Then, things get real as Ryan shares receipts on the Q1 2026 tech layoffs. With nearly 80,000 jobs cut, almost half attributed to AI automation...is the tech industry in a permanent state of reduction, or is this the ultimate opportunity for open-source talent to rise? We discuss how to "own the pipeline" using local AI tools like Ollama.

Plus, we cover the massive release of Linux 7.0 featuring Rust adoption and self-healing filesystems, Google’s "Free Upgrade" push for Windows 10 users to ChromeOS Flex, and Linus Torvalds being his classic, unfiltered self regarding kernel patches.

00:00:00 Welcome to Destination Linux
00:01:20 Community Feedback: Trying Linux in a VM
00:06:58 Sponsored by Sandfly Security
00:11:21 France's Migration to Linux
00:23:42 Tech Industry Layoffs
00:39:51 Open Source AI Solutions
00:53:39 News Roundup: ChromeOS Flex Upgrade for Windows 10 PCs
00:59:20 Digital ID Developments in the UK
01:02:36 Linux 7.0 Released
01:07:13 Linus Torvalds' Still Got It
01:08:35 Closing Thoughts

Show Links & Resources

• Contact the Show: https://deviantairwaves.com/contact/
• Sandfly Security (Sponsor): https://deviantairwaves.com/sandfly
• ZDNet - France Leaves Windows for Linux: https://www.zdnet.com/article/france-leaves-windows-for-linux-desktop/
• Tom's Hardware - Q1 2026 Layoff Data: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/tech-industry-lays-off-nearly-80-000-employees-in-the-first-quarter-of-2026-almost-50-percent-of-affected-positions-cut-due-to-ai
• CNN - Block Layoffs & AI Strategy: https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/26/business/block-layoffs-ai-jack-dorsey
• AI Resources & Layoff Tracker: https://programs.com/resources/ai-layoffs/
• Forbes - Google’s ChromeOS Flex Upgrade: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2026/04/12/googles-free-windows-pc-upgrade-offer-you-must-act-before-its-too-late/
• UK Parliament - Digital ID Briefing: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10369/
• BBC - UK Digital ID Backlash: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3385zrrx73o
• OMG! Ubuntu - Linux 7.0 Features: https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2026/04/linux-7-0-kernel-features
• Phoronix - Linus Torvalds on Linux 7.1 Patches: https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linus-Rejects-Linux-7.1

We break down the technical stack keeping Deviant AirWaves running:

• Infrastructure: How Nextcloud has become our "absolute savior" for RSS, Markdown notes, and document security.
• Production: The "superb quality" of VDO.Ninja and OBS Studio for remote recording without the monthly fees of closed-source alternatives.
• Communication: Moving the needle with Signal, KeePassXC, and our brand-new Mumble server.
• Web & Editing: Why we stick to WordPress and how Kdenlive and Audacity handle our heavy-lift editing.

We also take a look at the Orion Web Browser, a WebKit-powered alternative that just hit public Beta on Linux. To wrap things up, we cover Zeb’s Quick-fire News, including a high-severity Snap vulnerability, Linus Torvalds’ thoughts on AI tools in kernel development, and a heartfelt thank you to Martin Wimpress as he seeks new maintainers for Ubuntu MATE.

Show Resources & Community

• Official Website: deviantairwaves.com
• Merch Store: shop.deviantairwaves.com
• Patreon Support: patreon.com/destinationlinux
• Community Discord: deviantairwaves.com/discord

Topic: Running a Small Business with Open Source

• Sponsor: Sandfly Security: deviantairwaves.com/sandfly
• Mumble Server Address: mumble.deviantairwaves.com
• Video Production Tool: vdo.ninja
• Kdenlive: https://kdenlive.org/
• KeePassXC: https://keepassxc.org/
• PhotoPea: https://www.photopea.com/
• WordPress: https://wordpress.com/
• DigitalOcean: https://www.digitalocean.com/
• Audacity: https://www.audacityteam.org/

Topic: Orion Web Browser

Orion for Linux Beta Release https://orionbrowser.com/

Quick Fire News

• Linux Kernel 7.0-rc5 Announcement: lore.kernel.org/lkml/7.0-rc5
• Ubuntu Snapd Vulnerability: phoronix.com/news/Ubuntu-Snapd-High-Vulnerability
• Ubuntu AppArmor Security Issues (Mentioned): phoronix.com/news/Ubuntu-AppArmor-Security-Issues
• iPhone Hacking Tool (Ars Technica): arstechnica.com/security/2026/03/hundreds-of-millions-of-iphones-can-be-hacked
• Opera GX for Linux: omgubuntu.co.uk/2026/03/opera-gx-linux-released
• Ubuntu MATE Seeking Maintainers: discourse.ubuntu.com/t/ubuntu-mate-seeking-maintainers/79264

Chapters List:

00:00:00 Welcome to Destination Linux
00:01:29 Community Feedback
00:12:43 Artemis 2 Launch Reflection
00:19:02 Sponsored by Sandfly Security
00:22:32 Running a Business with Open Source Part 2, NextCloud Update
00:25:02 VDO.Ninja Update
00:29:53 Making Our Website with Wordpress
00:36:20 Matrix Update
00:41:15 Editing with Open Source Tools
00:45:58 New Mumble Server
00:54:44 Orion Web Browser Linux Public Beta
01:00:30 Zeb's Quickfire News Roundup, Opera GX Linux Release
01:05:59 Linux 7.0 Release Candidates
01:08:38 AppArmor and Snap Vulnerabilities
01:10:42 DarkSword iPhone-Hacking Technique
01:17:42 Ubuntu MATE Seeking Maintainers
01:27:05 Closing Remarks and Sign Off

We kick things off with a critical look at Healthcare Data Security. With the recent Navia benefit solutions breach affecting millions, we discuss why companies are demanding sensitive data they clearly cannot protect—and why it’s time to push back on providing Social Security numbers.

Then, we break down the FCC’s official ban on foreign-made consumer routers. This move has effectively frozen the release of next-gen hardware like Wi-Fi 7 in the U.S. market. We explore the implications for your privacy and why Open-Source firmware (OpenWrt) and DIY hardware (OPNsense/pfSense) are now the ultimate safeguards for your digital sovereignty.

Jill also returns with Part 2 of her SCaLE 23x highlights, featuring heartwarming reunions with Linux legends like Jon “Maddog” Hall and John Robinson (developer of Window Maker), plus a look at the Ubuntu Academy project.

Finally, we cover the latest in Linux Gaming and AI, including Steam Client updates, VR gaming improvements in GE-Proton, and how TurboQuant is revolutionizing AI memory efficiency.

Set your phasers to "Open Source" and join us for a "Plus Ultra" level of geekery!
Timestamps

[00:00:00] Welcome to Destination Linux

[00:04:43] Community Feedback

[00:18:13] Sponsored by Sandfly Security

[00:21:34] Personal Security Stories

[00:28:25] The Social Security Dilemma

[00:34:20] Navia Data Breach

[00:40:07] Highlights from SCaLE 23x

[00:51:42] FCC Bans Foreign-made Routers

[00:57:02] Building Your Own Router

[01:04:44] Steam Client and SteamOS Updates

[01:09:08] VR Gaming in GE-Proton

[01:16:46] TurboQuant Improves AI Memory Efficiency

[01:19:34] Closing Thoughts and Sign Off

References

Community & Tools

FreeDroidWarn Solutions: https://github.com/woheller69/FreeDroidWarn?tab=readme-ov-file#solutions

Sandfly Security (Sponsor): https://deviantairwaves.com/sandfly (Use code DESTINATION50 for 50% off Home Edition)

Navia Healthcare Data Breach: https://lifehacker.com/tech/navia-data-breach-social-security-numbers

SCaLE 23x Photo & Video Gallery: https://imgur.com/a/ZzVIzSA

Jill’s Treasure Hunt (Eee PC/Window Maker): https://youtu.be/AQ5b1pLNSUc

We also dive into the "Local First" movement with Jan, an open-source tool that allows you to run powerful AI models entirely offline. No subscriptions, no data mining, just pure local compute.

In the news, we break down the latest corporate shakeup: SUSE is for sale again. We analyze what this means for the enterprise Linux landscape and the community. We also share our "Hidden Gem" open-source apps, including the multi-track video editor Flowblade, and see who survives Zeb’s Quickfire Revenge.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Welcome to the Underworld of Tech (DL 457)
00:01:46 - The Fight Against ID Verification
00:15:02 - Hidden Gems: Top Secret Open Source Apps
00:25:51 - Local AI: Keeping Your Data Off the Grid with Jan
00:27:30 - Deep Dive: Decentralized Networks & The Secret Internet
00:43:55 - SUSE For Sale: The Corporate Cycle Continues
01:05:23 - Steam Report: Is Linux Gaming the New Standard?
01:08:52 - Zeb’s Revenge: The Quickfire Round
01:14:48 - Final Thoughts & Community Mission

The Privacy Breakthrough: Ryan’s prediction comes true as Motorola and GrapheneOS announce an official partnership. We discuss what this means for the "ThinkPhone" line, the end of Pixel exclusivity, and the future of de-Googled mobile devices in the enterprise and government sectors.

Hardware Innovation: Nate takes us through the Lenovo ThinkBook Modular AI PC. With a detachable secondary OLED screen and swappable I/O tiles, is Lenovo finally taking a page out of the Framework playbook? Plus, we look at the "AI" marketing fatigue and the potential for Linux compatibility on this unique form factor.

The Policy Battle: Zeb dives into the heated debate surrounding California’s AB 1043 and its impact on Linux distributions. We examine the cautious responses from Canonical and Fedora, and the "ultimatum" issued by community members on the Ubuntu mailing list regarding age-verification code.

Smarter Updates: Jill explains how Ubuntu 26.04 "Resolute Raccoon" is splitting its massive 600MB firmware package into 17 vendor-specific pieces to save your bandwidth and reduce server strain.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Intro

00:02:20 Community Feedback: The "Algonet" and the Death of the Old Internet

00:16:36 New Patron Shout Out

00:19:20 GrapheneOS & Motorola Partner Up: The End of Pixel Exclusivity

00:30:00 Lenovo ThinkBook Modular AI PC: Detachable Screens & Swappable I/O

00:43:00 Age Verification Drama: Ubuntu and Fedora’s Legal Crossroads

01:15:00 Ubuntu 26.04 Firmware Split: Faster Updates for Everyone

But that's not all! We’re also discussing Proton's surprising move away from Switzerland and what it means for your secure data. Plus, we dive into Intel's latest push for Linux gaming, explore some fantastic file-sharing applications, and talk about our excitement for the upcoming Southern California Linux Expo (SCaLE). Grab your favorite beverage, pull up a chair, and let's get into the latest in Linux and open source!

Head to deviantairwaves.com to become a Patron and support the show

Chapters / Timestamps:
00:00:00 Welcome to Destination Linux
00:01:22 Community Feedback on Matrix
00:03:00 The Threat of ID Verification
00:18:04 Supporting Our Patrons
00:19:36 Exploring File Sharing Apps
00:29:14 The Southern California Linux Expo
00:33:41 Intel's Focus on Linux Gaming
00:41:00 Proton's Move from Switzerland
00:55:34 Thank You and Community Engagement

In this episode of Destination Linux, we explore the Zen Browser, a gorgeous, privacy-respecting fork of Firefox that’s modernizing the web with vertical tabs and split views. But beauty isn’t everything, so we brought in the ultimate defense specialist, Craig Rowland from Sandfly Security, to help us navigate the increasingly hostile digital landscape.

From AI-driven phishing attacks to the Notepad++ supply chain breach, Craig gives us a masterclass in "agentless" security and how to stay safe without bloating your system. We also break down Linux Kernel 6.19, featuring a 40% performance boost for older AMD hardware and the path toward stable HDR on the Linux desktop.

Grab your favorite beverage, put down that USB drive, and let’s get started!

Chapters
00:00:00 Welcome to Destination Linux
00:01:07 Community Feedback
00:07:57 Security Scoop with Craig
00:08:30 Browser Extensions and Security
00:16:41 Agentic AI and Privacy Concerns
00:26:28 Notepad's Security Vulnerabilities
00:30:42 Notepad++ Supply Chain Attack
00:35:52 Linux Kernel 6.19 Updates
00:48:04 Exploring the Zen Browser
00:55:39 Closing Thoughts and Thanks

Head to deviantairwaves.com to support the show! Become a Patron or buy some amazing swag!

Special Guest: Craig Rowland.

Check out Lutris here: https://lutris.net

Mathieu gives us the inside scoop on the new Playtron partnership, the UMU (Unified Media Updater) initiative and we even discuss how Lutris helps non-gamers install apps.

Plus, we tackle the Discord Debacle, are chat apps losing their way?

Whether you're a distro-hopper, a Steam Deck user, or just here for the "shenanigans," this episode is your ultimate guide to the Linux-verse.

Support the Show:
Destination Linux is a podcast supported by the viewers, for the viewers. Become a Patron to get exclusive perks!
Go to: www.deviantairwaves.com to learn more!

Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro: Welcome to the Lutris Playground
00:01:28 Community Feedback: Gaming the Linux Way
00:11:01 Sponsored by YOU, the Awesome Penguins
00:11:22 Interview: Leveling Up with Mathieu from Lutris
00:13:30 What Is Lutris? One Launcher to Rule Them All
00:15:53 Lutris + Playtron
00:20:31 Jill’s Humble Brag
00:22:26 What Is UMU? Proton’s Fancy Cousin
00:28:33 Why Every Gamer Should Care About Lutris
00:29:47 Beyond Games: Installing “Real Work” in Lutris
00:30:35 Lutris Flatpak: One Click to Game City
00:36:39 Rootkits & Kernel Anti-Cheat: Boss Fight Mode
00:40:11 Headless Docker: Ghost Servers for Your Games
00:41:25 Wish List: “Send To” Magic Button
00:43:28 How Lutris Helps Non-Gamers (Yes, Really)
00:47:04 Tech YouTubers Jumping on the Linux Hype Train
00:48:51 Do Devs Even Have Time to Game?
00:50:37 Will AI Actually Help with Game Support?
00:58:55 How You Can Help Lutris Level Up
01:01:04 Lightning Round: Quick‑Fire Gaming Questions
01:06:27 Discord Debacle: Chat Apps Behaving Badly
01:15:56 Teaser for Next Week’s Linux Shenanigans
01:16:20 Outro: Keep Your Penguins Gaming

In the news, we cover the latest Google Voice Assistant settlement and the implications for user privacy. We also take a look at the troubling reports of Microsoft potentially turning over Bitlocker keys and the ongoing privacy concerns surrounding WhatsApp’s data practices.

Use code 'LOL' for 40% off Scale23x

Head to deviantairwaves.com to get more show content!

0:10 Welcome to Destination Linux
1:47 Listener Feedback
4:40 New Patron Shoutout
5:21 ScALE 23x Discussion & Interview
48:10 Privacy and Security Concerns
1:08 Final Thoughts and Goodbye

The team also takes a hard look at the Orion Browser. It promises industry-leading privacy and security, but the big question remains: is it truly Open Source? We explore the nuances of its development and what it means for the community. Plus, we tackle the growing phenomenon of Ad Fatigue, the ethics of modern advertising, and how AI is changing the landscape of gaming reviews.

00:00:00.000 Welcome to Destination Linux
00:01:17.758 Listener Feedback : AI and Job Displacement
00:06:52.000 Patrons and Support
00:08:33.642 Security with Sandfly Sponsor
00:10:17.000 Running a business with Open Source VDO.Ninja
00:16:54.081 NextCloud for Collaboration
00:20:38.644 Matrix Element Chat
00:24:12.235 Privacy and Discord
00:26:35.000 Orion Web Browser
00:38:00.000 The Ethics of Ads
00:56:12.736 Gaming Review with AI
01:08:57.700 Closing Thoughts and Future Topics

00:00:00 Intro: Rebel Alliance Linux
00:01:44 Interview Begins: Yuning & RISC-V
00:02:46 Origin Story: From Nokia & Samsung to RISC-V
00:07:24 From Drones to Laptops: Early Projects that Shaped RISC-V
00:11:38 What Makes RISC-V Truly Different
00:16:43 Hard Mode Enabled: Challenges & Dark Moments
00:22:39 Big Wins: RISC-V Milestones & Supply Chain Reality
00:25:43 Chasing Full Linux Kernel Support
00:28:22 RISC-V History Lesson: From Idea to Ecosystem
00:36:17 Philosophy of Openness & Hardware Sovereignty
00:42:40 Can We Stop AI from Gobbling All the Hardware?
00:51:07 Why Now Is the Time to Challenge x86
00:56:21 RVA-23: Setting the Bar for RISC-V Laptops
01:00:11 Modular Dreams: Framework & RISC-V
01:02:33 Building a Sustainable Open-Hardware Future
01:11:03 Big Dreams: One-Third of CPUs on RISC-V?
01:14:06 How People Can Get Involved
01:17:45 Lightning Round: Fun with Yuning
01:21:44 Interview Wrap-Up
01:25:15 Thanks to Till & the RISC-V Tattoo Origin
01:26:00 Show Outro

In This Episode:
The Return of Zeb: We welcome back as a guest the an OG of the show to talk about the current state of the Linux desktop.

Nextcloud Chaos: Ryan and the crew discuss the journey of moving back to open-source tools and whether the self-hosting struggle is worth the reward.

Wayland Check-in: Is it finally ready for primetime? We look at the progress and the remaining hurdles for the year ahead.

GeForce NOW on Linux: It’s finally (almost) official! We dive into what this means for the future of AAA gaming on the Linux desktop.

Intel’s Open Source Cred: From firmware changes to driver shifts, is Intel losing its status as the "Gold Standard" for Linux users?

Zeb’s Gaming Gauntlet: We wrap up with game reviews specifically chosen to "welcome" Zeb back in the most chaotic way possible.

Timestamps
00:00:00 Intro: New Year, New Linux, Same Zeb

00:02:38 Going Back to Open Source Tools (Nextcloud Chaos)

00:06:50 Community Feedback: AI vs. Human Creativity

00:29:44 Sponsor: Sandfly – Agentless Linux Bodyguard

00:32:31 GeForce NOW on Linux: Official at Last (Almost)

00:44:41 Is Intel Losing Its Open Source Street Cred?

00:58:55 Game Reviews Crafted to Torture Zeb

01:07:37 Thanks Zeb: OG Captain Back on Deck

01:09:01 Outro: Happy New Year!

Hosted by:
Ryan (DasGeek) = dasgeek.net
Jill Bryant = jilllinuxgirl.com
And Special Guest = Sherard Griffin
https://www.redhat.com/en/authors/sherard-griffin

00:00:00 Intro

00:02:59 Community Feedback

00:13:02 Sandfly Security Segment

00:15:53 Main Topic: Linux, AI, and the End of Distro Wars?

00:47:32 Ryan’s Essential Linux Apps: Must Installs on Every Setup

01:02:59 OMG! A new Steam Machine

01:15:55 Outro