Linux Unplugged

Two developers from the TOX project, an open source secure Skype killer join us to discuss their new project, the future, and how they hope to become your new messaging system. Plus getting more battery life out of a Linux laptop, the Steam problem, and your feedback.

A cautionary tale for anyone thinking about starting their own Linux distribution, and then we’ll put it all out on the table and discuss our ideas and goals for Howto Linux, and take the live feedback of our virtual LUG. Plus should we trust Valve? Your feedback, and more!

Michael Hall from Canonical joins us to discuss his personal views on what he’s coined the new 80/20 rule for open source. Are the consumers of open source the biggest hurdle to projects becoming sustainable? Plus Valve might looking at your DNS history, getting young users to try Linux, and your feedback!

One of the bumpier chapters in Debian’s history looks to be drawing to a close, at least for now. But what was all the drama about? And where do things stand now? We’ll dig into the latest developments in the Debian init system debate. Plus inspiring a new generation to use Linux, your emails, and more!

The MATE Desktop is about to see some big improvements, we bring on Martin Wimpress from the MATE project to discuss his new MATE Live CD, and what the future holds for MATE. Plus our renewed commitment to improving the state of Linux news, and the recent mistake that has Chris green with Hulk Rage!

Aaron Seigo joins us to call out the new and shiny culture that’s pervasive in the free software community. And even your own humble hosts have been afflicted with from time to time. The reality is users want new features, but hate reduced functionality. And often free software developers want to build something new. But what is the cost of this constant form of “progress”? How do we shift value from new and shiny, to tried and true to help enable wider free software adoption?

The battle lines have been drawn and the assault against upstart is in full force. We’ll discuss the heat being put on Canonical, the CLA, and upstart with our virtual LUG. Then we’ll bust some Linux switching FUD that’s been popping up with more and more Windows users fleeing the sinking ship.

We follow up on some of the most innovative Linux powered devices at CES, and this discuss Google buying Nest Labs. Is the future of the “Internet of Things” locked down to proprietary devices running locked down software? And what are the ramifications for the home? Plus some practical thoughts on Steam OS, 4k Displays coming to Linux, a new way to interface with your PC, and your feedback.

Does building by group consensus slow down open source innovation? We’ll look at some big choices Debian is facing and debate if some stronger leadership might produce more expedient and practical results. Plus: We’ll discuss the CentOS team joining Red Hat, and drool over some Steam Box hardware, read emails, and much more!

In the final moments of 2013 our virtual LUG shares their expectations and predictions for 2014. We’ll debate some of the most anticipated changes. Plus a frank Slackware discussion, rolling Ubuntu is back again, your emails, and more!

Chromecast has been called the gadget of the year, but are the better options? Or is a simple, low cost, Linux powered gadget the ultimate living room solution? We’ll debate where it stacks up compared to XMBC, Plex, and others. Plus: Some insights into why Canonical might be looking to License their Binary repos to the Mint projects, your feedback, and more!

Experienced Linux users may soon be finding a new call on their talents to help new users switching to Linux. But with services like Stackexchange, Google+ Helpouts, and more is it time to reboot the way we provide support to new Linux users?

Have IRC chat rooms, forums, reddit, and Google Hangouts killed the local Linux Users Group? We’ll share our ideas to reboot the LUG and make them relevant for the modern Linux user. PLUS: Your follow up thoughts on the perfect swap setup, feedback, and much more!

Do you run without swap? This week we reach into the topic grab bag and debate to swap or not to swap, the reasons long timer Linux users are switching to BSD, and what’s wrong with our Sailfish OS coverage. Plus we’ll some perspective from a new Linux user on what she ran into, your emails, and more!

A new version of Docker was just released, we bring on the CTO and Founder of Docker to chat about the big features all Linux users can look forward to. Plus building the perfect Linux workstation, your feedback, and much more!

Our frank advice for switches to Linux. Despite what what the advocates would have you believe, there are some important consideration a potential Linux switcher should make. Our team of silverback Linux users shares their tips after years of using Linux.

This week we’ll use the lens of some recent technical meltdowns to discuss this age old struggle of pragmatism vs idealism. Sometimes the practical choice kicks you in the butt, and you regret ignoring your ideals. And sometimes the free choice can’t do the job. This is a balance Linux users find themselves in more most technology users.

What is the Dark Mail Alliance? We’ll dig into how it’s more of a protocol, and a hope than an actual product. Now the time to replace email we’ll explain how you can help get the concept kickstarted. Plus your follow up on upstart vs systemd, a brief SteamOS chat, and more!

Upstart or systemd which will Debian choose? We’ll discuss the inherent benefits and disadvantages of both, and the larger ramification Debian’s decision will have on the Linux ecosystem.

The recent outburst from Linus Torvalds and Mark Shuttleworth have put the poor state of Linux news coverage into sharp focus. The media’s attention to the cult of personalities damages the Linux community. We’ll discuss what pressures push this trend forward, despite the need of a balanced dialog in an open community.