We cover what Canonical Academy is, who it’s for, how the curriculum works, what makes it unique, how it supports beginners, and how learners can get started. Whether you’re a newcomer, a sysadmin, a homelabber, or just Linux‑curious, this episode is packed with insights, fun moments, and a lightning round you won’t want to miss.

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Timestamps
00:00:00 Welcome to Destination Linux
00:03:01 Community Feedback
00:09:43 Sponsored by Sandfly Security
00:11:21 Thanks to Our Supporters
00:12:42 Canonical Academy Interview
00:13:32 What Canonical Academy Is
00:18:40 Who Canonical Academy Is For
00:25:23 Inside the Curriculum
00:41:18 What Sets It Apart
00:46:31 Making It Less Intimidating
00:51:05 Public Beta And Other Surprises
00:54:20 How to Get Started
00:58:14 Career Paths In Linux
01:02:45 Real Environments In Exams
01:04:04 Lightning Round
01:17:36 Closing Thoughts

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

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.

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