Going Linux

Hosted by Larry Bushey and Bill Smith

Technology

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Episodes

179

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Once you become aware that there is a dependable, secure, capable, and modern computer system that rivals all others in popularity and actual use, you will want to try the Linux operating system on your computer. Perhaps you've been using a member of the Unix/Linux family - Linux, Android, ChromeOS, BSD or even OSX - for quite a while. If so, you are likely looking for new ways to optimize your technology for the way you work. Going Linux is for computer users who just want to use Linux to get things done. Are you new to Linux, upgrading from Windows to Linux, or just thinking about moving to Linux? This audio podcast provides you with practical, day-to-day advice on how to use Linux and its applications. Our goal is to help make the Linux experience easy for you.

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60 recent

May 24, 2026

Going Linux #478 · Listener Feedback - plus hearing aids support on Linux

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

March 19, 202639 min

Going Linux #477 · CachyOS

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

March 7, 2026

Going Linux #476 · Encryption - Introduction

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

February 7, 202643 min

Going Linux #475 · Listener Feedback

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

December 28, 202518 min

Going Linux #474 · Bluetooth Devices

Bill is still running Manjaro with KDE. Larry is in a new location. Getting your wireless gear to play nice with Linux. Definition: Bluetooth. The graphical method, the command line method. The need to use the more advanced command line method is rare with modern Linux systems. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux # 474 - Bluetooth Devices 01:13 Bill is still running Manjaro with KDE 02:49 Larry is in a new location 03:27 Getting your wireless gear to play nice with Linux 05:38 Definition: Bluetooth 06:59 The graphical method 07:37 Check that Bluetooth is enabled 08:48 Connecting a device 10:49 The command line method 14:35 Needing to use the more advanced command line method is rare with modern Linux systems 15:02 Printers 15:60 Winmodems 18:02 goinglinux.com, goinglinux@gmail.com, +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 18:57 End

November 12, 20251 hr 0 min

Going Linux #473 · Listener Feedback

Bill and Larry both break things. Questions for the listener: In addition to MP3, should we have a second feed? If so, should it be OGG, FLAC, OPUS, or something else? Suggestions for Solitaire, website upgrades, community comments, episode topics, printers, running Linux Mint, and computers for running Linux. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #473 · Listener Feedback 01:30 Bill broke Manjaro 02:30 Larry breaks audio 03:18 Request to provide a FLAC feed 04:18 Questions for the listener: In addition to MP3, should we have a second feed? If so, should it be OGG, FLAC, OPUS, or something else? 09:18 Jblough: Ideas for an online Solitaire game 10:40 Frank: Free, open source Solitaire 12:50 Jack: Confusion over the feed 21:10 David: A link suggesting CachyOS is more popular than Ubuntu or Mint 23:57 Tolga: Unable to leave comments. Distro suggestions. 29:27 Kenneth: A suggestion for our website 32:60 Frank: Think Penguin 34:35 Paul: Asus laptop and Mint 35:53 Jim: Linux printers 42:30 Frank: Weird RSS stuff 45:14 Torontal7: About the picture in our ogg file 48:31 David: An interesting episode idea 54:46 Paul: Problems with Linux Mint 59:28 goinglinux.com, goinglinux@gmail.com, +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 60:32 End

September 20, 202533 min

Going Linux #472 · New Users Guide to Github

Welcome to the world of version control with Git and GitHub! We will walk you through the essential steps to get you started, from creating an account to making your first contribution to a project. This powerful combination of tools is fundamental for software development, but it's also incredibly useful for tracking changes in any set of files, from manuscripts to research data. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #472 · New Users Guide to Github 01:16 Bill moves to Manjaro with KDE 02:21 Larry uses the Mint Cinnamon upgrade path to Release 22.2 (Zara) 03:45 Bill helps a friend with advertising in Windows 11's Solitaire game! 12:48 Welcome to the world of version control 13:48 What is Git? 15:14 So, what is GitHub? 18:12 Key benefits for a new user 21:59 Open Source alternatives 23:25 Starting to use GitHub 25:53 GitHub Desktop for Linux 28:47 AI Disclaimer 30:16 Picks: Micro and GitHub Desktop 32:19 goinglinux.com, goinglinux@gmail.com, +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 33:19 End

September 8, 202544 min

Going Linux #471 · Listener Feedback

Bill is hopping to a different distro (big surprise, right?) Non-Windows computer does not track is the best? Tuxedo, System76, Framework, Dell XPS Series, some Lenovo Thinkpads, Linux Certified, Entroware More emails on Accessibility, Problems with Linux Mint,a printer odyssey, pivot tables, Mint XFCE on an Acer Chromebook C720 ZHN, an unintended review of the System76 Lemur Pro, and App picks: Mirror Hall and Gnome Network Displays Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #471 · Listener Feedback 01:13 We're not dead yet! 02:50 Bill is hopping to a different distro (big surprise, right?) 06:21 Chad: What brand of non-Windows computer does not track is the best? 07:19 Tuxedo, System76, Framework, Dell XPS Series 08:18 Some Lenovo Thinkpads, Linux Certified, Penguin, Entroware 10:40 Linux pre-installed 11:21 Daniel: Follow up re: accessibility 13:18 Paul: Problems with Linux Mint 20:03 Ambrose: Printer odyssey 27:49 Stefan: About Pivot Tables 29:25 David: Linux Mint XFCE on an Acer Chromebook C720 ZHN 31:57 Reid wrote An Unintended Review - System76 Lemur Pro 38:17 App picks: Mirror Hall and Gnome Network Displays 43:26 goinglinux.com, goinglinux@gmail.com, +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 44:44 End

August 20, 202538 min

Going Linux #470 · How to try Linux without affecting your current system Pt. 2

Of course you could install Linux on a spare computer if you have one. OK, to many people the prospect of installing a new operating system can be daunting. You could also try running from a live USB drive. But fortunately, there are straightforward methods to explore what Linux has to offer directly from your Windows environment without altering your existing setup. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #470 · How to try Linux without affecting your current system Pt. 2 01:42 Bill hops from Zorin to Linux Mint - here's why 03:34 Bill tests ChromeOS Flex 06:35 Help out PCLinuxOS 10:20 Larry is down to one computer 11:10 Disclaimer: No hardware-installed Windows were harmed in the production of this podcast 14:37 How can I try Linux without messing up my current computer? 15:33 1: Using a 'virtual' Linux 16:39 2: Windows subsystem for Linux 17:30 Linux in Virtualbox 18:56 Install and configure Virtual Box 23:51 Install 'Guest Editions' 25:25 Install Linux 27:38 First boot and Guest Editions 28:07 Install the Windows subsystem for Linux (WSL) 29:31 Launch WSL and complete the setup 30:03 Start using WSL 30:52 Just create a Live USB drive - it's easier 36:48 goinglinux.com, goinglinux@gmail.com, +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe 38:00 End

July 8, 20251 hr 2 min

Going Linux #469 · Listener Feedback

Bill tries ZFS. Our topics: Microsoft's support for Windows 10 is about to end - to keep your computer running a fully supported OS switch to Linux, Linux on Chromebooks, CD ripping, Cosmic Desktop Environment, Pivot tables, Linux and AI, Accessibility on Linux. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Going Linux #469 · Listener Feedback 01:35 Bill tries ZFS 03:07 Microsoft's support for Windows 10 is about to end - to keep your computer running a fully supported OS switch to Linux 06:18 Reid: Open Source contributions and installing Linux on Chromebooks 15:24 SirScout51: CD ripping 20:23 Cosmic Desktop Environment (DE) 24:56 David: LibreOffice Calc pivot tables 27:51 Ian: Switching to Linux and AI 37:58 Daniel: Orca Screen reader, Manjaro, Reborn and Solus Linux 44:15 Tolga: I'm not able to respond 46:52 Kenneth: Feedback and a recommendation 50:01 David: My Linuxbook 53:25 Daniel: What is the exact feed for subscribing? More on accessibility 62:55 End