

Linux Matters
Linux Matters
Experienced Open Source professionals exploring the tech we actually use. If it runs on Linux, we're into it. Whether you're tweaking your desktop, gaming, self-hosting, developing software, improving terminal productivity, or running production infrastructure — we cover the tools and workflows that actually matter. New episode every fortnight. Upbeat and family-friendly for Linux enthusiasts of all ages.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 26, 2023 • 26min
This is how I roll
In this episode:
Mark is playing Baldur’s Gate 3.
Alan is going LoCo in Ubuntu - You can contribute to the UK LoCo website on GitHub.
Martin is building and running Snaps on NixOS.
You can send your feedback via show@linuxmatters.sh or the Contact Form. If you’d like to hang out with other listeners and share your feedback with the community, you can join us on:
The Linux Matters Chatters on Telegram.
The Linux Matters Subreddit.
If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us.

Dec 12, 2023 • 28min
Snap, Crackle and Desktop
In this episode:
Alan stumbles upon Ubuntu Core Desktop Preview and gives it a shake on a SteamDeck.
Mark further continues his adventures in the Fediverse, by developing AWS Lambdas on his desktop.
Martin creates an Open-Source Apple AirDrop-alike for sending files around the aether with LocalSend
You can send your feedback via show@linuxmatters.sh or the Contact Form. If you’d like to hang out with other listeners and share your feedback with the community, you can join us on:
The Linux Matters Chatters on Telegram.
The Linux Matters Subreddit.
If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us.

Nov 28, 2023 • 29min
Bottom is the new Top
In this episode:
B is for Bottom in Martin’s A-Z of Modern Unix.
Alan takes Asahi Linux for a test drive on an M1 Macbook using Ubuntu Asahi.
Mark continues his adventures integrating his static blog with the Fediverse.
We also mentioned owncast for self-hosting live streams, which also has deep Fediverse integration.
You can send your feedback via show@linuxmatters.sh or the Contact Form. If you’d like to hang out with other listeners and share your feedback with the community, you can join us on:
The Linux Matters Chatters on Telegram.
The Linux Matters Subreddit.
If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us.

Nov 14, 2023 • 30min
Blogging to the Fediverse
In this episode:
Mark is publishing blog posts to the Fediverse with help from Seb Jambor’s ActivityPub.academy and Paul Kinlan’s blog.
Martin is writing Rust code without knowing Rust.
Alan is Resurrecting a NextCloud Box and using it for something new.
You can send your feedback via show@linuxmatters.sh or the Contact Form. If you’d like to hang out with other listeners and share your feedback with the community, you can join us on:
The Linux Matters Chatters on Telegram.
The Linux Matters Subreddit.
If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us.

Oct 31, 2023 • 30min
Mish Mash Mesh
In this episode:
Alan upgrades the network in a rented student house with TP-Link Deco
Mark details the gaming journey of a tiny-handed toddler from button mashing to throwing rocks
Martin is building a solid-state NAS with NixOS
You can send your feedback via show@linuxmatters.sh or the Contact Form. If you’d like to hang out with other listeners and share your feedback with the community, you can join us on:
The Linux Matters Chatters on Telegram.
The Linux Matters Subreddit.
If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us.

Oct 17, 2023 • 33min
One Hundred Percent Colombian
In this episode:
Martin is using Distrobox, via Universal Blue, to run OBS Studio Portable built for Ubuntu on NixOS.
You might also like Bazzite, an OCI image that serves as an alternative operating system for the Steam Deck.
Alan laments the trials and tribulations of updating dozens of Snaps to current standards, including the wonderful Bombsquad
Mark does a spot of J2ME retro-gaming on Android using J2ME Loader and (nearly) RetroDECK
You can send your feedback via show@linuxmatters.sh or the Contact Form. If you’d like to hang out with other listeners and share your feedback with the community, you can join us on:
The Linux Matters Chatters on Telegram.
The Linux Matters Subreddit.
If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us.

5 snips
Oct 3, 2023 • 21min
Um, actually
Listener feedback sparks a discussion on TPM and YubiKey for improved boot security. Humor blends with technical insights into Ubuntu's security enhancements. Backup strategies come into play, comparing solutions like Borg and R snapshot while sharing personal migration stories. The significance of paper backups and seamless playlist migration tools like SongShift is emphasized. Networking insights reveal how ZeroTier connects remote computers like a local network, with tips for managing playlists on platforms like Plex.

Sep 19, 2023 • 35min
Steam Deck Emulation Done Right
In this episode:
Alan is consolidating multiple services onto a dedicated server
Mark is contributing to a large open source project
Martin is retro gaming on a refurbished Steam Deck with RetroDECK, ScreenScraper, and ZeroTier
You can send your feedback via show@linuxmatters.sh or the Contact Form. If you’d like to hang out with other listeners and share your feedback with the community, you can join us on:
The Linux Matters Chatters on Telegram.
The Linux Matters Subreddit.
If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us.

Sep 5, 2023 • 28min
Using Two GPUs at Once
In this episode:
Mark has been exploring the secrets of the TPM
Martin is running Radeon and NVIDIA GPUs in one PC.
Alan is getting ongoing data from an EV.
You can send your feedback via show@linuxmatters.sh or the Contact Form. If you’d like to hang out with other listeners and share your feedback with the community, you can join us on:
The Linux Matters Chatters on Telegram.
The Linux Matters Subreddit.
If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us.

Aug 22, 2023 • 29min
History All The Way Down
Martin dives into Atuin, a tool that brings a magical touch to shell history management. Alan shares fascinating insights from analyzing data of a Mini EV, revealing how to visualize performance trends effectively. Mark recounts his journey to sustainability by purchasing a used Pixel 6a, exploring Google integration versus open-source alternatives. Together, they discuss the evolution of command history, electric vehicle insights, and minimizing e-waste through conscious tech choices.


