linux unplugged | Jupiter Broadcasting

Brent Loves Building Things | LINUX Unplugged 620

22 June 2025

Off-the-shelf didn't cut it, so we built what we needed using open hardware and open source.

The Trouble with TUIs | LINUX Unplugged 619

15 June 2025

We spent the week learning keybindings, installing dependencies, and cramming for bonus points. Today, we score up and see how we did in the TUI Challenge.

TUI Challenge Kickoff | LINUX Unplugged 618

8 June 2025

Our terminal apps are loaded, the goals are set, but we're already hitting a few snags. The TUI Challenge begins...

The Disposable Server | LINUX Unplugged 617

1 June 2025

Spin up, share, nuke. We each build a throwaway server, and then rate each others' setups.

From Boston to bootc | LINUX Unplugged 616

25 May 2025

Fresh off Red Hat Summit, Chris is eyeing an exit from NixOS. What's luring him back to the mainstream? Our highlights, and the signal from the noise from open source's biggest event of the year.

25.05 Reasons to NixOS | LINUX Unplugged 615

18 May 2025

With NixOS 25.05 around the corner, we sit down with a release manager to unpack what's new, what's changing, and what's finally getting easier. Spoiler: it's not just the tooling.

Self-Hosted Location Tracking | LINUX Unplugged 614

11 May 2025

We test-drive a self-hosted alternative to Google Location History. Plus, we cover the week's Linux news highlights, then spill the beans on our upcoming TUI challenge.

Packets, Power, and Paulus | LINUX Unplugged 613

4 May 2025

We chat with the founder of Home Assistant and then fire up Brent's Linux-powered rig.

25 Years of LinuxFest Northwest | LINUX Unplugged 612

27 April 2025

We're live from LinuxFest Northwest 2025. We're joined by guests from the audience, try our hand at Linux trivia and share our experiences from the best fest in the West.

Distro Double Trouble | LINUX Unplugged 611

20 April 2025

Fedora 42 and Ubuntu 25.04 are here—We break down what's new, what stands out, and what we love most about each release.

Linus' Next Big Thing | LINUX Unplugged 610

13 April 2025

Apple's software is going rotten, while Linux sneaks up as the better Mac. Linus grumbles through Git's 20th birthday, and we spot a hardware window Linux better not slam shut.

We Used to Be Friends | LINUX Unplugged 609

6 April 2025

We attempt to get one of the great gaming classics running on Linux, and dig into some of the technical issues still holding back Linux. Plus: Chris has a new handheld.

Linus' NT Surprise | LINUX Unplugged 608

30 March 2025

Linux 6.14 lands with big improvements for gaming, laptops, and filesystems—but why is a Windows feature sneaking into our kernel?

Ubuntu's Rusty Roadmap | LINUX Unplugged 607

23 March 2025

Canonical's VP of Engineering for Ubuntu reveals why they're swapping coreutils for Rust-built tools. Then we break down the GNOME 48 release, and why this one is special.

Nix's Magic Cookbook | LINUX Unplugged 606

16 March 2025

We have stories to share, guests joining us, insights from our week at Planet Nix, and Brent's big bombshell.

Goodbye World | LINUX Unplugged 605

9 March 2025

We are digging into a superpower inside your Linux Kernel. How eBPF works, and how anyone can take advantage of it.

One Week Left | LINUX Unplugged 604

2 March 2025

We're pre-gaming two of the biggest Linux events of the year. Engineers, organizers, and surprise guests are dropping by to give us the scoop before it all begins.

All Your Kernels Belong to Rust | LINUX Unplugged 603

23 February 2025

There have been major Rust developments in the Linux Kernel; we discuss what's new and how it will impact the future. Plus, we're joined by a special guest.

The BSD Humbling | LINUX Unplugged 602

16 February 2025

Our FreeBSD Challenge comes to a close, and chances are one of us will be paying the Windows tax.

Taming the Demons | LINUX Unplugged 601

9 February 2025

It's week one of our FreeBSD challenge, and for one of us, that penalty Windows install looks uncomfortably close! Plus, Zach Mitchell joins us to update us on Planet Nix.

Everyone, Everywhere, All at Once | LINUX Unplugged 600

2 February 2025

We celebrate 600 episodes, announce a new show feature, and officially launch the FreeBSD challenge.

Psycho Shower Linux Power | LINUX Unplugged 599

26 January 2025

On the eve of episode 600, we introduce our next challenge and explore the new wave of Linux phones.

Not Your Distrohopper's Distro | LINUX Unplugged 598

19 January 2025

With more criticisms of NixOS than ever—do they have a point? We'll dig into the tough critiques and give our perspective.

Cache My OS | LINUX Unplugged 597

12 January 2025

We're taking on some of the toughest critiques of the Linux desktop, then taking a look at CachyOS and what makes it feel like a million bucks.

Perilously Pontificated Predictions | LINUX Unplugged 596

5 January 2025

We make our big Linux predictions for 2025, but first, we score how we did for 2024.

Network 'n Burning Bonanza | LINUX Unplugged 595

29 December 2024

We tested out the OpenWRT One and tried it in a unique use case. Then, Wes goes back to 1999 to solve a problem.

2024 Tuxies | LINUX Unplugged 594

22 December 2024

It's the fifth annual Unplugged Tuxies; our community votes on the best projects, distros, and desktops of 2024. Join us for the final Tuxies, and the second annual Boosties!

Zen and the Art of Kernel Preempting | LINUX Unplugged 593

15 December 2024

A special guest joins us for the news, then we dive headfirst into our RT Linux kernel adventures—where speed seduced, but stability ghosted us.

Chris' Netboot Nonsense | LINUX Unplugged 592

8 December 2024

USB thumb drives are old and busted. No hard drive? No problem. Need a quick system rescue or work in another distro for the day? Easy.

KDE Goes Banana | LINUX Unplugged 591

1 December 2024

The KDE and GNOME projects are working on official Linux distributions, but do we need more distros? We dig into their special sauce. Plus: Wes' top DNS server pick, and it's not one we've heard before.

Self-Host Before You're Toast | LINUX Unplugged 590

24 November 2024

Two years ago, we took a small step toward digital privacy. Today, we're rethinking everything about our online lives, and we'll give you the tools to do the same.

6 Reasons to Love Linux 6.12 | LINUX Unplugged 589

17 November 2024

The Linux 6.12 kernel isn't just another update — it's a game-changer that deserves our full attention, from performance improvements to fascinating new features.

Clearing out the Tumbleweeds | LINUX Unplugged 588

10 November 2024

We go back in time to revisit our favorite classic SUSE release and then fix Brent's broken box the hard way.

Triple Fedora Taste-Test | LINUX Unplugged 587

3 November 2024

Fedora 41 is here! We break down the best new features, then branch out for a three-way spin showdown. Which flavor will come out on top?

Kexec with Determination | LINUX Unplugged 586

27 October 2024

We're hot-swapping our rigs to Fedora 41; then Graham Christensen gives us the inside scoop on a new Nix distribution, and Determinate Systems' big week!

Choosy Moms Choose Ubuntu | LINUX Unplugged 585

20 October 2024

Wes got Mom a new Linux laptop, and he lets her pick the distro. Plus, we take a look at the new Ubuntu 24.10, and why we think this release might be a good sign for the future.

Captain Meshtastic and the Solar Cowboy | LINUX Unplugged 584

13 October 2024

After building nodes, climbing roofs, swapping antennas, and even some war driving, it's time for our Meshtastic deep dive!

Nix on Easy Mode | LINUX Unplugged 583

6 October 2024

Wes gives his shell superpowers to solve a tricky problem. Then, we share an update on our favorite Google Photos alternative, including breaking changes and a great new way to run it.

On the CUPS of Disaster | LINUX Unplugged 582

29 September 2024

We explain the one-packet attack on CUPS and discuss its real-world implications. Plus, a Meshtastic update and more.

The Linux Escape Hatch | LINUX Unplugged 581

22 September 2024

What if we had to abandon ship and stop using Desktop Linux? We've come up with a master plan, and put it to the test.

Brent's Boogie Bus Broadcast Bash | LINUX Unplugged 580

15 September 2024

The things we like in the new Nextcloud release, and we attempt to upgrade our production server live—from a big blue bus.

Lost & Found | LINUX Unplugged 579

8 September 2024

Secret moments from the show you've never heard before. We kick off with some hardware hurdles, then dive into the news and share a few surprising stories.

Young and the Rustless | LINUX Unplugged 578

1 September 2024

Rust meets Linux in a clash of coding cultures. Why some developers are resisting, and where things go from here.

Summer Kernel Corn Roast | LINUX Unplugged 577

26 August 2024

Sixty vulnerabilities and exposures disclosed in one week sounds like a lot. We'll explain why it's just business as usual.

The Secret Server | LINUX Unplugged 576

18 August 2024

We reveal how we turned our humble LAN into a public server farm, all while keeping our IP address under wraps and our ISP blissfully unaware.

Brent's Busted Builds | LINUX Unplugged 575

11 August 2024

Brent's computer pulls an all-nighter at the worst possible moment, and the hits keep coming for open-source Android distributions and our new 2FA tool.

COSMIC Encounter | LINUX Unplugged 574

4 August 2024

The COSMIC desktop is just around the corner. We get the inside scoop from System76 and go hands-on with an early press build.

Universal Blue Man Group | LINUX Unplugged 573

28 July 2024

Think Silverblue, but with cloud-native tooling used to build it. From Aurora to Bazzite, our impressions of the ambitious Universal Blue project.

Data Security Only a Maniac Could Love | LINUX Unplugged 572

21 July 2024

Wes' self-decrypting bcachefs disk and a GrapheneOS twist that'll make you ditch your iPhone.

Multi-Machine Lifestyle | LINUX Unplugged 571

14 July 2024

Wes reports from the Skunkworks lab, and Brent tells us about his new computing lifestyle.

RegreSSHion Strikes | LINUX Unplugged 570

7 July 2024

We dig into the RegreSSHion bug, debate it's real threat and explore clever tools to build a tasty fried onion around your system.

Our Plasma Panacea | LINUX Unplugged 569

30 June 2024

Why we think Plasma 6.1 is the desktop for people who like to mess with computers.

All Your Silos are Broken | LINUX Unplugged 568

23 June 2024

Online identity is a ticking time bomb. Are trustworthy, open-source solutions ready to disarm it? Or will we be stuck with lackluster, proprietary systems?

So Long sudo | LINUX Unplugged 567

16 June 2024

Your Linux box is a-changin'. systemd has a huge new release; we'll get into the most impressive features, including the new sudo replacement. Plus, our thoughts on the new Linux Arm laptops that are just around the corner.

Chef's Choice Ubuntu | LINUX Unplugged 566

9 June 2024

We try Omakub, a new opinionated Ubuntu desktop for power users and macOS expats.

Mistakes That Made Us Love Linux | LINUX Unplugged 565

2 June 2024

The facepalm moments that make us question our sanity—and swear off sudo for a week.

The Goldilocks Build | LINUX Unplugged 564

26 May 2024

We're following one simple rule to build a Linux desktop so stable it could outlive us.

Nix's People Problem | LINUX Unplugged 563

19 May 2024

After months of debate, the Nix community might be coming to a resolution. We'll examine what happened, what's changing.

Red Hat Knows How to Party | LINUX Unplugged 562

12 May 2024

Three revelations from Red Hat Summit. Our on-the-ground report will separate fact from hype.

Folders as a Service | LINUX Unplugged 561

5 May 2024

A few of our go-to tools for one-liner web servers, sharing media directly from folders, and a much needed live Arch server update, and more!

Linux Festivus For the Rest of Us | LINUX Unplugged 560

28 April 2024

The first LinuxFest is back and better than ever. We share stories and friends from one of the best Linux gatherings of the year: LinuxFest Northwest.

Linux is Bigger in Texas | LINUX Unplugged 559

21 April 2024

We're back from Austin, with interviews and stories to share. Plus, it's Gentoo week and we take our first look at Fedora 40.

Top 5 Essential Apps | LINUX Unplugged 558

14 April 2024

We asked, and you answered: Your top 5 Linux app essentials and post-install rituals. Plus, some news to better cope with "extreme file-system damage."

Crouching kexec, Hidden Linux | LINUX Unplugged 557

7 April 2024

We're building a completely hidden Linux OS inside an existing system—with no trace left behind.

The xz Backdoor Exposed 🚨 | LINUX Unplugged 556

31 March 2024

We're breaking down the attack: how it works, how it was hidden, and why time was running out for the attacker.

Glide like a Goose, Honk like a Moose | LINUX Unplugged 555

24 March 2024

We test the Linux-first, all-AMD Sirius 16 laptop, discuss the new Hyprland release, and share a few stories from our recent trip.

Portably Predictable Productivity | LINUX Unplugged 553

10 March 2024

We each bring surprise topics, a mix of hardware and software, as we prepare to hit the road for NixCon and SCaLE.

Plasma's Perfect Play | LINUX Unplugged 552

3 March 2024

Plasma 6 is out, and we've been giving it a go. What's new, our thoughts, and the lessons other desktops should learn.

AI Under Your Control | LINUX Unplugged 551

25 February 2024

Corporate AI is a hot mess, but open-source alternatives can be open-ended chaos. We’ll test some of the best ways to get local AI tools under your control.

Ready Player Linux | LINUX Unplugged 550

18 February 2024

Chris spends the week in a VR desktop, revealing the glitches, gains, and VR's open-source future.

Will it Nixcloud? | LINUX Unplugged 549

11 February 2024

Deploying Nextcloud the Nix way promises a paradise of reproducibility and simplicity. But is it just a painful trek through configuration hell? We built the dream Nextcloud using Nix and faced reality.

Uncomfortable Linux Truths | LINUX Unplugged 548

4 February 2024

Some uncomfortable truths about using Linux, and then we introduce a new segment: Will it Nix?

Behind the Shelves | LINUX Unplugged 547

28 January 2024

Data-hoard with purpose and manage your audiobooks and podcasts with one application, plus the lone Linux box that remains on Mars.

What You’re Missing about NixOS | LINUX Unplugged 546

21 January 2024

Trying NixOS can be fraught with complexity, half-completed guides, and boring videos. Even if you never plan to switch to NixOS, we invite you to come along for a hype-free ride that digs into one of the most rapidly developing areas of Linux.

3,062 Days Later | LINUX Unplugged 545

14 January 2024

Kent Overstreet, the creator of bcachefs, helps us understand where his new filesystem fits, what it's like to upstream a new filesystem, and how they've solved the RAID write hole.

Half the Bits, Double the Pain | LINUX Unplugged 544

7 January 2024

This challenge gets ugly as we slowly realize we've just become zombie slayers.

Profoundly Prophetic Prognostications | LINUX Unplugged 543

31 December 2023

We make our big Linux predictions for 2024, but first, we score how we did for 2023.

2023 Tuxies | LINUX Unplugged 542

24 December 2023

It’s the fourth annual Unplugged Tuxies; our community votes on the best projects, distros, and desktops of 2023.

Out with a Bang | LINUX Unplugged 541

17 December 2023

The stories that kept us talking all year, and are only getting hotter! Plus the big flops we're still sore about.

Uncensored AI on Linux | LINUX Unplugged 540

10 December 2023

We test two popular methods to run local language models on your Linux box. Then, we push the limits to see which language models will toe the line and which won't.

Surprisingly Smooth Transition | LINUX Unplugged 538

26 November 2023

PipeWire hits 1.0, and Wim Taymans joins us to reflect on the smooth success of PipeWire. Plus the details on the first NixCon North America, and more.

This Makes Us Unemployable | LINUX Unplugged 537

19 November 2023

Can we save an old Arch install? We'll attempt a live rescue, then get into our tips for keeping your old Linux install running great.

Plasma Power-Ups | LINUX Unplugged 536

12 November 2023

The problem with GNOME's great news, plus our first look at Plasma 6. Then, the surprising place NixOS is getting adopted.

Hit the Turbo | LINUX Unplugged 535

9 November 2023

A special guest joins us, and we each give Fedora 39 a try. What’s new, what we liked, and what didn’t make the cut!

We Nixed Proxmox | LINUX Unplugged 534

29 October 2023

We did Proxmox dirty last week, so we try to explain our thinking. But first, a few things have gone down that you should know about.

LinuxFest North Jeff | LINUX Unplugged 533

22 October 2023

We try and pull off one too many projects, but you can't argue with the results. We report on our week of rebuilds and rescues and having a blast at LinuxFest Northwest.

We Like Snaps Now | LINUX Unplugged 532

15 October 2023

Has Canonical finally nailed snaps? Why it looks like Ubuntu has turned a new corner; our thoughts on the latest release. Plus, a special guest and more.

The Windows Challenge | LINUX Unplugged 531

8 October 2023

We ran Windows for the week with three seemingly simple objectives. How we did, our take on what's gotten a lot better about Windows, and what still needs some work.

Leave the Pi in the Oven | LINUX Unplugged 530

1 October 2023

Why the Raspberry Pi 5 doesn't meet our expectations, and the x86 boxes you should consider instead.

Changing the Game | LINUX Unplugged 529

24 September 2023

Even if you don't game, the data is in, and the impact of the Steam Deck on Linux is massive. We'll go into details and then share our long-term review of the Deck.

Framing Brent | LINUX Unplugged 527

10 September 2023

Brent's new Framework laptop has been torn apart and put back together again. We'll find out if it's up to his standards. Plus, we're kicking off a new build.

Canonical Wins by Default | LINUX Unplugged 526

3 September 2023

While chaos is brewing in SUSE and Red Hat land, Canonical stays the course and doubles down on the Linux desktop. Plus, our thoughts on the kernel team GPL-blocking NVIDIA.

Beating Apple to the Sauce | LINUX Unplugged 525

27 August 2023

We daily drive Asahi Linux on a MacBook, chat about how the team beat Apple to a major GPU milestone, and an easy way to self-host open-source ChatGPT alternatives.

How Our Server Got It's Groove Back | LINUX Unplugged 524

20 August 2023

Can we build an indestructible server that stands up to the test of giving out root login to the Internet?

Ride the Rhino | LINUX Unplugged 523

13 August 2023

We're trying out Rhino Linux—a unique take on rolling Ubuntu with AUR-like powers and other surprises.

Rethinking GNOME | LINUX Unplugged 521

30 July 2023

Two important news stories, plus our thoughts on GNOME’s new windowing proposal and the Framework 16.

The Clone Grift Wars | LINUX Unplugged 519

16 July 2023

Have Oracle and SUSE lost their minds? Plus, we dig into Fedora's proposal to add telemetry collection to Workstation.

Race To Immutability | LINUX Unplugged 518

9 July 2023

Can Ubuntu make a great immutable desktop? We're trying the brand-new "Everything is a Snap" Ubuntu Core Desktop.

Caught Red-Hatted | LINUX Unplugged 517

2 July 2023

Just about every take on the Red Hat news seems to have missed the mark.

The Fixer-Upper | LINUX Unplugged 516

25 June 2023

Chris tears into two old PCs, and builds a surprisingly powerful multi-monitor Wayland workstation.

Ham Sandwich | LINUX Unplugged 515

18 June 2023

Is Ham Radio a natural hobby for Linux users? An old friend joins us to explain where the two overlap.

Connection Established | LINUX Unplugged 514

11 June 2023

We get the inside scoop on SouthEast LinuxFest, and share a few stories from the early days of the Linux community.

There Is No Distro | LINUX Unplugged 513

4 June 2023

We attempt to swap Linux distributions live on our production server, to prove that new tooling makes the Linux distro model obsolete.

The Sound of Rust | LINUX Unplugged 512

28 May 2023

We take a "Rust-only tools" challenge for a week and admit what worked, and what sucked. Plus, a surprise guest.

Accepting the Future | LINUX Unplugged 511

21 May 2023

How we found peace with the Linux community’s perpetual debates; and our tricks for finding the signal from the noise.

Thinking in Decades | LINUX Unplugged 510

14 May 2023

The push for free software takes years, maybe even generations. Brent gets the inside story from the Free Software Foundation Europe.

The Next Gen Desktop | LINUX Unplugged 509

7 May 2023

The first new desktop environment in a while that has caught our attention, and it promises to unlock the full power of cutting-edge Linux.

The Worst Distro Ever | LINUX Unplugged 508

30 April 2023

Two listeners race to set up a web server on Suicide Linux. One slip-up and it's all gone. Who will survive?

Full Wobble | LINUX Unplugged 507

23 April 2023

Why Fedora 38 might Sway you to try it; and how it runs on the MacBook M1 Max.

Three Wild and Crazy Topics | LINUX Unplugged 506

16 April 2023

We surprise each other with three secret topics, with one big catch.

Keep Your Darn Secrets | LINUX Unplugged 505

9 April 2023

We try out the most secure messaging app in the world, and Wes’ new note system that's so great you’ll want to abandon your current one.

It's a Trap! | LINUX Unplugged 504

2 April 2023

Why using the iPhone makes it harder to run Linux; Chris follows up on his four-month-long challenge to ditch iOS for GrapheneOS. Plus, Brent's extended stay in Berlin has led to some developments you won't want to miss.

Berlin with Brent | LINUX Unplugged 503

26 March 2023

Brent dives deep into Nextcloud's new release from inside their offices, and takes an unexpected dip in the local lake with a listener.

Docker Shocker | LINUX Unplugged 502

19 March 2023

The story of an open-source hero who became a villain.

Fat Stacks for Flatpaks | LINUX Unplugged 501

12 March 2023

Robert McQueen shares the inside scoop on Flathub’s ambitious plans to create a universal app store for all distros—and we ask the hard questions.

Our Biggest Announcement Yet | LINUX Unplugged 500

5 March 2023

We're celebrating 500 episodes with the biggest announcement yet.

'velopers Choose Snap | LINUX Unplugged 499

26 February 2023

Ubuntu makes its anti-Flatpak stance official, while KDE and GNOME team up to turn Flathub into a universal Linux app store.

Rolling Papercuts | LINUX Unplugged 498

19 February 2023

Sometimes running the latest and greatest means you have to pave your own path. This week two examples from living on the edge.

More Features? More Problems. | LINUX Unplugged 497

12 February 2023

How Chris wasted three months tracking down a Wi-Fi problem, plus we debate if immutable distros need to be simplified.

Tux in the Hen House | LINUX Unplugged 496

5 February 2023

Chris attempts to get Fedora 37 on his M1 Max MacBook Pro, while Wes and Brent try the "every distro at once" desktop.

The Moment of Truth | LINUX Unplugged 495

29 January 2023

Are the free software alternatives good enough? The conclusion to our 60-day challenge to drop Google, Apple, and the iPhone.

Updating Our Fiddly Bits | LINUX Unplugged 494

22 January 2023

Today we are finally taking on a project months in the making, and we're switching to an entirely new generation of Linux tech in the process.

Network Nirvana | LINUX Unplugged 493

15 January 2023

Chris' sticky upgrade situation, and we chat with the developer behind an impressive mesh VPN with new tricks.

A New Challenge Approaches | LINUX Unplugged 492

8 January 2023

Join us on a journey to true software freedom. We embark on our 30-day challenge and discover a whole new philosophy that will change the way you think about technology.

2023 Spoilers | LINUX Unplugged 491

1 January 2023

We assemble to predict what will happen in 2023 and score how our 2022 predictions turned out.

2022 Tuxies | LINUX Unplugged 490

25 December 2022

It's the third annual Unplugged Tuxies; our community votes on the best projects, distros, desktops, and services of 2022.

Brent's Secret Emails | LINUX Unplugged 489

18 December 2022

Brent's been hiding your emails; we confront him and expose what he's been keeping from the show.

Revenge of the Lizard People | LINUX Unplugged 488

11 December 2022

We complete a year-long journey and discover some unspoken truths about a great Linux distro. Plus one small, and one major update on our GrapheneOS adventure.

The Debian Debate | LINUX Unplugged 487

4 December 2022

After nearly half a year of woe, Brent is ready to give Linux the go. Join us as we compare and contrast two Linux distros and end up with one going on Brent's machine.

Goodbye, Google | LINUX Unplugged 486

27 November 2022

Chris ditches the iPhone and switches to GrapheneOS, a security and privacy-focused project that lets you take control back from Google.

Mystery Box | LINUX Unplugged 485

20 November 2022

We dig into Shufflecake, a tool that lets Linux users hide data with plausible deniability, then let our live stream SSH into our server and see if they can discover our secret data.

Fedora Falls Flat | LINUX Unplugged 484

13 November 2022

Why this latest release of Fedora misses the mark, and Ubuntu's quiet backing away from ZFS.

Chris Is Done With Raspberry Pi | LINUX Unplugged 483

6 November 2022

We surprise each other with three different topics, and Chris has a big update on the ODROID H3+.

Legacy Gets the Boot | LINUX Unplugged 482

30 October 2022

Are the long-timers holding Linux back? Lennart Poettering argues we are and proposes a new Microsoft-blessed way to secure Linux.

Just a Prompt Away | LINUX Unplugged 481

23 October 2022

The Internet is going crazy with AI-generated media. What's the open-source story, and is Linux being left out?

Taming the Beast | LINUX Unplugged 480

16 October 2022

Linus Tech Tips blows it again, and we clean up. Plus, we push System76's updated Thelio Workstation to the breaking point.

Good Software, Bad Blood | LINUX Unplugged 479

9 October 2022

What the heck is going on? Fedora is dropping features, GNOME is getting Iced, and the mistake we'll never make again. We've got a lot to sort out.

The Best of Both Worlds | LINUX Unplugged 478

2 October 2022

We go hands-on at NASA's JPL and learn why Linux is the best OS for Earth and Mars.

The Feeling of Fast | LINUX Unplugged 477

25 September 2022

We finally give Brent his new laptop and get his reaction. Plus our best pick for replacing stock Android with something private.

Canary in the Photo Mine | LINUX Unplugged 476

18 September 2022

We've gone deep to find our perfect Google Photos replacement. This week we'll share our setup that we think works great, is easy to use, and is fully backed up.

Brent's Bug Battle | LINUX Unplugged 475

11 September 2022

Brent has been on a bug-finding marathon. We review what he's discovered and share some hard-learned lessons.

Linux's Malware Inevitability | LINUX Unplugged 474

4 September 2022

Can Linux do better? Apple is scrambling to build always-on malware protection into the next macOS as its market share grows. A precautionary tale for Linux users.

End of the Road | LINUX Unplugged 473

28 August 2022

We've reached the end of the road in our immutable Linux series, and an old friend stops by to give us the inside scoop on Endless OS.

5 Problems With NixOS | LINUX Unplugged 472

21 August 2022

The five most common problems when trying out an immutable Linux distro like NixOS. Plus, why one Linux dev says just target WINE.

The Cottonwood Disaster | LINUX Unplugged 471

14 August 2022

Our garage Linux server has died, and this time we’re looking at data loss. We attempt to revive our zombie box and reflect on what went wrong.

Let's Call It an Upgrade | LINUX Unplugged 470

7 August 2022

We present a buffet of budget Linux boxes. From $40 to $400 you'll be surprised by what we found. Then we attempt to find the perfect distro for them.

Tough Linux Love | LINUX Unplugged 469

31 July 2022

Is the Linux desktop hard to love? A long-time user experience developer argues it is, and we respond to his criticisms.

The Read Only Scenario | LINUX Unplugged 468

24 July 2022

A fundamental change is coming to desktop Linux, and Silverblue might be our hint at where things are going.

All Hands on Deck | LINUX Unplugged 467

17 July 2022

We try and bust a common Linux distro myth. Then what surprised Chris about his new Steam Deck.

The Night of a Thousand Errors | LINUX Unplugged 466

10 July 2022

We were fixing servers all night, but at least we have a great story. A special guest joins us to help make a big show announcement.

Too Nixy for My Shirt | LINUX Unplugged 465

3 July 2022

The one shared secret behind some of the world's most powerful open-source projects.

Git Happens | LINUX Unplugged 464

26 June 2022

We're going back in time to witness the early days of a critical tool to build Linux, then jump forward 15 years and join our buddy Brent on his journey to learn that very tooling.

Humble Beginnings | LINUX Unplugged 463

19 June 2022

One of the pioneers of the web, VNC, Webcams, and more joins us; plus we'll update you on a few projects we love.

One Cosmic Collaboration | LINUX Unplugged 462

12 June 2022

From skeptic to buyer, why the HP Dev One is the best Linux laptop yet. This is the one review you don't want to miss.

Deep in the Tumbleweeds | LINUX Unplugged 461

5 June 2022

Three tails of tech tribulations, and how Brent saved his openSUSE Tumbleweed box from the brink.

CPU as a Service | LINUX Unplugged 460

29 May 2022

A new Linux update allows Intel to control features in your CPU using hardware-level DRM.

Better than Butter | LINUX Unplugged 459

22 May 2022

We take a sneak peek at some future tech coming to Linux, and share details on HP's new laptop that runs POP!

NVIDIA's New View | LINUX Unplugged 458

15 May 2022

NVIDIA is open-sourcing their GPU drivers, but there are a few things you need to know. Plus, we get some exclusive insights into Tailscale from one of its co-founders.

Automated Chaos | LINUX Unplugged 457

8 May 2022

Each of us brings a secret topic to the show, and we discover a common theme about using the wrong tool for the right job.

Our Linux Regrets | LINUX Unplugged 456

1 May 2022

If we could change just one mistake in our Linux journey, what would it be?

I run NixOS BTW | LINUX Unplugged 455

24 April 2022

We've hit a bump in the road with the NixOS challenge, and share what it might not be great at. Plus, what we didn't cover in our Ubuntu 22.04 review.

Double Distro Details | LINUX Unplugged 454

17 April 2022

Has Fedora pulled ahead of Ubuntu? We take a look at the new Fedora 36 and Ubuntu 22.04 releases.

Raleigh Action Show | LINUX Unplugged 453

10 April 2022

We just wrapped up our East Coast meetup and have a bunch of great stories to share. Plus some Nix ups and downs, and more.

Synapse Collapse | LINUX Unplugged 452

3 April 2022

How we nearly crashed our Matrix server; what we did wrong and how we're fixing it.

The NixOS Challenge | LINUX Unplugged 451

27 March 2022

We explore what makes NixOS so powerful, and why it might be the future of all Linux distributions.

It Went Real Bad | LINUX Unplugged 450

20 March 2022

Why GNOME 42 is the release we’ve all been waiting for.

Bugfix and Chill | LINUX Unplugged 449

13 March 2022

How each of us asks for features and help from free software projects, and one of our most prescient soapboxes in a while.

A Mystery in Plain Sight | LINUX Unplugged 448

6 March 2022

We surprise each other with three different topics, hidden away by encryption in our show notes - we literally have no idea what we're talking about this week.

An Umbrel for Everything | LINUX Unplugged 447

27 February 2022

We look at two new options that enable ANYONE to run a personal server at home or a small business.

Kudu Cores and Cloud Wars | LINUX Unplugged 446

20 February 2022

We put the sports car of Linux laptops to the test. Is it the multi-tasking machine it claims to be?

Brent's Betrayal | LINUX Unplugged 445

13 February 2022

Linux is the master of small computers, and this week it’s going to the next level. We chat with the creator of the $15 Linux box and share some significant updates for the Raspberry Pi.

Much Ado About Ubuntu | LINUX Unplugged 444

6 February 2022

There's just something off about Ubuntu these days, this week we put it all together.

Linux Did This First | LINUX Unplugged 443

30 January 2022

We all take it for granted, but it is one of the best things about Linux. We share the history of the live CD, how it all got started, and the times it saved our bacon.

Liberty Leaks and Lies | LINUX Unplugged 442

23 January 2022

SUSE had an awkward week; we breakdown the very mixed launch of SUSE Liberty Linux.

Planet Incinerating Technology | LINUX Unplugged 441

16 January 2022

We make some last-minute changes to our server setup and catch up on a bunch of thought-provoking feedback.

Saving Podcasting from Centralization | LINUX Unplugged 440

9 January 2022

A new initiative uses open source to keep podcasting decentralized and add new features.

Double Server Jeopardy | LINUX Unplugged 439

2 January 2022

Our new server setup is bonkers, but we love it.

Million-Dollar Predictions | LINUX Unplugged 438

28 December 2021

We do our best to predict what will happen in 2022, and own up to what we thought might happen in 2021.

The 2021 Tuxies | LINUX Unplugged 437

21 December 2021

It's the second annual Unplugged Tuxies; our community votes on the best projects, distros, desktops, and services of 2021.

Hop on Pop | LINUX Unplugged 436

14 December 2021

We each try out the new Pop_OS! and Carl Richell from System76 joins us to get into the details.

Desktop Burnout | LINUX Unplugged 435

7 December 2021

This was not the year of the Linux Desktop. We’ve been slacking on the mailbag, so we go on a feedback frenzy and answer some hard questions about desktop Linux.

Endlessly Flat | LINUX Unplugged 434

30 November 2021

The Director of EndlessOS joins us to respond to recent Flatpak criticism.

The Lessons of Jellyfin | LINUX Unplugged 433

23 November 2021

We revisit some old assumptions about the open-source Plex-alternative, Jellyfin. We each try it out, and along the way, gain a few insights about open source.

Three Tumbleweed Temptations | LINUX Unplugged 432

16 November 2021

Can we live with openSUSE Tumbleweed?

Command Line Love | LINUX Unplugged 431

9 November 2021

Is the true path to mastering Linux fully embracing the command line? Why it's time to change our mindset about the terminal.

The Real Beefy Miracle | LINUX Unplugged 430

2 November 2021

We check-in with Fedora Project lead Matthew Miller on the state of the project, then conduct our exit interview with Fedora 34, and review Fedora 35.

Starlink's Linux Secrets | LINUX Unplugged 429

26 October 2021

We attempt a live production over Starlink, and dig into the secrets of this giant Linux network in space.

Pi for the People | LINUX Unplugged 428

19 October 2021

We try out POP!_OS on the Raspberry Pi 4, and chat with its creator Jeremy Soller from System76.

Life Changing Virtualization | LINUX Unplugged 427

12 October 2021

Wimpy stops by with a new tool that will change your virtualization game, and we share our thoughts on Ubuntu 21.10 and take the flavor challenge.

This Old Linux PC | LINUX Unplugged 426

5 October 2021

It's the worst time ever to upgrade or buy a new PC, so we cover our favorite tips for getting the most out of your current hardware. Then we pit a 2014 desktop against a 2021 laptop and find out if our old clunker can beat the Thinkpad.

Sad Server Stories | LINUX Unplugged 425

28 September 2021

Sometimes things go wrong; this week, we admit we've got a problem.

Space for Theming | LINUX Unplugged 424

21 September 2021

A serious problem is brewing in Desktop Linux that hasn't impacted end users yet, but will soon. We break down why distribution makers are getting upset and explain what's next.

What Makes a Linux User? | LINUX Unplugged 423

14 September 2021

Why it might be time to re-think who is and who is not a Linux user, plus we do a reality check on the state of Linux phones.

The Fun Distro | LINUX Unplugged 422

7 September 2021

We try out what might be the most fun Linux distribution around. It started as a laugh, but now we’re in love.

Server Savior Squad | LINUX Unplugged 421

31 August 2021

A surprise server outage at the studio requires we jump into action with a few last-minute solutions and deploy one of our favorite open-source tools.

Real People Are Out There | LINUX Unplugged 420

24 August 2021

We share some stories from our Denver meetup, the strange reason we found ourselves at a golf course, and some news you should know.

What's Cookin' at System76 | LINUX Unplugged 419

17 August 2021

Live from Denver, we chat with old friends and new. We get the inside scope on what has been going on at System76, and what's coming up next.

What's up with WireGuard | LINUX Unplugged 418

10 August 2021

Big things are happening in the world of WireGuard, Jim Salter joins to catch us up.

Run Every Distro At Once | LINUX Unplugged 417

3 August 2021

Yabba Dabba Distro! Run every major distribution on one native host. How we hijacked a Fedora install and turned it into the ultimate meta Linux box.

Server Meltdown | LINUX Unplugged 416

27 July 2021

We try to pull off a show while recovering from an epic server crash. Then we build the ultimate remote Linux desktop—in the cloud!

Something Sinister Below Deck | LINUX Unplugged 415

20 July 2021

Could the Steam Deck mean fewer native Linux games? We chat with prolific game developer Ethan Lee and get his perspective on the negative impacts of the Deck.

Linux's Awkward News Phase | LINUX Unplugged 414

13 July 2021

Have you noticed the Linux news has gotten a little weird? Michael Tunnell joins us to break down the changes we've observed over the last year.

Community of Enterprise Linux | LINUX Unplugged 413

6 July 2021

Linux server admins don't know where to turn next; how the cult of personality might be shaping Linux's most important market.

Going Deepin on Fuchsia | LINUX Unplugged 412

29 June 2021

Is Fuchsia a risk to Linux? We try out a cutting-edge Fuchsia desktop and determine if it is a long-term threat to Linux.

The Best of Both OSs | LINUX Unplugged 411

22 June 2021

Is it possible to have Arch’s best feature on other Linux distros? We attempt it and report our findings. Plus our reaction to NVIDIA’s beta Wayland support–is this the milestone we’ve been waiting for?

Ye Olde Linux Distro | LINUX Unplugged 410

15 June 2021

We revisit the seminal distros that shaped Linux’s past. Find out if these classics still hold up.

Launch Your Memories Into the Future | LINUX Unplugged 409

8 June 2021

We discuss old and new ways to manage, organize, index, and search your photo collection. It's our favorite Google Photo's alternatives.

Brunch with Brent: Philip Müller | Jupiter EXTRAS 74

19 June 2020

Brent sits down with Philip Müller, Co-Founder and Lead Developer of Manjaro, and CEO at Manjaro GmbH & Co. KG. We explore the formation and evolution of Manjaro as a Linux distribution, the development of past and recent hardware partnerships, cross-distribution collaborations, and what's inspiring Philip in the next 5 years.

Behind the Scenes: LINUX Unplugged | Jupiter EXTRAS 64

17 March 2020

We share what goes into making LINUX Unplugged special, and have a laugh at some of our bad ideas from show past.

Brunch with Brent: Joe Ressington | Jupiter EXTRAS 44

7 January 2020

Brent sits down with Joe Ressington, Jupiter Broadcasting Podcast Content Director, Late Night Linux host, and musician, for an exploration of his journey in podcasting, a behind-the-scenes of User Error and Linux Action News, how music led to Linux, the origins of Brunch with Brent's theme music, and more.

Librem 5 Unplugged | Jupiter EXTRAS 11

5 September 2019

We react to the "ship date" of the Librem 5, and look back at when it was first announced.

Self-Hosted Secrets | LINUX Unplugged 316

27 August 2019

Safely host your own password database using totally open source software. We cover BitWarden, our top choice to solve this problem.

Wayland Buddies | LINUX Unplugged 315

20 August 2019

We spend our weekend with Wayland, discover new apps to try, tricks to share, and dig into the state of the project.

Chris and Wes React to LINUX Unplugged | Jupiter EXTRAS 3

20 August 2019

Nothing is worse than your past self. So we play old clips of LINUX Unplugged and react.

Bigger. Faster. Harder to Maintain. | LINUX Unplugged 314

13 August 2019

It's huge, and it's getting bigger every month. How do you test the Linux Kernel? Major Hayden from Red Hat joins us to discuss their efforts to automate Kernel bug hunting.

I Spy With My Little Pi | LINUX Unplugged 313

6 August 2019

We put the Raspberry Pi 4 to the desktop test, and try it as our daily driver.

What Modern Linux Looks Like | LINUX Unplugged 312

30 July 2019

Manjaro takes significant steps to stand out, and the shared problem major distributions are trying to solve, and why it will shape the future of Linux.

32 Hours of Outrage | LINUX Unplugged 311

23 July 2019

Keynote presenter from Texas LinuxFest and established industry expert Thomas Cameron joins us to discuss the end of the distro wars, the future of Linux jobs, his personal take on IBM's acquisition of Red Hat, some really great Linux job tips, and much more.

All Roads Lead to Linux | LINUX Unplugged 310

16 July 2019

What’s surprised us, what we got wrong, right, and what the biggest game changers have been in 2019 so far.

The Future is Open | LINUX Unplugged 309

9 July 2019

Open Source has taken over the world, as IBM's purchase of Red Hat closes. We reflect on this historic moment.

The One About GPU Passthrough | LINUX Unplugged 308

2 July 2019

Our crew walks you through their PCI Passthrough setups that let them run Windows, macOS, and distro-hop all from one Linux machine.

What's your NextCloud? | LINUX Unplugged 307

25 June 2019

Go full self-hosted with our team’s tips, and we share our setups from simple to complex.

Flipping FreeNAS for Fedora | LINUX Unplugged 306

18 June 2019

We attempt something you never should, we live flip our FreeNAS ZFS install to a Fedora server.

Resilience Is Futile | LINUX Unplugged 305

11 June 2019

Is Resilient Linux truly an indestructible distro? Or is this our toughest distro challenge yet?

Losing My Religion | LINUX Unplugged 304

4 June 2019

Adopting a distro like it’s a religion is stupid. That’s one of many hard lessons we take away from Texas Linux Fest this week; we’ll share some of the best.

Stateless and Dateless | LINUX Unplugged 303

28 May 2019

We visit Intel to figure out what Clear Linux is all about and explain a few tricks that make it unique.

Dark Style Rises | LINUX Unplugged 302

21 May 2019

Can the Free Desktop avoid being left behind in the going dark revolution? Cassidy from elementary OS joins us to discuss their proposal.

Peak Red Hat | LINUX Unplugged 301

14 May 2019

We scale the Red Hat Summit and come back with a few stories to share.

Ultimate Fedora Test | LINUX Unplugged 300

7 May 2019

Is Fedora 30 the peak release of this distribution? We put it through the ultimate test, live on the air, and put everything on the line.

Juno Jubilation | LINUX Unplugged 271

16 October 2018

elementary OS’ latest and greatest released today, and we talk with Dan and Cassidy from the project about their biggest release yet.

Don’t Link to This | LINUX Unplugged 254

20 June 2018

Free Software projects concerned about Article 13 are claiming it could destroy free software as we know it. We debate this controversial copyright law about to be voted on in the EU.

Year of the Linux Desktop 😎 | LINUX Unplugged 247

1 May 2018

Ubuntu and Fedora have new releases, and our early impressions are great. We’ll share the features that we think make these distros some of the best Linux desktop releases ever.

The Bionic Bet | LINUX Unplugged 246

24 April 2018

We get the inside scope from the Ubuntu flavors prepping for the 18.04 release, and then we finally make good on a long running threat.

Microsoft of Things | LINUX Unplugged 245

17 April 2018

Azure Sphere is Microsoft making silicon as a service with Linux at its core. We’ve chatted with the folks behind Azure Sphere and breakdown this huge announcement.

Plasma Predicament | LINUX Unplugged 244

10 April 2018

We have some Plasma problems this week, but we’re still putting it into production in our most ambitious event yet.

The Stallman Directive | LINUX Unplugged 243

3 April 2018

Richard Stallman has some practical steps society could take to roll back the rampant and expanding invasion of our privacy.

Debian on the Fly | LINUX Unplugged 242

27 March 2018

A new version of Slax is out this week, and they might just be onto something really unique. We take this Debian powered, Fluxbox running, net bootin distro for a test drive.

Snitching on SCaLE | LINUX Unplugged 241

20 March 2018

We’re playing just one interview from SCaLE this year, tons of community news, and two handy app picks.

Tag: linux unplugged