Untitled Linux Show 219: Bring Your Own Pi

TWiT.tv – September 7, 2025
Hosts: Jonathan, Jeff, Ken

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the latest happenings in the Linux and open-source ecosystem. The crew covers upcoming releases (Ubuntu 25.10, Pop!_OS/Cosmic), breaking Linux news (Arch Linux under DDoS, Firefox ending 32-bit support), updates on reproducible builds, GIMP's new features, and retro gaming distros. They pepper the discussion with memorable insights, technical explanations, and plenty of geeky banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ubuntu 25.10 and the Case for Rust Coreutils (05:54–14:16)

• Release Timeline:
  • Ubuntu 25.10 is in feature freeze (started August 14), aiming for an October 9 final release.
  • Shipping Kernel 6.16, GNOME 49, and introducing experimental TPM-backed full disk encryption.
• Rust Coreutils:
  • Ubuntu 25.10 will use the Rust rewrite of coreutils, which sparked some controversy.
  • Seen as a chance to test in a non-LTS cycle:

    "The 10 releases are where you just throw it against the wall and see what sticks because you know it's a short lived release." — Jeff (10:41)

• Performance Benchmarks:
  • Minimal performance shifts vs. 25.04, but hopes are high for late-breaking improvements via Mesa 25.2.
  • Kernel 6.16 shows micro-benchmark improvements, especially for graphics workloads on AMD's RDNA 3.5.
• Kubuntu & Package Management:
  • Hope for more agile KDE updates trickling down from Debian Trixie–some locked dependencies may be loosened.

2. Dealing with Linux Upgrade "Cruft" and Package Cleanliness (11:00–16:41)

• Old Config Files and Packages:
  • Long-term upgrades can leave behind archaic configs and packages, potentially causing issues or hiding new features.
  • Regular config cleanups and the occasional full reinstall recommended.
  • Notable example:

    "I've got Fedora Core 33 packages and I'm running Fedora 42 on it now... All kinds of old stuff still hanging around." — Jonathan (14:16)

3. Linus Torvalds' Take on "Garbage Links" in Kernel Commits (17:11–22:40)

• On Pointless Links:
  • Linus Torvalds issued a public rant against commit links in Git comments that simply point to the mailing list with no extra info, saying they waste his time.
  • Memorable excerpt:

    "Damn it. This commit has that promising link argument... but as always... wasted my time by pointing to the same damn information that was already there... Stop this garbage already." — Linus Torvalds (quoted by Jeff, 19:08)

  • Linus clarified he's fine with links if they add value, not if they're noise.
• Discussion on Pull Requests and Kernel Patch Flow:
  • Talk of kernel's trust circles and why it's not a free-for-all for contributions.

4. Pop!_OS & Cosmic Going Beta (24:46–28:03)

• Excitement for Pop!_OS 24.04 with the Cosmic Desktop:

  • Beta drop expected within September 2025; full release possible before year's end.
  • Effort has shifted to Cosmic, slowing Pop!_OS’s update cycle, but alphas are reportedly stable.
  • Panelists urge users to test Cosmic—most distros allow side-by-side desktop environment install for easy comparison.

• Security Chatter:

  • Rumored zero-day exploit for Cosmic browser addressed:

    "So someone has to run code on your machine? It's not a remote code exploit... once someone's running code, there are 15,000 other, more malicious things you can do..." — Jonathan (30:03)

5. Latest on GIMP 3.1.4 — Vector Layers and "Pi" Version Jokes (31:20–33:45)

• Major Features:
  • New vector layers (originating from a 2006 Google Summer of Code project).
  • Link Layers allow for external images as layers; new Giggle Filter Browser.
  • Not a stable release—still development.
• Banter:
  • Running joke about missed chance for the "GIMP 3.14 (pi)" release:

    "I am so disappointed that they did not make it a pie release." — Jonathan (33:26) "Bring your own pie. GIMP 3.14. Bring your own pie. See, it's a tagline." — Jonathan (33:58)

6. Reproducible Builds–Fedora Aims for 99% (34:25–38:52)

• Status & Goals:
  • Fedora moves reproducible builds milestone from Fedora 43 to 44, seeking to ensure 99% of RPM packages are truly reproducible.
  • Security & Quality Angle:

    "There's an important reason for reproducible builds that you didn't exactly hit on. And that's security... you can redo the build in a controlled environment and make sure... the hashes match." — Jonathan (38:28)

• Context:
  • Fedora seeks to outpace Debian, Arch, OpenSUSE (at 90%), aiming for leadership in reproducible builds.

7. Firefox to Drop 32-bit Linux Support (39:42–45:54)

• Timeline:

  • Firefox 32-bit support ends with version 144 in September 2026.
  • Users urged to switch to 64-bit systems.

• Security & Maintenance Rationale:

  • Modern hardware and OS features demand 64-bit, and supporting 32-bit is now an unjustified burden.
  • Panel also discusses why 64-bit CPUs/OSes are so much more capable (address space, security features like NX).

• "When 128-bit?" Banter:

  • Not happening soon—64-bit address space is enough for supercomputers (supports up to 16 exabytes RAM).

8. Chip Technology & Moore’s Law (49:02–51:19)

• Limits of Miniaturization:
  • Shift from nanometers to Ångströms as nodes shrink, but atomic sizes become a hard physical barrier.

9. Retro-Inspired Linux Gaming: Casita OS and Game-Cartridges (53:49–57:17)

• Casita:
  • A new immutable Linux OS inspired by classic game consoles.
  • "Cartridges" are actually SD cards, each loaded with a DRM-free game—plug-and-play, just like NES or SNES days.
  • Saves go to a dedicated directory, not the SD "cartridge."
  • Notable quip on authenticity:

    "It's only realistic if you have to blow on it every once in a while to make them work." — Jeff (57:17)

10. Arch Linux Under Sustained DDoS Attack (58:12–66:10)

• Ongoing Situation:
  • Arch Linux infrastructure (including AUR) frequently targeted by DDoS attacks over summer 2025.
  • Motivation of attackers unknown; team remains intentionally silent for now.
  • Cloudflare suggested as a fix, but Arch is wary due to Cloudflare’s non-open-source status.
  • Advice for Users:
    • Use existing mirrors, not central reflectors.
    • Clone packages from the GitHub ArchLinux mirror via git.
    • Server status and mirror health can be checked online.
  • Community puzzled at the attackers’ motive:

    "As I think about Arch, they don't make political statements... Is that what it is? Someone mad that Arch has not made a statement on X, Y, and Z so we must take them down?" — Jonathan (65:26) "That's got to be it. Quit telling us about Arch." — Jonathan, joking (66:10)

11. KDE News: Initial Setup Tool, HDR Improvements, New KDE Linux Distro (66:13–77:36)

• KDE Initial System Setup (KISS):
  • Plasma 6.5 introduces improved setup tooling for first logins.
  • Panels become scrollable if overfull.
  • HDR handling improves, Chrome HDR support for Wayland in beta.
• KDE Linux Distro:
  • Not just another Arch derivative; heavier focus on KDE’s own builder tools and Flatpaks for apps.
  • Neon project possibly being replaced by KDE Linux due to lack of maintainers.
  • Caveat: Not for new users. Legacy BIOS, older Nvidia hardware, and some typical workflows are intentionally unsupported.

12. Command Line Tips (80:22–91:30)

• wpctl set-default (WirePlumber / PipeWire):
  • Easily switch default audio and video sinks for your session from the command line. Especially useful for streamers or anyone changing devices frequently.
• GameMode:
  • Tool to temporarily optimize CPU governors and GPU modes for better gaming performance.
  • Easily integrated into Steam or custom launch scripts.
• strings Utility:
  • Extracts printable ASCII strings from binaries or firmware, great for auditing, troubleshooting, and exploring unknown file contents.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On rolling releases and config cruft:

  "Every few releases I try to just wipe and start over just to clean some of that out… just to have a clean slate."
  — Jeff (12:38)

• On Linus Torvalds' rant:

  "Stop this garbage already. Stop adding pointless link arguments and waste people’s time." — Linus Torvalds (via Jeff, 19:08)

• Clarifying 128-bit CPUs:

  "With a 64 bit system, we are limited to 16 exabytes of memory. ... We are a long, long ways away from running out of address space." — Jonathan (45:54)

• On GIMP’s missed “Pi” opportunity:

  "I am so disappointed that they did not make it a pie release." — Jonathan (33:26) "Bring your own pie. GIMP 3.14. Bring your own pie. See, it's a tagline." — Jonathan (33:58)

• On Casita gaming OS authenticity:

  "It's only realistic if you have to blow on it every once in a while to make them work." — Jeff (57:17)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Topic | Timestamp | |----------------|--------------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Ubuntu 25.10 | Rust Coreutils, TPM encryption, benchmarks | 05:54 | | Package cruft | Upgrading, config tips, Fedora/Ubuntu/KDE issues | 11:00 | | Linus Torvalds | Rants about garbage links in commits | 17:11 | | Pop!_OS/Cosmic | Beta news, stability, security note | 24:46 | | GIMP | Release 3.1.4, new features, “Pi” jokes | 31:20 | | Reproducible | Fedora aims for 99%, security discussion | 34:25 | | Firefox 32-bit | Dropping support, why 64-bit is the future | 39:42 | | Retro gaming | Casita OS, SD-card cartridges for games | 53:49 | | Arch DDoS | Updates, coping advice, mirror tips | 58:12 | | KDE news | Plasma 6.5, HDR, KDE Linux distro, Neon speculation | 66:13 | | Command Line | Tips: wpctl, GameMode, strings | 80:22 |

Flow & Style

The tone is lively, technical, and humor-laced, with each host offering insight or a playful jab. The podcast offers both actionable news (for distro hoppers and sysadmins) and entertaining Linux culture talk.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Try out Ubuntu 25.10 and Pop!_OS/Cosmic betas—they’re shaping up to be significant (and controversial) releases.
• Be aware of DDoS disruptions if using Arch; check mirror health and consider alternatives for package access.
• Anticipate the end of 32-bit support for mainstream Linux browsers and some distributions.
• KDE is evolving—both in official distros and desktop functionality.
• Retro gaming on Linux is getting tangible, physical “cartridges”—mixing nostalgia and open-source.
• Use GameMode and CLI audio tools to optimize your Linux experience.

Final Notes

For more technical background or to follow up on any discussed story, check the episode’s show notes for primary source links. The panel will return next week with more Linux news, experiments, and command line gems.