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Going Linux

Larry Bushey and Bill Smith
Going Linux
Latest episode

180 episodes

  • Going Linux

    Going Linux #479 · Asking your opinion on the future

    19/07/2026 | 25 mins.
    Larry and Bill invite listener feedback to shape the future of Going Linux. They question if their current release frequency, episode length, and topics meet user needs. They aim to refine the show’s format while remaining dedicated champions for Linux and helping users get things done.

    Episode Time Stamps

    00:00 Going Linux #479 · Asking your opinion on the future

    01:29 Bill's CachyOS is still running well

    01:46 Linux and amateur radio

    03:53 Computer users today don't want to tinker

    05:23 Users expect that their computer just works

    07:08 Apple advertises the 'it just works' message, even if it doesn't

    10:41 We want to hear from you

    12:47 Does our current release schedule work for you?

    15:56 What is the best time for a new episode to land?

    17:16 Do you have a preference on episode length?

    18:49 What topics are you interested in hearing more about?

    20:00 What show format do you prefer? Commentary? Q and A? Interviews? Tutorials?

    21:45 What one change would have the most value for you as a listener?

    22:20 Our view on why we do this podcast

    23:53 goinglinux.com, goinglniux@gmail.com, +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe

    25:31 End
  • Going Linux

    Going Linux #468 · How to try Linux without affecting your current system Pt. 1

    06/06/2026 | 36 mins.
    Today, we're tackling a question we hear a lot: "How can I try Linux without messing up my current computer?" It's a great question, and the answer is often simpler than you might think. One of the easiest ways is to use a USB drive.

    Episode Time Stamps

    00:00 Going Linux #468· How to try Linux without affecting your current system Pt. 1

    02:20 Bill is still running Zorin OS

    02:27 Larry and Bill discuss switching from Ubuntu Cinnamon to Linux Mint and about open source funding

    09:18 Reid wrote about supporting open source

    12:08 Daniel asked about Fedora

    14:55 Liz commented on the state of the world

    22:35 David switched from Zorin back to MATE

    27:10 Frank wrote with a quibble about our Office Suites episode

    29:27 Gus provides a solution for a cheap Linux Backup

    35:38 goinglinux.com, goinglinux@gmail.com, +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe

    36:35 End
  • Going Linux

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

    24/05/2026
    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
  • Going Linux

    Going Linux #477 · CachyOS

    19/03/2026 | 39 mins.
    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
  • Going Linux

    Going Linux #476 · Encryption - Introduction

    07/03/2026
    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
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About Going Linux
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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