS on ARM: Deck Power Everywhere 00:45:34 Wayland Takes the Bridge: Desktop Evolution 00:49:07 Red Hat Lightspeed: AI Co‑Pilot for Sysadmins 00:56:58 Destination Linux Grew: 2025 Community Wins 00:58:32 Linux 2026: Bold Predictions & Future Trends 01:03:00 Cosmic Becomes the Top DE? 01:06:41 Windows’ AI Future: Copilot All the Things 01:09:13 Linux Desktop Market Share: Past 5%, Aiming Higher 01:09:38 Subscription Backlash: Users Hit Unsubscribe 01:11:27 Return to Physical Ownership: Discs, Devices & Freedom 01:15:28 Old Is Better: Vintage Gear vs Disposable Tech 01:21:09 AI’s Role in Linux Development: Help or Hassle? 01:24:57 A Bold Prediction: Jill’s 2026 Mohawk 01:26:19 Future Show Tease: More Linux, Less Bloat 01:26:44 Thanks Mo: Red Hat Wisdom in the Time Machine 01:27:07 Outro: See You in 2026

This week on Destination Linux, we are joined by a special guest host: Craig Rowland, the CEO of Sandfly Security! We’re diving deep into the reality of modern security—specifically when third-party code knocks over your castle. From malicious VSCode extensions to the "React2Shell" vulnerability, we discuss why "Open Source" doesn't automatically mean "Safe" and how to protect your supply chain. Then, is it possible to have the macOS experience without the Apple ecosystem? Ryan explores ravynOS, a daring new project with "macOS vibes and a BSD soul." It’s attempting to bring the Aqua interface—and eventually Mac app compatibility—to the open-source world. Plus, Jill brings us massive news from Canonical and AMI. You might soon be installing Ubuntu directly from your motherboard's BIOS without ever needing a USB drive. We break down how this partnership changes the game for hardware. Finally, we read an incredible listener story. Show Notes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:39 Extended Intro: Open Source or Bust 00:03:08 Community Feedback: A Pentester’s Origin Story 00:10:03 Guest Host: Sandfly Security & Agentless Protection 00:15:53 Security Deep Dive: Supply Chain Attacks, Malicious VSCode Extensions & React2Shell 00:44:31 ravynOS: The Open Source Mac Killer? 00:56:05 News: Canonical + AMI: Installing Ubuntu from the BIOS 01:08:07 Outro 01:09:33 Post-Show Shenanigans Support the Show: Sponsored by Sandfly Security: destinationlinux.net/sandfly - Get 50% off the Home Edition with code DESTINATION50Special Guest: Craig Rowland.