Going Linux

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to the world of version control with Git and GitHub! We will walk you through the essential steps to get you started, from creating an account to making your first contribution to a project. This powerful combination of tools is fundamental for software development, but it's also incredibly useful for tracking changes in any set of files, from manuscripts to research data. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #472 · New Users Guide to Github 01:16 Bill moves to Manjaro with KDE 02:21 Larry uses the Mint Cinnamon upgrade path to Release 22.2 (Zara) 03:45 Bill helps a friend with advertising in Windows 11's Solitaire game! 12:48 Welcome to the world of version control 13:48 What is Git? 15:14 So, what is GitHub? 18:12 Key benefits for a new user 21:59 Open Source alternatives 23:25 Starting to use GitHub 25:53 GitHub Desktop for Linux 28:47 AI Disclaimer 30:16 Picks: Micro and GitHub Desktop 32:19 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 33:19 End

Bill is hopping to a different distro (big surprise, right?) Non-Windows computer does not track is the best? Tuxedo, System76, Framework, Dell XPS Series, some Lenovo Thinkpads, Linux Certified, Entroware More emails on Accessibility, Problems with Linux Mint,a printer odyssey, pivot tables, Mint XFCE on an Acer Chromebook C720 ZHN, an unintended review of the System76 Lemur Pro, and App picks: Mirror Hall and Gnome Network Displays Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #471 · Listener Feedback 01:13 We're not dead yet! 02:50 Bill is hopping to a different distro (big surprise, right?) 06:21 Chad: What brand of non-Windows computer does not track is the best? 07:19 Tuxedo, System76, Framework, Dell XPS Series 08:18 Some Lenovo Thinkpads, Linux Certified, Penguin, Entroware 10:40 Linux pre-installed 11:21 Daniel: Follow up re: accessibility 13:18 Paul: Problems with Linux Mint 20:03 Ambrose: Printer odyssey 27:49 Stefan: About Pivot Tables 29:25 David: Linux Mint XFCE on an Acer Chromebook C720 ZHN 31:57 Reid wrote An Unintended Review - System76 Lemur Pro 38:17 App picks: Mirror Hall and Gnome Network Displays 43:26 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 44:44 End

Of course you could install Linux on a spare computer if you have one. OK, to many people the prospect of installing a new operating system can be daunting. You could also try running from a live USB drive. But fortunately, there are straightforward methods to explore what Linux has to offer directly from your Windows environment without altering your existing setup. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #470 · How to try Linux without affecting your current system Pt. 2 01:42 Bill hops from Zorin to Linux Mint - here's why 03:34 Bill tests ChromeOS Flex 06:35 Help out PCLinuxOS 10:20 Larry is down to one computer 11:10 Disclaimer: No hardware-installed Windows were harmed in the production of this podcast 14:37 How can I try Linux without messing up my current computer? 15:33 1: Using a 'virtual' Linux 16:39 2: Windows subsystem for Linux 17:30 Linux in Virtualbox 18:56 Install and configure Virtual Box 23:51 Install 'Guest Editions' 25:25 Install Linux 27:38 First boot and Guest Editions 28:07 Install the Windows subsystem for Linux (WSL) 29:31 Launch WSL and complete the setup 30:03 Start using WSL 30:52 Just create a Live USB drive - it's easier 36:48 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 38:00 End

Bill tries ZFS. Our topics: Microsoft's support for Windows 10 is about to end - to keep your computer running a fully supported OS switch to Linux, Linux on Chromebooks, CD ripping, Cosmic Desktop Environment, Pivot tables, Linux and AI, Accessibility on Linux. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #469 · Listener Feedback 01:35 Bill tries ZFS 03:07 Microsoft's support for Windows 10 is about to end - to keep your computer running a fully supported OS switch to Linux 06:18 Reid: Open Source contributions and installing Linux on Chromebooks 15:24 SirScout51: CD ripping 20:23 Cosmic Desktop Environment (DE) 24:56 David: LibreOffice Calc pivot tables 27:51 Ian: Switching to Linux and AI 37:58 Daniel: Orca Screen reader, Manjaro, Reborn and Solus Linux 44:15 Tolga: I'm not able to respond 46:52 Kenneth: Feedback and a recommendation 50:01 David: My Linuxbook 53:25 Daniel: What is the exact feed for subscribing? More on accessibility 62:55 End

We discuss Ubuntu Cinnamon vs. Linux Mint Cinnamon. Our feedback includes supporting open source, about Fedora, backup solutions, office suites, switching from Zorin to MATE, and 'What's wrong with the world?'. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #467 · Listener Feedback 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

Bill distro hops. Larry considers a distro hop. Bill fixes his problem with Snap packages. Larry fixes his app probles. Is using AI cheating? We discuss what you get with these office suites: LibreOffice, WPS Offce, ONLYOffice, Calligra, and Microsoft 365 Online. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #466 · Using Linux to get things done in Work and School (Office Suites) 01:24 Life gets in the way. 02:34 Bill's MX Linux hop update 03:21 The return to Zorin 04:45 Larry considers a switch to Open SUSE 07:01 Using Linux to get things done 07:39 Bill updates snapd and solves his problem with Snap packages 08:39 Larry reinstalls an app to solve problems 09:31 AI disclaimer for this episode - a GPT4All and Deep Seek collaboration 12:24 Is using AI cheating? Let us know 14:03 Check your distribution's repositories for packages before downloading from the webpages for each office suite we mention 16:31 LibreOffice - Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base, Math, Charts 21:26 WPS Office - WPS Writer, WPS Spreadsheet, WPS Presentation, WPS PDF Reader 25:11 ONLYOffice - Document Editor, Spreadsheet Editor, Presentation Editor, PDF Editor 34:40 Calligra - Words, Stage, Sheets, Karbon, KEXI, Plan 43:31 Microsoft 365 'Free' er uh 'Trial' er uh 'Subscription' Online - Documents, Presentations, Workbooks 56:18 App pick: GPT4All 59:36 End

Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #465 · Listener Feedback 01:35 Bill can breathe again 07:40 Reid: About the Lemur Pro 11:39 George from Tulsa: Learning the lesson again - buy hardware with Linux pre-installed 16:02 Guimar: Seeking advice on Linux 25:02 Roger: Microsoft news - Solar Winds 30:03 George: Commented on computer/monitor stands 33:13 George: On the M4 Mini 39:42 Harry: Shares his decision 41:26 Ambrose: About Linux kernel headers 50:18 Costas: The Ubuntu MATE installer 54:58 Gus: Comments on Snap packages 56:34 Ian: Remote access 58:05 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 59:11 End

Bill commits to running MX Linux for a year and has issues with Ubuntu based distros. We discuss Linux drivers, the Cosmic desktop, Wayland display manager, gaming on Linux and much, much more. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #464 · 2024 Year End Review 04:44 Bill commits to running MX Linux for a year 07:57 Bill has issues with Ubuntu based distros 17:44 Some Linux driver maintainers de-listed 21:23 New file system accepted - no bovine intervention 25:31 Good news for team green - Nvidia 28:08 The Cosmic desktop from System76 is making great progress 30:18 What's going on with Mozilla? 30% layoffs? 34:38 The Rasberry Pie foundation has been busy 37:00 Wayland display manager on Fedora and Ubuntu 42:40 RISC 44:43 Faster installs 46:39 HEIC - HEIF image support in Linux 50:14 Linux kernel cadence changed 54:25 Better gaming for everyone 56:34 Gnome feature fest 58:02 Ubuntu's anniversary flourishes 61:05 Wayland: All the cool kids are doing it 63:09 Ubuntu's desktop security center 65:00 Ubuntu app center can install .deb packages 68:50 Advances in gaming on Linux 69:42 Steamdeck uses Arch Linux 71:39 Fedora desktops galore 74:57 Intel has problems with 13th and 14th gen chips 76:60 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 77:55 End

Millions of computer users are already using or preparing to switch to Linux because soon, their computers won't be able to cope with Windows, and they cannot afford to upgrade their hardware. Linux is not just their only choice but also their best choice. Sometimes, though, it's the myths about Linux that stand in the way. In this episode we hope to dispel some of those myths. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #463 · Top 5 Myths About Linux 01:29 Bill's computer upgrades 04:53 5 myths about Linux 06:18 Myth 1: Linux Is Difficult To Use 06:59 Linux setup in the old days woes 08:26 Today's experience 09:33 Setup today 11:57 Larry's Windows 11 install approx 2 hours 12:48 Larry's Ubuntu Cinnamon install under 30 minutes 13:49 Bill's Windows 11 install for games 1hr 23min 14:52 Bill's Bazzite install 23 min. Ubuntu 24.04 install 13 min 16:46 If you discount Microsoft's constant pressure to buy software, using the computer is about the same on Windows or Linux 18:01 Myth 2: Linux Has Too Few Application Programs 31:43 Myth 3: There Are Too Many Different Linux Versions 42:57 Myth 4: Linux Is Obsolete Because It's Old 46:50 Myth 5: Linux Is 100% Secure 51:43 Summary 53:05 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 53:60 End

Check out the new Going Linux website design and the new articles! Bill goes Big Linux and has been having issues with Ubuntu based distros. We discuss snap vs flatpack. Sean rambles, makes software recommendations, and wants your opinion on Enlightenment. Gabe asks about device drivers for Linux JackDeth has weather recommendations, details a powerful computer and recommends RustDesk over Team viewer. George From Tulsa tiscusses laptop battery life and virtual machines on macOS. Reid provides an update on the Lemur Pro and Jim like's the new music. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux 462 · Listener Feedback 00:28 Larry uses the wrong microphone 03:21 Larry redesigns the Going Linux website 06:16 Bill plays with Big Linux 07:26 Bill has been having issues with Ubuntu based distributions 09:18 Larry switches to the correct mic 10:40 Linux Mint ran without issues. Is it Snap vs. Flatpack? 14:46 SCALE 22x announcement 17:29 Sean: Ramblings and software recommendations 20:17 Software Freedom Day 23:43 YT-DLP 25:30 Gramps 26:20 Open source astronomy software 27:13 Inkscape and Sodipodi 27:34 AnsiWeather 29:09 Sean: Send in your opinions on Enlightenment 31:07 Stellarium 40:47 Gabe: Linux device drivers 51:26 JackDeth: Recommendations for Sean on weather apps 54:11 JackDeth: Dell Optiplex Linux load out 62:03 RustDesk vs. Team Viewer 66:28 George: Laptop battery life 72:26 George: UTM Virtual machine 74:47 Reid: An update on the Lemur Pro 81:22 Jim: I like the music 84:01 End

After an update on Bill's distro hopping, we discuss some of the fairly recent events happening in the Linux and Open Source world. This episode was recorded on Sept 1, 2024. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #461-Linux and Open Source Current Events 02:35 NixOS, Bazzite still running 03:22 Linus Torvalds talks about AI 09:46 Pop!OS Cosmic Desktop Alpha 14:32 Immutable Manjaro? 17:15 Linux Mint 22 release 22:23 Linux Mint Cinnamon over Ubuntu Cinnamon for new users 25:26 Windows security update breaks dual-boot Linux systems 29:01 Google loses antitrust case over search 34:55 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 35:54 End

Bill continues hopping. Larry upgrades the kernel. Listener Reid gets a Lemur, we get feedback on Networking and our theme, and a noise complaint. Bhikhu wrote an update tool and new Linux user Trevor looks for answers. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #460 · Listener Feedback 01:35 Bill continues hopping to Garuda 08:18 Larry upgrades the kernel on Ubuntu Cinnamon 10:08 Bluetooth bug in kernel 6.9.8 13:53 Zabbly kernels for Ubuntu 15:11 Larry's new hardware 17:44 Reid: New and light is good! 25:35 Reid: Follow-up on Lemur Pro 27:22 George: Feedback on episode 456 30:42 Bhikhu: Wrote a tool 33:57 Stephen: Linux flight simulators 36:23 Stephen: Our new music at 5x speed 37:54 Trevor: Save a Linux installation before nuke 47:20 Trevor: Point release vs. interim release vs. LTS release 56:00 Frank: Reference for networking 57:14 Solt: Noise in episode 456 61:53 Rick: Feedback on new theme 64:57 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 66:01 End

Bill updates us on his distro hopping adventures and reviews 7 distros. We discuss getting connected to the internet, connecting your hardware, WPA2 best practices, and getting support. We provide a software suggestion and a game suggestion. We ask what you want for our next topic. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #459 · Networking - Part 2 01:08 Bill's distro hopping adventures 01:34 Bazzite Linux 07:14 NixOS 07:41 Manjaro 07:53 Ubuntu MATE 08:28 Linux Mint 09:36 Open SUSE 11:45 Kenoite 14:26 Networking 14:44 Connecting to the Internet 25:33 Connecting your hardware 36:52 WPA2 best practices 41:05 Use a firewall 41:30 Update your operating system 42:41 Use Bitwarden or another password manager 43:45 Use speedtest.net 44:12 Use your distributions forums or a support channel 45:30 The Linux Foundation 45:59 The Linux Documentation Project 46:22 Linux Questions 46:46 The Electronic Frontier Foundation 52:58 Software suggestion: GPT4all.io 57:07 Game suggestion: OSUI 58:54 goinglinux.com, [email protected], +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 60:10 End