All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio) Episode: Untitled Linux Show 206: The Untitled Episode Release Date: June 8, 2025

Introduction and Topics Overview

In Episode 206 of the Untitled Linux Show, host Jonathan Bennett welcomes listeners to a jam-packed discussion covering a variety of topics essential to the Linux and open-source community. The episode delves into updates on system tools like Fast Fetch and LibreOffice, explores new virtualization solutions for KDE, examines recent developments in systemd, shares valuable terminal command-line tips, and navigates the ongoing drama surrounding X11 and Wayland.

Fast Fetch vs. Neofetch Timestamp: [03:20]

The conversation begins with an in-depth look at Fast Fetch, touted as the next-generation successor to the popular system information tool Neofetch. A guest speaker highlights Fast Fetch's recent release, version 2.45, emphasizing its performance and customizability, primarily written in C. Fast Fetch now supports a broader range of operating systems, including various BSDs and even Android devices, with enhanced GPU detection and improved branding for devices like OnePlus.

Jonathan Bennett humorously notes the initial confusion users might face when searching for Fast Fetch, as it shares a name with a DNA sequencing tool. Despite challenges in packaging across different Linux distributions, the recommendation to use Linux Brew as an alternative installer showcases the tool's flexibility.

Jonathan Bennett [05:44]: "I went down a rabbit hole just now because when you type in Fast Fetch on my machine it suggests Fast a fetch and it's like what is fast a fetch and that is a tool for doing DNA sequencing. Something very, very different."

systemd Update Timestamp: [07:19]

Ken provides an analysis of a How To Geek article by David Delaney, which defends the continued use of systemd over SysVinit. Drawing parallels to the X11 and Wayland debates, Ken underscores systemd's reliability and efficiency in managing system processes and services. The discussion touches on the pragmatic approach of distributions like Arch Linux, which prioritize evidence-based decisions over ideological stances.

Jonathan Bennett expresses his personal frustrations with systemd-resolved, highlighting specific issues and contemplating methods to disable it to regain control over DNS settings.

Ken [11:15]: "systemd and Wayland are here to stay. That is, until something superior emerges."

Jonathan Bennett [12:20]: "I have endless problems with systemd Resolve D."

Windows 10 End of Support and Linux Adoption Timestamp: [15:41]

The hosts transition to discussing the impending end of support for Windows 10 on October 14th, branded humorously by KDE as "Your Computer is Toast." This shift is seen as a catalyst for a potential surge in Linux adoption, especially as many existing machines fail to meet Windows 11's stricter hardware requirements. The conversation reflects on previous instances, such as the transition from Windows XP to OEM Linux installations on netbooks, questioning whether a similar trend is imminent.

Jonathan Bennett [18:04]: "It's an interesting time, it is going to be real fascinating to see like how, how the, how the people like the public respond to it."

KDE's Carton Virtualization Tool Timestamp: [22:40]

KDE's latest project, Carton, is introduced as a promising new virtualization management tool integrated with the Plasma desktop environment. Moving away from GTK-based managers like Virt Manager and GNOME Boxes, Carton leverages modern Qt frameworks and libvirt as its backend. Features such as snapshot support, an enhanced user interface, and CPU/RAM usage monitoring are in development, aiming to provide a more seamless experience for KDE users.

Guest Speaker [25:14]: "Carton can already display existing virtual machines, start and stop them, and manage basic installation and deletion processes."

AMD Radeon RX 9060 GPU Timestamp: [37:05]

The discussion shifts to hardware, specifically the AMD Radeon RX 9060 GPU. The hosts commend AMD for delivering robust out-of-the-box Linux support with kernel 6.14 and Mesa 25.1, noting it as one of AMD's best efforts in this area. While the 16GB variant is seen as a decent budget option, the 8GB version receives criticism for its limited performance, making it less appealing even for 1080p gaming.

Guest Speaker [40:53]: "Too expensive for my blood."

Ken [43:43]: "It's a solid performer. It's just a question of the value."

The conversation also touches on market dynamics affecting GPU prices, such as increased demand for AI-related silicon and supply shortages.

LibreOffice 25.2.4 Update Timestamp: [49:48]

Ken reports on the latest maintenance release of LibreOffice, version 25.2.4, which addresses 52 bugs to enhance stability and reliability. Notable fixes include resolving application freezes during specific operations and correcting font display issues with Asian text. Despite the advancements, Jonathan Bennett expresses surprise that the Enterprise optimized version recommended for large deployments lacks a direct download link, suggesting a need for better accessibility.

Jonathan Bennett [51:42]: "It's kind of interesting also thinking about that. Like popos used to be on that list and I."

bcachefs File System Updates and Issues Timestamp: [75:34]

Ken delves into recent developments surrounding bcachefs, an experimental copy-on-write file system aiming to rival ZFS while maintaining performance comparable to ext4. With Linux kernel 6.16, bcachefs has seen performance enhancements for snapshot deletion, device removal, and journal commits. However, the file system faced critical bugs leading to data loss, primarily due to user errors like indiscriminately running fsck -y. Developer Kent Overstreet emphasizes the experimental nature of bcachefs and urges users to maintain regular backups.

Ken [56:57]: "If you're using it, always have backups and only store data you're comfortable potentially losing."

Guest Speaker [60:25]: "You're not supposed to always click yes."

X11 and Wayland Drama: ex-Libre Timestamp: [60:15]

A contentious topic arises with the news of Enrico Weigelt being banned from freedesktop.org for attempting to maintain X11. As the Linux community steadily moves towards Wayland, ex-Libre represents a fork aiming to preserve X11's legacy. The hosts speculate on the motivations behind the ban, suggesting possible security concerns and organizational policies favoring Wayland's future. Ken expresses skepticism about the viability of ex-Libre, given the industry's momentum towards Wayland.

Jonathan Bennett [65:30]: "It's like a perfect storm of problems in Git [...]"

Ken [71:26]: "You know, that is, that goes back to the X8X. Was it X86X386 or X386? Yeah, and it forked and turned into X.org and."

Command-line Tips Timestamp: [75:03]

Wrapping up the technical discussions, Ken shares a series of command-line tips aimed at enhancing efficiency for users. Highlights include:

1. Re-executing Previous Commands with sudo: Instead of retyping a forgotten sudo command, simply prefix the previous command with sudo.

   Ken [82:43]: "Run the previous command with sudo by simply typing sudo !!"

2. Running Commands Without Logging Them in History: Start commands with a space to prevent them from being saved in the history file.

3. Replacing Words in Previous Commands: Use caret (^) syntax to substitute misspelled words without retyping the entire command.

4. Swapping Characters Before and After the Cursor: Correct typos on the fly using Ctrl + T.

5. Creating Nested Directories: Utilize mkdir -p to create multiple subdirectories in one command.

Additionally, Jonathan Bennett offers tips on Git commands, distinguishing between git fetch and git pull, and their respective uses in repository management.

Ken [82:43]: "Run the previous command with sudo by simply typing sudo !!"

Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts emphasize the importance of regular backups and share a few light-hearted moments addressing technical glitches during the live recording. They encourage listeners to stay updated with the latest developments in the Linux ecosystem and to explore the shared command-line tips to enhance their workflow.

Ken [91:58]: "Definitively keep those backups. Three backups, two different types of backup and one off-site."

Notable Quotes

• Ken [11:15]: "systemd and Wayland are here to stay. That is, until something superior emerges."

• Jonathan Bennett [12:20]: "I have endless problems with systemd Resolve D."

• Guest Speaker [25:14]: "Carton can already display existing virtual machines, start and stop them, and manage basic installation and deletion processes."

• Ken [56:57]: "If you're using it, always have backups and only store data you're comfortable potentially losing."

• Jonathan Bennett [65:30]: "It's like a perfect storm of problems in Git [...]"

This episode of the Untitled Linux Show offers a comprehensive exploration of current trends and challenges in the Linux and open-source landscapes, blending technical insights with engaging discussions. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or new to the ecosystem, the episode provides valuable information to navigate the ever-evolving tech terrain.