LINUX Unplugged

Dive into the world of cutting-edge Linux with insights on the release of Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS and the new COSMIC Desktop. Discover how System76 is revolutionizing user experience while addressing hardware and software integration. Learn about innovative alternatives to traditional streaming with tools like Dispatcher, allowing you to curate and manage IPTV channels. Plus, get practical tips for setting up DVR with Jellyfin, maximizing your media enjoyment with open-source solutions.

Kent Overstreet, the creator and lead developer of bcachefs, dives into exciting updates surrounding this advanced Linux filesystem. He discusses the recent release of bcachefs 1.33, emphasizing its new reconcile feature and stabilization efforts. Kent shares unexpected benefits from being out of the mainline kernel, how community contributions are shaping development, and plans for future enhancements like Rust integration. He also provides practical advice for home lab users and outlines the importance of a reliable GPL filesystem in today's tech landscape.

Delve into holiday home lab contests and listener rig submissions. Explore the transition from Ngrok to JellySwarm for efficient Jellyfin server management. Uncover the pros and cons of in-kernel SMB with KSMBD, alongside GrapheneOS's move under French legal pressures. Engage in the bcachefs code of conduct controversy and the broader implications of filesystem debates in the kernel community. Plus, discover innovative tools like Utar for YouTube downloads and Darawich as a Google Timeline alternative!

Discover a clever solution for secure remote access to Jellyfin without the hassle of VPNs. Chris shares how a simple toggle can create on-demand secure tunnels. The team tests out various methods, including ngrok, and explores the benefits and drawbacks. Wes introduces Jelly Swarm, a reverse proxy for managing multiple Jellyfin servers. They also highlight handy tools like declarative-jellyfin and Subgen for enhanced media management. The conversation is packed with innovative ideas and practical tips for tech enthusiasts.

Exciting news in Linux hardware kicks off the discussion, with Valve's new Steam lineup taking center stage. The hosts dive into the implications of SteamOS on integrated devices, highlighting the compact design of the Steam Machine. Eye-tracking foveated streaming also garners attention as they explore innovative features. Plus, a refurbished ThinkCenter M920Q gets unpacked as they share initial impressions of running Linux and virtualizing Home Assistant. The conversation wraps up with community highlights and new audio tool recommendations.

Explore the fascinating world of NixOS configurations and dive into the creativity of community setups. Discover unique approaches as hosts analyze listeners' configs, from budget-friendly flakes to multi-architecture builds. They delve into operational strategies for fleet updates and the joys of self-hosting at scale, complete with tips on creating automated update processes. Plus, hear about innovative projects, like a vibe-coded router and refurbishing laptops with the Nixbook concept!

The hosts dive into the lasting impacts of AI on Linux, exploring how enterprise distros like Red Hat and SUSE are integrating AI features. A fascinating experiment demonstrates using LLMs to diagnose and fix network issues. They discuss the new concept of 'prompt ops' for Linux administration, where LLMs could redefine sysadmin workflows. The team shares their experience refactoring a distro with AI assistance, emphasizing the importance of human oversight. Listener engagement and upcoming events are also highlighted, making it a lively and informative discussion.

Fedora 43 is set to impress with a polished release, featuring a new web installer that simplifies the installation process. The switch to DNF5 and the deprecation of X11 support in GNOME are hot topics, signaling modernization and increased efficiency. The hosts highlight the aesthetic touches in Fedora’s new wallpaper inspired by Sally Ride, alongside discussions about notable package upgrades like Python 3.14 and Plasma 6.5’s visual enhancements. Key takeaways include what other distros can learn from Fedora's iterative approach to improvements.

A tech mishap leads to a major smart home disaster just before a trip. Chris shares the chaos caused by failing Zigbee devices and a questionable firmware update. He delves into the tension of deleting a seemingly duplicate adapter, risking dozens of devices. The network eventually stabilizes, revealing a bigger issue with conflicting endpoints. Plans for hardware upgrades emerge, along with the shift from Zigbee to Z-Wave. The hosts wrap up with exciting gadget picks and the importance of backup solutions for seamless transitions.

Join Jon Seager, Canonical's VP of Engineering, as he dives into the exciting plans for Ubuntu 25.10, including the shift to a monthly release cadence and the introduction of Rust core utilities. Carl Richell, CEO of System76, gives insights on the COSMIC desktop's design and its unique features, while engineer Jeremy Soller discusses its modular architecture. They also explore how COSMIC supports diverse workflows and works smoothly across different distros. It's a fascinating look at the future of Linux engineering!