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, goinglinux@gmail.com, +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe

36:35 End

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, goinglinux@gmail.com, +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe

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, goinglinux@gmail.com, +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, goinglinux@gmail.com, +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, goinglinux@gmail.com, +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe

43:50 End