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

Next, Mo provides an expert breakdown of how AI is revolutionizing security research. From Project Glasswing to the Alpha Omega project, we look at how frontier models are being used to find (and fix) vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure like the Linux kernel. We discuss the "personality quirks" of different AI models and why human expertise is still the "apex predator" in the security chain.

Ryan also shares an update on his "GIMP Challenge," revealing how he’s successfully moved his professional thumbnail workflow to open source. This leads to a deep dive into Adobe’s recent "bad behavior," including $150 million settlements and secret modifications to system hosts files. We ask the tough question: When does commercial software become malware?

Plus, we cover the latest news, including Linux 7.0-rc7, Firefox’s new free VPN, and Zorin OS’s firm stance against mandatory age verification laws.

Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 Welcome to Destination Linux
• 00:02:13 Community Feedback: TLDR vs. Manpages
• 00:05:40 Store Update: Pastel Tumblers & New Desk Mats
• 00:08:18 Sponsored by Sandfly Security
• 00:10:16 Steam Linux Milestone: Breaking 5%!
• 00:23:16 AI in Open Source Security & curl Reports
• 00:25:03 AI Security Projects: Alpha-Omega and Project Glasswing
• 00:50:34 Using Open Models for Security Research
• 00:54:05 Red Hat Evaluates Security Bugs Reported by Mythos
• 01:00:52 The GIMP Challenge: Ryan’s Workflow Shift
• 01:06:03 Adobe's Bad Behavior: Software or Malware?
• 01:13:03 News Roundup: Linux 7.0-rc7 Released
• 01:14:06 Firefox Adds Free VPN
• 01:15:01 PacHub: A Sleek GUI for Pacman and AUR
• 01:16:09 ZorinOS Rejects Mandatory Age Verification
• 01:25:16 Closing Thoughts

Show References & Links

Community & Tools:

• TLDR Pages: https://tldr.sh/
• GIMP 3 Themes (GitHub): https://github.com/bunnywaffle/GIMP-3-Themes/tree/main
• G'MIC Plugin for GIMP: https://gmic.eu/download.html

Articles & News:

• Linux Smashes Past 5% on Steam Survey: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2026/04/linux-smashes-past-5-percent-on-the-steam-survey-for-the-first-time/
• Adobe Secretly Modifies Your Hosts File (OSNews): https://www.osnews.com/story/144737/adobe-secretly-modifies-your-hosts-file-for-the-stupidest-reason/
• Zorin OS Says No to Mandatory Age Verification: https://linuxiac.com/zorin-os-says-no-to-mandatory-age-verification-in-linux/
• Firefox Free VPN Enabled: https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2026/04/firefox-free-vpn-enabled
• Linux 7.0-rc7 Released: https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-7.0-rc7-Released/

Security & AI Research:

• Aisle: AI Cybersecurity After Mythos: https://aisle.com/blog/ai-cybersecurity-after-mythos-the-jagged-frontier
• Aisle Wall of Fame (Vulnerability Research): https://aisle.com/wall-of-fame
• Red Hat: Navigating the Mythos Haunted World: https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/navigating-mythos-haunted-world-platform-security
• Humorous Video on DNF5 & Age Verification: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flH17X32MrY

Support the Show:

• Destination Linux Official Store: https://shop.deviantairwaves.com/
• Sandfly Security (Agentless Linux Security): https://deviantairwaves.com/sandfly

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

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.

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!

Then, is it possible to have the macOS experience without the Apple ecosystem? Ryan explores ravynOS, a daring new project with "macOS vibes and a BSD soul." It’s attempting to bring the Aqua interface—and eventually Mac app compatibility—to the open-source world.

Plus, Jill brings us massive news from Canonical and AMI. You might soon be installing Ubuntu directly from your motherboard's BIOS without ever needing a USB drive. We break down how this partnership changes the game for hardware.

Finally, we read an incredible listener story.

Show Notes:

00:00:00 Intro

00:02:39 Extended Intro: Open Source or Bust

00:03:08 Community Feedback: A Pentester’s Origin Story

00:10:03 Guest Host: Sandfly Security & Agentless Protection

00:15:53 Security Deep Dive: Supply Chain Attacks, Malicious VSCode Extensions & React2Shell

00:44:31 ravynOS: The Open Source Mac Killer?

00:56:05 News: Canonical + AMI: Installing Ubuntu from the BIOS

01:08:07 Outro

01:09:33 Post-Show Shenanigans

Support the Show:

Sponsored by Sandfly Security: destinationlinux.net/sandfly - Get 50% off the Home Edition with code DESTINATION50

Special Guest: Craig Rowland.

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:54 Community Feedback: “Disappointed in Ryan” (EU Censorship & Free Speech)
00:31:10 Sandfly Security – Agentless Defense for Linux
00:33:48 Cloudflare Falls Over: When Half the Internet Trips
00:34:38 Game Preservation: Keeping Delisted Classics Alive
00:47:03 Kaspersky on Linux: Do We Even Need Antivirus?
00:54:28 ProtonDB & Steam Survey: Has Linux Gaming Already Won?
01:04:15 Software Pick: Rclone – RSync for All Your Clouds
01:06:29 Outro

Hosted by:
Ryan (DasGeek) = dasgeek.net
Jill Bryant = jilllinuxgirl.com
Special Guest = Matt (Linux Out Loud)

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