In General Discussions, @shybry747 shared a smooth real-world upgrade story in Switching Your Linux HDD to a Different System. Moving an NVMe from a Dell 7050 to an HP Z2 G4, Fedora 43 Sway booted without fuss. @toadie noted Windows can sometimes handle this too with extra tweaks, while @MarshallJFlinkman mentioned only GPU drivers tend to be the gotcha. @tmick added that even a full AMD-to-Intel/NVIDIA swap worked for him with the original disks.
@J_J_Sloan started a discussion in General Discussions about desktop viability in Linux distros vs the BSDs on the desktop. He detailed FreeBSD 15 struggles with Intel HD 530 graphics and contrasted it with smoother OpenBSD usage, though some gaming quirks remained. @Brian_Masinick and @tmick compared notes, agreeing BSD fits servers well, while Linux tends to be the daily driver winner. The thread veered into ZFS vs Btrfs experiences too, with @MarshallJFlinkman asking about parity reliability and performance.
Over in Linux Support, @ktulhu989 asked how to effectively “black-hole” all logs without writing to disk or RAM in Made directory to act as /dev/null. The question outlines a QEMU host that minimizes persistence and seeks a write-nowhere approach for /var/log beyond tmpfs, highlighting challenges with programs that rotate or create new log filenames.
In Linux Support, @J_J_Sloan described a puzzling failover firewall case in Weird networking/nat/forward issue. Debian keepalived and FreeBSD carp worked, but similar RHEL 10 VMs blocked traffic to the DMZ while still allowing internet access. The discussion points to changed defaults like stricter nftables forwarding and rp_filter behavior on RHEL 10.
@Save_The_fox reached out in General Discussions with Help with Microsoft after a malware incident and difficulty accessing account security settings. @Brian_Masinick proposed considering a switch to MX Linux or Linux Mint as a more controlled and stable environment going forward.
In General Discussions, the Fedora-KDE-43 review thread sparked talk about COSMIC. @shybry747 liked its blend of a standard desktop with tiling features and a solid status bar, but disliked GNOME-style workspace renumbering. @Brian_Masinick asked what specific aspects made COSMIC appealing compared to sway or traditional GNOME setups.
In Linux Support, a straightforward cloning job paid off in How to clone Ubuntu. @vipuser confirmed Clonezilla worked better than expected for this case, following earlier guidance to image and restore with minimal post-clone tweaking.
In Community, @ejkeerbs posted a helpful field report in Finding Linux Compatible Printers. He described success with Brother printers like the HL-L3280CDW and HL-L6200DWT on Fedora and Kubuntu, noting WiFi setup quirks via the control panel and that proprietary drivers aren’t necessary in most cases thanks to network discovery.
Also in Linux Support, hams will appreciate @ejkeerbs’ deep dive on interface naming in “Port” identification. He explained how lsusb output, FLRig direct USB access, and HamLib’s rigctld interact, and why device references such as /dev/ttyUSB0 can be confusing across apps, especially with radios like the Icom IC-7610 presenting multiple USB bridges.
@system published last week’s digest in Weekly Forum Summary, keeping everyone current on forum highlights and trends.
The team’s presence also carried into user hardware and setup threads. @toadie contributed a concise setup in ad-blocking approaches and shared experience in the disk-swap thread, while @shybry747’s new hardware migration topic helped anchor several practical replies for folks planning upgrades.
Best Reply or Topic of the Week
The nod goes to @ejkeerbs for a clear, experience-based explanation that untangles device naming for ham radio software in “Port” identification. The post shows how FLRig and HamLib relate to USB devices, why a radio like the IC-7610 presents multiple endpoints, and how to configure serial speed with rigctld. It is a strong, reusable reference for anyone wrestling with USB-to-serial devices and rig control on Linux.
Thanks for reading. See you again next week!
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In General Discussions, @shybry747 started a fresh, practical survey in What is your favorite Linux FileSystem?. Several members compared real world tradeoffs: @J_J_Sloan recalled the speed of reiserfs on early SuSE systems and now favors ext4 or XFS with LVM. @hydn prefers ext4 for its no fuss reliability, while @ricky89 clarified a mixup between ReFS and reiserfs and highlighted XFS strengths. @Halano kept it simple with “ext4 my beloved,” showing a steady theme toward stable, predictable filesystems.
@ricky89 shared a thoughtful journey in General Discussions with My return to dual boot: between Windows 11, Debian and the search for the ideal setup. The post lays out why bare metal dual boot triumphed over VMs in his workflow, especially for graphics and USB reliability. @hydn suggested Liquorix for a fresher kernel experience and encouraged a follow up write up on the NVIDIA steps. @shybry747 added that the ability to hop distros quickly is part of Linux’s charm, while @ricky89 noted the real time cost of rebuilding a personalized system.
In Articles & guides, @ricky89 published a hands on guide, Steps for installing modern Nvidia drivers on Debian Stable. It covers enabling extrepo, pulling newer driver branches compatible with RTX 5000 series, and avoiding the black screen pitfalls when Testing or Stable lag behind NVIDIA’s cadence. @tmick described a simpler route on Testing by enabling non free firmware and using Synaptic, and @ricky89 explained why his RTX 5070 required newer 570+ series drivers.
Over in Community, a warm welcome to @Bartski who introduced himself in Welcome! Please introduce yourself (3500 members). Coming from a Windows background, he is eager to contribute graphics, wallpapers, and animations to Linux projects. It is great to see creative professionals joining in.
Wayland’s screen sharing quirks came up again in General Discussions when @ricky89 noted Anydesk compatibility issues in Wayland and Screen Sharing. For remote work, he has sometimes had to ask IT to switch to X11. It is a pragmatic reminder to verify remote tooling on Wayland before a live session.
Additional staff touchpoints included link fixes and community hygiene in Linux Support, such as assisting a new developer in Clipboard management help. These small improvements make the forum smoother for everyone.
Start with the HaGeZi lists, then layer additional third party filters as needed, and be ready to whitelist when a site breaks.
The post balances thoroughness with practical caveats, linking to multiple maintained lists and outlining how to dial aggressiveness up or down without breaking your browsing.
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In Linux Support, @jwmullins asked for help after installing Ubuntu 24.04 on a ThinkPad E431 and finding no Wi‑Fi devices. @shybry747 clarified the symptoms and @hydn guided through checking hardware and installing the Broadcom driver, plus the Additional Drivers tool. The OP ultimately reinstalled while on Ethernet and confirmed success. Read the resolution update here: Ubuntu 24.04 installed and can’t get wifi to connect.
@hydn shared a quick, practical walkthrough in Showcase for setting up system observability in minutes with Netdata, and members added real-world impressions. @J_J_Sloan praised the out‑of‑the‑box dashboards, and @benowe1717 contrasted it with a Prometheus/Grafana stack and shared screenshots of custom metrics. Dive in: Netdata on a Mostly-Idle Home Server: Worth It.
A fresh Showcase find from @hydn highlighted Niri, a Wayland scrolling window manager with a workflow-oriented take on space management. @toadie tried it earlier and liked it, but noted the learning curve. It sparked reflection on whether a new workflow makes other desktops feel awkward. See the intro: Niri (Scrolling Window Manager).
In General Discussions, the nostalgia was strong as @sfrias described still‑running 3.5" units on Honeywell‑Bull servers and keeping 5.25" and 8" drives sealed as spares. @shybry747 asked about the realities of maintaining legacy hardware in production, and others chimed in with what still works in 2025. Join the thread: Who still has a working 3.5" or 5.25" floppy drive?.
A thoughtful answer in Linux Support from @IronRod explained a clean approach to sharing one SSD among multiple systems for Timeshift backups by using dedicated partitions, and later clarified handling encryption and long‑term media reliability when @vipuser asked follow‑ups. Start with the extended reply: Use same SSD for Timeshift for 2 different Linux systems.
In Articles & guides, @SteveTF offered a practical addition to battery care with a small GUI wrapper called TLP Battery Boost, making it simpler to toggle full charges when needed on ThinkPads while keeping day‑to‑day caps for longevity. Context and details here: Boost Battery Life on Your Linux Laptop with TLP.
Workspace organization came up again in General Discussions as @shybry747 shared a DT video about tiling window managers and why workspaces matter more than tiling itself. The discussion ranged from i3 to switching to full DEs for comfort while keeping workspace discipline. See the video link and commentary: Fedora-KDE-43 review.
In Community, @SteveTF provided grounded buying advice for Linux‑friendly printers. He shared consistent success with Epson on USB, caveats about Wi‑Fi scanning, and the importance of checking vendor driver availability beforehand. Helpful note here: Finding Linux Compatible Printers.
Over in General Discussions, @J_J_Sloan showcased long‑term maintenance work on Maia Mailguard, modernizing it for PHP 8 and writing installers across Linux and FreeBSD. The profile and repo list are worth a look: Share your Github profile.
@hydn provided clear, step‑by‑step guidance on Ubuntu Wi‑Fi troubleshooting, explaining the role of Additional Drivers and how to install Broadcom’s bcmwl package after gaining connectivity. See a key explanation: Ubuntu 24.04 installed and can’t get wifi to connect.
In a companion thread to his workspace article, @shybry747 reinforced why strong workspace management is transformative, especially across multiple monitors, and why it keeps him on a tiling setup for daily driving. Read the perspective: Linux Desktop: Do we need better Workspace Management?.
@ricky89 dropped a quick, useful note about XFCE’s built‑in clipboard manager as a straightforward alternative for those wanting simple history without extra tools. Tip here: Clipboard management help.
@system published last week’s digest to keep everyone current on trending threads and contributors. Catch the recap: Weekly Forum Summary.
Best Reply or Topic of the Week
Best Reply: @IronRod’s clear, experience‑based guidance on using a single SSD for Timeshift backups across multiple systems, including partitioning strategy and a reality check on SSDs for long‑term storage. It’s concise, actionable, and broadly applicable: Use same SSD for Timeshift for 2 different Linux systems.
Thanks for reading. See you again next week!
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@tmick started a hands on support exchange in Linux Support with DeLinuxCo Update error. After reporting failures during a large update, @DeLinuxCo worked through key validation steps and network filtering possibilities. The thread is a practical walkthrough for diagnosing repo and keyring issues on Arch based systems.
@toadie introduced a new Debian based project in Showcase with New Distro GuideOS. The 1.0 release focuses on Linux beginners. @tmick plans to test, while @Brian_Masinick noted the image he tried was German oriented and is looking for an English localized download to evaluate how beginner friendly it truly is.
In Showcase, @DeLinuxCo announced a fresh build in DeLinuxCo 25.1.0 ISO for 2026. Highlights include Cinnamon 6.6.2, kernel 6.18, USB4 support in Control Center, a new fingerprint GUI, repo updates and external monitor brightness control.
@Halano shared a terminal friendly utility in Showcase, [tuicharmap] fast responsive character map in your terminal]([tuicharmap] fast responsive character map in your terminal). It offers multithreaded search across 11k characters with a snappy TUI. Keeping workflows in the terminal resonated with folks like @hydn who thanked them for the tool.
In Linux Support, @burningcalc asked about running an old Radeon card with legacy drivers in Debian 5 lenny in 2025?. The solution points to Debian archives and the last Catalyst driver that supported the X1650 Pro, with context on the limitations of modern Mesa for this legacy hardware.
@shybry747 kept conversations moving in multiple places, including a practical nod to CLI updates in the CachyOS discussion here and feedback on workspace habits in the tiling window manager thread.
@toadie contributed an impactful anecdote about backups born from a decades old data loss experience in this post, reinforcing the community’s recurring theme of redundancy and resilience.
@tmick reported a detailed issue with screenshots in the DeLinuxCo support thread, then followed up on results and reinstallation attempts here, helping document the troubleshooting journey for others.
@hydn also welcomed a terminal tool in the showcase section with a quick acknowledgment in tuicharmap, and previously the @system account published last week’s automated wrap up in Weekly Forum Summary.
Best Reply or Topic of the Week
Best Reply: @DeLinuxCo’s clear step by step keyring recovery for a failing update in DeLinuxCo Update error. It walks through removing and reinitializing pacman’s keyring, repopulating keys, reinstalling keyring packages and refreshing signatures, then proceeding with a full upgrade. Practical, precise and immediately useful for anyone facing similar signature problems.
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In General Discussions, @J_J_Sloan shared a candid take in I think I’m done with raspberry pi. The thread weighs the reliability tradeoffs between Raspberry Pi and low cost mini PCs, with several members pointing to microSD fragility as the recurring weak point. @benowe1717 and @sfrias offered real world experiences and mitigations, while @hydn pointed to alternatives like eMMC and USB storage for improved durability.
In Linux Support, @Luke ran into a frustrating update error in Flatpack Failure when receiving data from the peer. The community quickly honed in on network instability as the likely culprit. @hydn suggested IPv4 vs IPv6 checks, curl and ping diagnostics, Flatpak repairs, and DNS changes to rule out upstream issues. @toadie and @tmick added perspectives on Flatpak reliability, and @MarshallJFlinkman noted successful updates even through Tor.
@hydn started a how to in Site Help with How to Use the New Full Text Editor. It walks through enabling the new editor, what it changes, and how Markdown remains fully supported. If you publish guides or longer posts, the visual tools and formatting options should make your workflow smoother.
In Community, @system published the annual wrap up in 2025: Linuxcommunity.io Year in Review. It spotlights top readers, most discussed threads, and category highlights. @hydn followed with a thank you and well wishes for the year ahead.
Also in General Discussions, @tmick circled back on desktop performance in Fedora-KDE-43 review, noting KDE Neon felt snappier than Fedora and similar to Manjaro in their testing. @shybry747 and @Brian_Masinick weighed the practical tradeoffs between tiling managers and efficient workspace switching for everyday workflows.
In Articles & guides, the ongoing discussion around immutable distros continued in Immutable Linux Distros: Are They Right for You? Take the Test. @Powder described a carefully designed workflow that favors rebuildable, stable setups, while @P_Perry highlighted friction with AMD ROCm on some images. Members compared A/B update models and where immutable shines or gets in the way for GPU accelerated tools and gaming.
@system published the annual roundup recognizing top contributions and activity across categories in 2025 (see the Year in Review linked above).
Best Reply or Topic of the Week
Best Reply: @sfrias’ thoughtful engineering deep dive on storage reliability in the Raspberry Pi thread. It details strategies to mitigate SD card fragility, explores SPI and voltage adaptation, and discusses kernel level adjustments for more robust storage paths. Read it here: I think I’m done with raspberry pi — post #8.
Thanks for reading. See you again next week!
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In Showcase, @J_J_Sloan shared results in Benchmarking Linux Filesystems: ZFS, XFS, Btrfs, vs. ext4. The dbench-based tests suggest ZFS leads throughput under heavy load while ext4 keeps latency low, with Btrfs leading lightly loaded desktop-like scenarios. The thread picked up solid critique from @wtfrank about visualization and methodology, and @hydn encouraged more environment details to help readers reproduce the results. @DeLinuxCo weighed in with observations about ext4’s consistency.
@sfrias started a discussion in Showcase with a compact recap of Jetson experiments in Jetson-Based AI Project. They described using TX2, Xavier, and Nano modules for supervised models, small LLM training and inference. @hydn jumped in with a clarifying question about whether it was a demo lab or a single defined project.
In General Discussions, @shybry747 chimed in on workflow balance in Fedora-KDE-43 review. The conversation with @hydn and @Brian_Masinick centered on real-world tiling usage versus workspace switching. Several of you echoed that keyboard-driven workspace management often yields greater productivity than pure tiling.
A timely update landed in Community with @hydn’s note in What is Linux iowait? (Explained With Examples). The post explains how fast NVMe storage changes the meaning of elevated iowait and why it must be considered alongside latency, queue depth, and app-level metrics.
In Community, practical printer advice surfaced in Finding Linux Compatible Printers. @SteveTF suggested using glass cleaner to recover clogged inkjet nozzles in old printers. It follows on @Pat’s experience that long-running Brother devices can be economical with aftermarket ink.
For home networking enthusiasts in Articles & guides, the thread Choosing a Network Switch - 6 Essential Tips added two more lessons about switching capacity and licensing tiers. The takeaways emphasize reading the backplane specs for non-blocking throughput and watching for feature limits in firmware or license tiers.
Additional KDE workflow discussion continued with @hydn asking about tiling versus workspace switching here: Fedora-KDE-43 review.
Beyond the above linked items, @shybry747 added helpful perspective in the KDE thread about real usage patterns around tiling and workspaces.
Overall, staff were active across benchmarking, immutable distro guidance, and on-boarding new members with replies and context-setting posts.
Best Reply or Topic of the Week
Best Reply: @wommy’s tuning-heavy comment in I was wrong! zswap IS better than zram. It offers specific, reproducible steps for more aggressive zram usage in mixed workloads and calls out practical kernel and memory tuning details.
have you tried adding a swap device with a low priority in addition to zram
have you tried overprovisioning zram? i usually set between 150-200%
The combination of actionable configuration and workload context makes this a highly useful contribution for anyone optimizing memory on Linux.
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In General Discussions, @Mat asked for 2026 recommendations in Best domain registrar for small site setup. The thread became a practical guide for small site owners. @hydn recommended Cloudflare Registrar for wholesale pricing, free WHOIS privacy, and automatic DNSSEC, and also highlighted iwantmyname for specialty TLDs and solid account recovery policies. @IronRod chimed in with a move from SquareSpace to Cloudflare and noted the value of the free basics and mitigation layers. A helpful read if you want a low-hassle, secure setup.
@toadie started a discussion in Showcase about his terminal-based VM tool in Kvm-configurator. It is aimed at servers without virt-manager and already received a v1.0.1 update with a progress indicator, ISO sorting, and early boot-order support. @tmick said it looks useful, especially where a minimal environment is preferred.
Over in Articles & guides, @DeLinuxCo invited reactions to a new write-up on market share trends in Linux desktop adoption up 500%+?. The linked analysis traces the drivers behind the apparent spike and asks the community to weigh in on what is hype versus lasting change. Good kickoff for thoughtful commentary.
For home networks, @hydn shared practical guidance in General Discussions in 1Gbit ISP home network setup on a budget, suggestions?. He recommends treating the modem, router/firewall, and Wi-Fi as separate layers and looking at refurbished prosumer gear for stability and longevity. A helpful frame for prioritizing upgrades.
In Linux Support, @Layton followed up with a learning mindset in Boot error after entering LUKs password after earlier guidance about disk mapping mismatches during boot. The thread underscores the value of capturing rdsosreport.txt before making changes and when a clean reinstall is the safer path.
In Showcase, @sfrias elaborated on datasets and applied ML projects in Jetson-Based AI Project. The post links to datathon work, satellite detection projects, and Space Apps entries, which are helpful for anyone exploring practical AI workloads on small edge devices.
@hydn contributed a detailed registrar comparison with security-minded defaults in Best domain registrar for small site setup, and later shared a cautionary 2FA story that may save others time when changing phones (follow-up).
@toadie shared his Go-based KVM utility and shipped a point release with UI and feature improvements in Kvm-configurator.
@tmick offered constructive early feedback on the same project in Kvm-configurator, signaling interest from users who operate headless or minimal environments.
Simple, effective advice that many Raspberry Pi users can apply right away.
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In Articles & guides, @hydn published Why Your Linux Server “Looks Idle” but “Feels” Slow, a practical explainer on diagnosing sluggish servers that appear quiet at first glance. The thread resonated with readers, with @toadie calling it “very, very good.” It’s a useful reference for anyone managing VPS, database, or container workloads.
@Brian_Masinick started a thoughtful exchange in Articles & guides with Linux desktop adoption up 500%+?, reflecting on the long arc from UNIX networking to mobile and cloud reshaping the desktop landscape. @DeLinuxCo weighed in with historical perspective on OS/2 versus Windows and the channel dynamics that shaped the market, while @hydn thanked the original contributor for sharing the data.
In General Discussions, the community compared options for scrubbing file metadata in How to conveniently get rid of metadata?. @Halano suggested using ffmpeg for certain media workflows, while a new member highlighted an actively maintained fork of Metadata Cleaner and desktop file manager integrations. @hydn also clarified how link posting is unlocked as new members reach Trust Level 1.
Over in Articles & guides, @Brian_Masinick contributed first-hand impressions to Best Linux Compatible Laptops. He shared long-term experiences with Acer Chromebooks, including refurb value, battery life, and using ChromeOS hardware as a gateway to full Linux setups.
In Linux Support, @J_J_Sloan fondly recalled the early days in What was your first Linux experience?. From Softlanding Systems and Slackware to long-forgotten filesystems, the thread evolved into a shared oral history that many veterans will appreciate, with detailed follow-ups from @Brian_Masinick.
This reply surfaced an actively maintained fork of Metadata Cleaner and pointed to desktop-file-manager integrations for Cinnamon and KDE with practical scripting tips. It directly helped members restore a simple GUI workflow after the original project appeared abandoned.
“There is a new fork… It is officially supported by Tails now, as I see.”
The post combined actionable links with sensible defaults, making it a standout for immediate community value.
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Why Small VPSs Feel Slower Than They Used To
In Articles & guides, @hydn shared an explainer on why today’s 1-core/1 GB VPS instances feel less responsive, even when specs look similar to the past. The thread drew performance anecdotes and data points, with @Mat probing how lean software stacks intersect with platform policies, and @J_J_Sloan posting real-world CPU-bound timing on budget VPS hardware. The discussion highlights that CPU generation, SMT vs full cores, and host contention can outweigh headline specs for latency-sensitive workloads.
/etc/machine-id i need your advice @jessy started a privacy-focused question in Linux Support about rotating or randomizing machine-id on Zorin OS for better anonymity on public networks. Guidance from staff emphasized that machine-id is local and not broadcast, and suggested targeting DHCP client identifiers and MAC randomization instead of heavy-handed machine-id changes for this threat model.
NetworkManager.conf help
In Linux Support, @jessy drafted a NetworkManager configuration aiming for privacy-friendly identifiers, and asked for validation. The thread clarifies how to tie the DHCP client ID to the randomized MAC, steer clear of DUID that can derive from machine-id, and optionally rotate identifiers per boot for a balanced privacy/usability profile.
Sound quit working
In Linux Support, @tmick described losing browser audio after adding a soundbar. The thread walked through PulseAudio vs PipeWire checks, pavucontrol routing, and service restarts. Eventually, playback returned on its own.
“Great it decided to start working, did I mention I hate those fixes??”
A relatable reminder that transient routing or session issues can be the culprit.
How to paste the output/return of a script with a keybind? @Layton asked in General Discussions about binding a key to paste a script’s output. The community recommended a couple of clean approaches: use espanso for text expansion, or bind a shell command to copy output to the clipboard with xclip/xsel on X11 or wl-copy on Wayland. Simple, reliable, and compositor-friendly.
CachyOS Is On the Rise — Here’s Why It Deserves the Buzz
The General Discussions thread kept momentum, with @shybry747 weighing a switch from Fedora due to AUR availability for tools like FreeCAD. Replies from daily users highlighted smooth post-install hardware setup and strong gaming performance, making the case for CachyOS as a practical Arch-based desktop.
Kvm-configurator
In Showcase, @toadie announced version 1.0.6 of their KVM helper, adding VM listing and power controls along with XML handling fixes and sound/graphics support. They’re now tackling a TUI design, inviting feedback from virtualization enthusiasts.
Best Linux Compatible Laptops
Over in Articles & guides, @Brian_Masinick shared hands-on impressions of an older HP Envy x360 running antiX, noting solid keyboards and decent everyday usability. It’s a pragmatic look at how well midrange or refurbished hardware can pair with lightweight Linux distributions.
@hydn clarified privacy tradeoffs in the machine-id discussion and explained why DHCP and MAC strategies are the right levers for public Wi-Fi privacy. See the guidance here: post in “/etc/machine-id i need your advice”.
In a follow-up on config specifics, @hydn outlined sane defaults for NetworkManager that tie DHCP client identifiers to the randomized MAC and avoid DUID pitfalls: reply in “NetworkManager.conf help”.
@tmick closed the loop on a tricky audio issue by confirming resolution in their support thread, helpful for others chasing similar PipeWire/PulseAudio routing problems: solution update.
Adding more first-person distro experience, @shybry747 discussed weighing a move to CachyOS and how AUR availability impacts day-to-day workflow: comment in the CachyOS thread.
@system published last week’s digest to keep everyone up to speed on trends and highlights: Weekly Forum Summary.
Best Reply or Topic of the Week
Best Reply: @J_J_Sloan’s practical field report on CachyOS stood out for clarity and useful detail, noting that post-install hardware like printers and NVIDIA drivers worked immediately and gaming performance was strong. It’s a concise datapoint that helps readers calibrate expectations for a desktop switch: read the reply.
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BASH Command to Read Upgradable Debian Package Version Notes?
In Linux Support, @AnthonyRKing asked how to review package changes before upgrading individual Debian packages from the command line. The discussion points to underused tools like apt changelog and shows how to compare installed versus candidate versions. It is a helpful reference for safer, selective updates, with additional context from @hydn on combining apt-cache policy with changelogs.
Problem downloading Zoom for Zorin OS
Over in Linux Support, @Carver resolved an installer error on Zorin 17.3 Pro by following Zorin’s documented approach. After a quick assist, the solution was confirmed, and a follow-up printer troubleshooting question is queued up next. A concise win for solving app install hiccups.
“is it down” for all AI providers
In Showcase, @hydn shared a quick status tool for checking outages across popular AI providers. If you rely on LLM APIs or hosted AI dashboards, bookmarking this resource can save time when differentiating between local issues and upstream provider incidents.
/etc/machine-id i need your advice @MarshallJFlinkman started a privacy-focused discussion in Linux Support after noticing the same machine-id across multiple Linux Mint 21.1 systems, even in live sessions. @jessy referenced systemd’s guidance on treating the ID as confidential and using app-specific hashes. @benowe1717 tested several Zorin 17.3 systems and saw unique machine IDs there. The thread is a thoughtful look at privacy assumptions and distro defaults.
CachyOS Is On the Rise — Here’s Why It Deserves the Buzz
In General Discussions, @Brian_Masinick offered practical workarounds when AUR builds fail, including copying known-good binaries and their libraries between systems for quick fixes. @J_J_Sloan contrasted MX Linux and CachyOS for desktop use, while @shybry747 discussed tiling window manager availability across Debian, Arch, and Fedora. The debate touched on discoverability, package breadth, and user preferences.
I think I’m done with raspberry pi
This General Discussions thread took a practical turn when @AnthonyRKing highlighted the new official Pi USB sticks for Pi 3/4/5. He shared independent benchmarks suggesting strong performance and better resilience to power loss, which may change how folks provision storage for Pi projects.
@hydn provided a clear, command-first answer on reading Debian package changes with apt changelog, how to target installed versus candidate versions, and when to inspect debian/changelog via apt source. See the reply here: post.
In Zorin install support, @hydn asked the right diagnostics and pointed to official docs that led to a successful Zoom installation: post.
In a discussion about Debian options for tiling window managers, @hydn suggested Regolith as an approachable path for Debian-based setups: post.
@toadie weighed in with a stability report on KDE Plasma, sharing a two-year experience with only a single crash: post.
The automated @system account published last week’s forum digest for quick scanning of activity highlights: post.
Best Reply or Topic of the Week
/etc/machine-id i need your advice — @MarshallJFlinkman’s findings
This reply documents repeatable evidence that Linux Mint 21.1 shows a standardized machine-id across installs, including live sessions and distinct hardware. The post ties together testing across VMs and real hardware, compares behavior with other distros, and links to a related Linux Mint issue. It is a crisp example of community-led verification that helps others understand and validate privacy-related system behavior.
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CachyOS is great, but I returned to MX
In General Discussions, @J_J_Sloan shared a thoughtful journey back to MX Linux after a stint on CachyOS. The post compares rolling-release pace and package availability, with a nod to gaming performance after switching from Nvidia to Radeon. Liquorix on Debian gets a shout for stability and smooth performance. @shybry747 jumped in to argue that Debian’s breadth is tough to beat and reflected on how many AUR recipes start from Debian packages.
Sway Installation @shybry747 started a discussion in General Discussions about experimenting with Sway on CachyOS and then trying Regolith on a spare machine. The thread touches on installer experiences, boot manager choices, and where preconfigured Sway spins shine or fall short. @toadie chimed in to note Manjaro’s Sway flavor, and follow-ups from @shybry747 elaborate on past bumps with Manjaro and Garuda.
OS Updates .. february 2026
Over in General Discussions, @ricky89 reported consolidating back to a full-time Linux setup. The post details a pragmatic Debian stable workflow plus a Liquorix kernel, with Windows needs covered inside a VM. It also references a community guide for installing modern Nvidia drivers on Debian stable, illustrating a well-organized toolchain and a tidier daily workflow.
Stuck on GNU Grub version 2.12
A new thread in Linux Support from @Newb007 describes an Ubuntu dual-boot hitting a GRUB screen on startup. Secure Boot is disabled and Ubuntu is prioritized in firmware, but the system stalls. Members can offer step-by-step recovery ideas such as verifying EFI entries, boot-repair usage, or reinstalling GRUB to the correct EFI partition.
GOATd Kernel: A Rust-powered Orchestrator for High-Performance & Hardened Arch Kernels
In Showcase, @MadGoat introduced GOATd Kernel, a Rust and egui-powered tool that streamlines building and benchmarking Clang/LLVM-optimized kernels. It doubles as a diagnostic suite with live monitoring, aiming to make performance tuning and security hardening more approachable, and invites feedback from kernel-tweaking enthusiasts.
I’m working on a distro and it’s kinda hell
Also in Showcase, @goblin is building “GamerGoblinOS” entirely in a browser-based environment using GitHub Codespaces, live-build, and Incus due to Chromebook restrictions. It’s a fun look at pushing constraints to craft a themed distro and a reminder that creativity can make unusual workflows possible.
Glitch effect when new app opened.
In Linux Support, @shelele reported a visual glitch in Fedora KDE when launching applications. The community is leaning toward compositor behavior rather than hardware faults. Advice includes toggling compositing, disabling blur, testing Wayland versus X11, and if using Nvidia, adjusting compositor OpenGL settings.
Stuck in installation @Pete_Flynn asked in Linux Support for help with a Zorin install hanging at the partitioning step. They prepared an ext4 target on /dev/sda7 and want to confirm requirements for the installer to proceed. It’s a good case for clarifying EFI vs BIOS boot modes, partition flags, and ensuring a proper ESP is present for UEFI systems.
@shybry747 added substantive perspective on Debian package depth and GPU driver simplicity in the MX vs CachyOS discussion, and continued the Sway conversation with practical distro experiences:
@hydn provided targeted troubleshooting and community housekeeping:
KDE visual glitch guidance pointing to compositor behavior: support reply
Encouragement and editorial note in the monitoring tools thread: community outreach
@ricky89, a member of the staff group, opened a reflective thread on consolidating to Debian stable with a Liquorix kernel and using a Windows VM for proprietary workloads in [OS Updates .. february 2026]. It prompted a useful discussion around productivity and environment cohesion.
Best Reply: @J_J_Sloan’s practical note on using Selenium for website health checks in a monitoring context, including a comparison of Python and Perl approaches and a link to upstream docs. It’s a compact, actionable tip for anyone doing synthetic checks or web automation.
Read it here: Selenium for monitoring write-up
It’s a framework that enables navigation of complex websites by working with the Document Object Model. While navigating a site, entering credentials, searching for elements, clicking buttons etc, it can display a browser, or it can run headless […] it’s great for Nagios testing of complex websites.
Thanks for reading. See you again next week!
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Cache and system cleaning maintenance
In Articles & guides, @ricky89 shared a practical deep dive into ~/.cache and why it is not just disposable space. The post walks through using BleachBit whitelists to keep critical app data intact for tools like Remmina and KeePassXC, with helpful confirmations and additions from @hydn, @shybry747, and @Brian_Masinick. Later in the thread, users compared scripted cleanup approaches and noted that Timeshift ignores ~/.cache by design, with @ricky89 recommending Borg for full home backups that include cache data.
DeLinuxCo 26.0.2 ISO ready for download @DeLinuxCo announced a new release in Showcase featuring Cinnamon 6.6.6, kernel 6.18, Wayland support, and a refined dark theme across apps. Testers like @tmick jumped in quickly, encountered a Google OAuth hiccup with Evolution, and got it working. The thread highlights practical first impressions and a developer’s responsiveness to real-world setup snags.
Help clean up Grub
In Linux Support, @Ravi_E asked how to remove a stubborn Ubuntu boot entry after reinstalling Windows. @hydn explained that UEFI entries live in motherboard NVRAM and outlined safe cleanup via bcdedit, plus removal of a leftover ubuntu folder from the EFI partition. @Brian_Masinick also pointed out efibootmgr for Linux-side adjustments, giving a neat cross-platform angle.
Dewedda.com - A Weather Side Project for where I live
Over in Showcase, @hydn presented a full-stack weather and hurricane-tracking project built for the Eastern Caribbean. The community praised the clean layout and clarity, with @toadie and @benowe1717 offering thoughtful feedback. @shybry747, who lives in the region, vouched for its utility as part of his regular weather toolkit.
MINT Toxic problem
A fresh Linux Support thread from @nelk chronicled a bumpy Mint install that ended at a GRUB prompt. The community guidance emphasized using F12 to boot the USB installer on Dell hardware, doing a clean wipe, and double-checking BIOS settings like Secure Boot and SATA mode. The checklist style advice should help others facing similar reinstall loops.
Random question
In General Discussions, @Itachixkurosaki asked about running Ubuntu Touch or other Linux OSes on an LG V30. The discussion balanced exploration and realism. @hydn recommended confirming bootloader unlock status and set expectations around hardware support, while noting LineageOS as a more stable alternative for everyday use.
OS Updates .. february 2026
Also in General Discussions, @ricky89 and @hydn compared approaches to daily driving Linux. Debian stable with a Liquorix kernel and a Windows VM for edge cases came across as a solid, controlled workstation model that keeps Linux as the host while containing churn within a VM.
Stuck on GNU Grub version 2.12
A Linux Support exchange where @ricky89 outlined a clean approach to recover from a broken boot by reinstalling GRUB from a live environment, keeping Windows chainloaded in GRUB, and ideally separating OSes on distinct drives to avoid future bootloader surprises.
CachyOS is great, but I returned to MX
The General Discussions discussion weighed rolling excitement against stable comfort. @Itachixkurosaki noticed speed gains on older hardware with CachyOS, @J_J_Sloan shared zram and automount tweaks that helped MX feel punchy, and @shybry747’s note on “notification fatigue” got knowing nods. @Brian_Masinick offered a balanced perspective on finding the right spot on the stability–novelty spectrum.
My personal Linux backup strategy
Still useful in General Discussions and updated this week, @ricky89 summarized a practical hybrid: Timeshift for the system, Borg for selected data, and Windows backups with Aomei on the side. @Brian_Masinick contrasted dd-style imaging with MX/antiX snapshot tooling, highlighting live media that doubles as backup and fast restore paths.
@ricky89 followed up his cache article with a key note about Timeshift excluding ~/.cache and why Borg is better suited for full home backups that preserve app state. See his addendum here: post.
@hydn provided step-by-step UEFI cleanup guidance on Windows, using bcdedit and an EFI partition check to remove lingering Ubuntu entries. Clear, careful instructions: post.
In a mobile tinkering thread, @hydn outlined how to vet Ubuntu Touch feasibility on the LG V30, with pointers to XDA, UBports, and postmarketOS resources: post.
For performance sleuthing, @hydn linked to an explainer on iowait to pair with the “idle yet slow” server discussion, helping readers interpret metrics more accurately: post.
@tmick rolled up sleeves to test drive the new DeLinuxCo ISO, providing early field feedback for @DeLinuxCo to refine user experience: post.
In the Dewedda showcase, @toadie and @shybry747 both chimed in with real-world perspective and encouragement, including on-the-ground validation from St. Kitts: toadie’s post, shybry747’s post.
@unixdude contributed automation wisdom in a discussion about immutable setups, sharing how he standardizes shell environments across systems with Git-backed dotfiles: post.
Best Reply or Topic of the Week
The most practically helpful reply came from @DeLinuxCo, who explained how to resolve Google OAuth sign-in issues with Evolution by configuring it via Online Accounts and watching for a hidden Save button in the dialog. It is concise, actionable, and immediately unblocked a tester.
“For Google, they require OAUTH process, go to System Settings > Online Accounts and choose Google as a provider. Note, the window that allows Evolution access to your google account has a save button that sometimes is hidden at the bottom, you have to scroll up.”
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Hey! new here on linux community!
In Linux Support, @Anirudh_Thalla introduced themselves and asked how to start mastering Linux for sysadmin roles. @hydn shared foundational resources from Linux Foundation and several practical guides for hands-on learning, while @Brian_Masinick offered a warm welcome and encouraged ongoing interaction. The thread is a helpful entry point for newcomers looking to build structured learning paths.
Linux Mint 22.3 USB boot hangs on black screen / Secure Boot issue on AMD desktop @wildbill described a black-screen hang after launch on an AMD desktop in Linux Support, with the boot log still reporting Secure Boot as enabled. @hydn suggested verifying Secure Boot is truly off in firmware, deleting keys to enter Setup Mode if needed, and rewriting the USB using Rufus in DD mode. Follow-ups from @wildbill detailed progress and a separate login issue on an older PC, and @nelk added notes about using separate SSDs for dual-boot stability.
New: How to View Hot Topics @hydn announced a new “Hot” tab in Community to quickly surface active discussions without digging through Latest. @Brian_Masinick chimed in to say it is a welcome usability improvement, which should make it easier to find trending threads across the site.
Migration to linux @Ravi_E shared a successful move to Linux in General Discussions, including using rclone for automated cloud backups to Mega and Google Drive and switching to ONLYOFFICE for documents. @hydn pointed to a related GRUB cleanup thread and recommended scheduled rclone jobs for reliability. A tidy story of simplifying a setup and reducing friction.
MINT Toxic problem
In Linux Support, @nelk reported multiple installation attempts and detailed the precise BIOS and boot-sequence steps that finally yielded a working Linux Mint 22.3 system. They also flagged issues with flashing media on Windows and described more reliable results using a Mint system to write the USBs, a useful checklist for persistent installers.
Youtube restricted mode @nelk asked how to disable YouTube’s Restricted Mode in Firefox on Linux Mint 22.3 in Linux Support. The question remains open, with context noting that most online steps are Windows-specific and without smartphone involvement. It is a good candidate for community-sourced Linux-specific steps.
Does anyone know how to contact the Bleachbit Developers?
In Linux Support, @tmick sought guidance on reporting a BleachBit issue on Debian, noting difficulty locating the project’s current bug tracker. This one is fresh and invites contributors who know where official issues are managed and how to file them properly.
My personal Linux backup strategy
Over in General Discussions, @J_J_Sloan outlined a pragmatic backup plan with NFS to a Ceph volume and nightly rsync to an on-demand NFS mount, plus a separate incremental backup server. @ricky89 discussed experiences with Samba for mixed environments and cautioned about NFS nuances, while @Brian_Masinick favored SSH-based tooling over older approaches. The thread ended the week with a timely reminder about rsync options that can be destructive if misunderstood.
@hydn provided a thorough Secure Boot troubleshooting checklist for AMD systems in Mint, including deleting keys, saving settings properly, and trying Rufus DD mode. See the step-by-step advice here: Linux Mint 22.3 USB boot hangs… (reply).
In support of a smooth Linux transition, @hydn followed up with practical links and recommendations around GRUB cleanup, rclone scheduling, and ONLYOFFICE compatibility: Migration to linux (reply).
Hardware compatibility got a helpful pointer from @hydn to Ubuntu’s certified device list for those shopping Linux-friendly laptops: Favorite laptop brands? (reply).
@system published last week’s autogenerated digest to help members catch up on activity at a glance: Weekly Forum Summary.
Also notable: @tmick opened a new Linux Support query about how to properly report a BleachBit bug on Debian. Community maintainers are invited to weigh in with the current issue tracker and bug-reporting steps.
Best Reply or Topic of the Week
My personal Linux backup strategy (post #42) by @J_J_Sloan
A candid lesson learned: after mistakenly using rsync with --delete-excluded, important files vanished from the backup, but a “backup of the backup” saved the day.
“I deleted a lot of important files from my backup with the stupid use of an rsync option… Fortunately, I had a backup of my backup, which saved the day.”
This reply stands out for its practical wisdom. It underscores why verifying options, rehearsing restores, and maintaining layered backups matter just as much as the tools themselves.
Thanks for reading. See you again next week!
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Need help/ guidence
In General Discussions, @Itachixkurosaki shared plans to repurpose a Dell Precision T7910 as a homelab server and media box, initially with modest hardware and later upgraded to dual 64 GB RAM, multiple SAS and SSD drives, and a GTX 1660. @tmick recommended Debian with XFCE for stability and low overhead, while @sfrias offered deep system tuning ideas like swap compression, VFS adjustments, core isolation, and watchdog settings for specialized workloads. The OP is leaning toward Ubuntu Server with CasaOS to balance learning and convenience.
How to block outgoing ports? @krish started a thoughtful thread in Linux Support about locking down egress traffic to only ports 443, 123, and 853. @tmick argued that inbound exposure is the bigger risk for home use, but the accepted solution from @hydn provides Firewalld commands and important caveats about outbound defaults, DNS breakage, and when a gateway firewall like pfSense is a better fit.
Building Debian on USB before migrating to internal drive @witty_pseudonym opened a practical question in Linux Support about building a minimal Debian system with Ventoy and persistence on a USB, then migrating it. The consensus from @hydn: viable short term, but flash wear and slowness are real. A cleaner approach is installing via Debian netinstall to the internal drive, then layering packages and configs.
New ThinkPad T14 Gen 7: Modular Ports, Upgradeable RAM @hydn started a discussion in General Discussions about Lenovo’s new T14 Gen 7 with modular USB-C ports, a clip-in battery, LPCAMM2 or DDR5 options, and user-swappable SSDs. The post weighs CPU variants and wonders how early kernel support for Panther Lake and Snapdragon X2 will shape up for Linux users.
A Fully Open Source Handheld Computer (FROM SCRATCH)
In Showcase, @hydn highlighted the Blackhat handheld, combining Flipper Blackhat and Blackpants for a fully open source Linux device. @sfrias appreciated the concept and the value of de-bloated, privacy-respecting devices for everyday use.
Youtube restricted mode
Over in Linux Support, several members weighed in on unexpected Restricted Mode behavior in Firefox on Linux Mint. @Itachixkurosaki shared how to toggle YouTube’s Restricted Mode, and @nelk ultimately solved it by adjusting Firefox’s DNS-over-HTTPS setting to the “Increased protection” option, which resolved the issue cleanly.
My personal Linux backup strategy
In General Discussions, @Brian_Masinick shared a timely reminder that backups of backups can save the day. He described restoring a quirky system to a clean state using tried-and-true imaging and recovery workflows that many of us rely on when things go sideways.
Atop for Linux server performance analysis (Guide)
In Articles & guides, @hydn discussed why CLI tools like atop, htop, vmstat, and iostat remain the go-to on servers due to their low overhead and SSH accessibility. He also listed GUI and web interfaces such as Stacer, GNOME and KDE system monitors, Netdata, and Cockpit for when visual dashboards help.
Immutable Linux Distros: Are They Right for You? Take the Test
Back in Articles & guides, @Boggle asked for thoughts on Vanilla OS as an immutable option. The follow-up conversation explores how apx mitigates the “locked down” feel, and also brings up openSUSE Slowroll as a pragmatic middle ground for those curious about immutability ideas without committing to them fully.
@hydn welcomed a new member and laid out a practical migration path for building a minimal Debian system, suggesting a netinstall and config replication rather than long-term USB persistence. See the advice here: Building Debian on USB before migrating to internal drive.
@tmick provided concise, actionable help across support threads, recommending Debian with XFCE for a repurposed workstation and emphasizing the importance of focusing on inbound exposure for home firewalls. Helpful posts: Need help/ guidence, How to block outgoing ports?.
@toadie jumped into a Firefox and YouTube thread to share their discovery about Restricted Mode, adding helpful context as others worked toward a fix: Youtube restricted mode.
Staff also kicked off timely hardware and project discussions this week, including modular ThinkPads and a fully open source handheld, encouraging members to weigh in on repairability, kernel readiness, and open hardware directions.
Best Reply or Topic of the Week
Youtube restricted mode — solution by @nelk
This reply cuts straight to the fix for a stubborn browser restriction issue on Linux Mint by pinpointing the correct Firefox DNS-over-HTTPS setting. Clear, reproducible, and immediately helpful for anyone hitting the same problem.
Thanks for reading. See you again next week!
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Your Linux Setup: What Would You Change If Starting Fresh?
In General Discussions, @hydn kicked off a reflective thread about rebuilding a workstation from scratch. He shared moving from Kali to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with a minimal set of GNOME extensions and a tiling-style workflow that stays close to defaults for stability. Replies from @ricky89 and @Itachixkurosaki compared Debian-based XFCE setups and recent experiences hopping between Mint, Manjaro, Endeavour, Bazzite, Void, and finally CachyOS for a snappier feel.
Motherboard Bios and big drives managments @ricky89 started a practical troubleshooting thread in General Discussions about slow POST times caused by an external 10 TB Seagate drive spinning up on boot. A switched USB hub solved it. @hydn suggested checking for a separate Fast Boot toggle and possible MSI firmware updates, while @Itachixkurosaki reported a similar delay on an MSI B550 Gaming Plus after a BIOS update and will try the hub approach.
Any software that will do a boot disk image backup without stopping the computer?
In Linux Support, @Rob asked for hot backup tooling that can produce crash-consistent images for bare-metal recovery. The thread explored using LVM snapshots imaged with dd or Clonezilla, and alternatives like Rescuezilla or Veeam Agent for Linux. @toadie asked for learning resources and @hydn supplied a set of LVM snapshot guides. @ricky89 noted dd’s limitations when restoring partition images.
CachyOS is great, but I returned to MX
Back in General Discussions, @Blue_bird likened CachyOS to a Formula 1 car that is blazing fast but high maintenance, while MX Linux feels like a dependable performance sedan when paired with Liquorix kernels. @Brian_Masinick added that he keeps CachyOS around for experimentation but relies daily on antiX and MX.
Best Linux distro and Desktop Environment Combinations
This long-running thread in Linux Support saw @Brian_Masinick emphasize the correct spelling of antiX and share the project’s mission to support older hardware efficiently. @sfrias updated a prior post accordingly, and @Blue_bird framed “distro + DE” choice around how much maintenance and polish you want at the desktop versus server crossover.
Share your favorite linux music player
In Linux Support, @ricky89 returned to Strawberry as a favorite and explored Discord Rich Presence integration. On Linux, a small Python script can query Strawberry via dbus to update presence, while on Windows he worked around the lack of dbus by monitoring Strawberry’s cache directory and pushing updates when files change.
@hydn updated the dual-boot walkthrough with notes about Windows 11 24H2 auto-enabling BitLocker, plus Ventoy as another USB tool and cross-links to related resources. See the changes here: Dual-Boot Linux and Windows: 5-Minute Install Guide.
@ricky89 contributed practical file-sharing perspective in a backup strategy thread, noting when Samba remains the better fit in mixed environments: My personal Linux backup strategy.
Best Reply: @Andres_Tarrio’s quick and effective workaround for a GNOME display issue that blanks the screen when maximizing windows. He suggested disabling Variable Refresh Rate for the affected display, which immediately fixes it for users who can live without VRR. Read it here: Screen goes blanks when maxmizing window on Gnome.
“If you disable Variable Refresh Rate for that screen, the problem goes away. Just a workaround if you can live without VRR.”
Thanks for reading. See you again next week!
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In Linux Support, @appsy described issues getting a Broadcom-based TP-Link T6E card running on Ubuntu and shared build errors from DKMS in TP-Link T6E (Broadcom BCM4352) Wi-Fi not working on Ubuntu. @hydn walked through clearing stale crash files, examining DKMS logs, and ultimately suggested trying the in-kernel brcmfmac driver with follow-up checks via NetworkManager. The thread also touched on upload permissions and troubleshooting attachments while narrowing down driver compatibility.
Also in Linux Support, @Itachixkurosaki’s VirtualBox setup hung at 46% during package installs in Installing Guest additions in Ubuntu. @Blue_bird offered a practical sequence for clearing apt locks and installing components individually, and @hydn provided the solution to prefer kernel-matched headers and to verify network and VM resources. The punchline came later when patience solved it: it finally completed after about an hour, with tips to switch mirrors next time.
In Community, @Leonix introduced themselves and asked for a fast track into scripting with Starting Out in Shell Scripting. @Blue_bird encouraged focusing on automation and program flow rather than memorizing commands, framing shell skills as essential “glue” for security workflows. It’s a welcoming thread for anyone charting an infosec path.
Over in Linux Support, @nelk compared Vanilla Orchid’s performance to Mint and ran into YouTube’s “Restricted Mode” mysteriously toggling on in Vanilla Orchid and Restricted Mode. @Itachixkurosaki linked to a previous forum guide on resolving Restricted Mode, and @hydn asked for follow-up on whether the fix worked, keeping the thread moving toward a clear resolution.
In General Discussions, @Halano kicked off a thoughtful security discussion with Std browser Client-side passowrd hashing!. @hydn and @benowe1717 explained why browsers don’t hash passwords before sending them and how HTTPS with TLS protects credentials in transit, highlighting replay risks if client-side hashes became the de facto secret. The conversation also weighed privacy concerns and practical server-side defenses.
@Itachixkurosaki opened up about career goals and training resources in General Discussions with Question about a Non-Porfit, asking the community whether anyone has experience with “Cloud Veterans.” It’s a good read if you’re navigating certifications like A+ and Network+ and want feedback on reputable organizations.
A lighter thread in General Discussions asked for gaming ideas suitable for older players: Best video game for older paople. @Blue_bird suggested cozy, creativity-friendly titles like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and Unpacking, while @Halano went classic with Age of Empires 1997 for a nostalgic strategy fix.
Homelab builders found common ground in General Discussions with What’s Your Homelab Running on Right Now?. @J_J_Sloan outlined a substantial Proxmox/Ceph cluster and FreeBSD services, while @Itachixkurosaki shared progress on a Dell Precision T7910 with Ubuntu Server, CasaOS, Jellyfin, and a 12 TB RAID, planning a second array for Proxmox or ESXi soon.
In Linux Support, @hydn provided the accepted solution for VirtualBox Guest Additions, recommending kernel-specific headers and sanity checks on networking and VM resources: solution post. He also dug into Broadcom driver issues on Ubuntu, analyzing DKMS logs, linking to upstream bug reports, and recommending the in-kernel brcmfmac driver as a workaround: driver analysis. Along the way, he helped @appsy share diagnostic screenshots by raising the account trust level: moderation assist.
On the publishing front, @hydn added practical visuals to his WAF guide with a screenshot post showing how a five-rule setup looks on the Cloudflare free plan: rules screenshot.
In General Discussions, @hydn kept the homelab conversation friendly and engaging, acknowledging the organic growth many of us experience as we scale up services and hardware: reply.
@toadie contributed concise, pragmatic advice in multiple technical threads. In the dotfiles conversation, they advocated keeping things simple by backing up dotfiles locally and on another machine: tip. They also shared a clean, readable ls alias in the terminal-alias roundup: alias post.
Best Reply or Topic of the Week
Best Reply: @nobillgates’ tmux session script in the terminal tricks thread shows a practical way to auto-create a multi-window tmux layout and seamlessly reattach after SSH reconnects. It’s a compact, real-world snippet that many will adopt right away: tmux script reply.
Thanks for reading. See you again next week!
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In Linux Support, @tad shared a puzzler in Root account without root privilege. The thread was quickly solved by @Blue_bird explaining why su starts a shell without root’s full environment and how using su - initializes root’s environment correctly. @hydn added a helpful Debian reference, and follow-ups clarified when to use su versus su -. A practical fix and a useful shell lesson wrapped into one.
@eggiej started a discussion in Linux Support about an eMMC-based laptop in Installing Mint on and ACER Spin laptop. The installer failed to place GRUB on /dev/mmcblk, even though Windows installed fine. @hydn walked through checks for UEFI boot, ensuring a proper EFI System Partition, and targeting the whole disk for the bootloader. A link to Mint forum guidance rounded out the troubleshooting options.
In Linux Support, @krish asked how to set up a sandboxed app launcher in Bubblejail installation for Zorin. @Blue_bird pointed to the project’s README to get started, while @itsmanjeet suggested testing by temporarily disabling AppArmor to isolate whether bwrap was being blocked, then refining the profile once confirmed. A measured approach for security-minded users trying new tools.
In Showcase, @itsmanjeet introduced a bold experiment in systems design with AvyOS - a Linux-based OS exploring a new userland design. AvyOS retains the Linux kernel but replaces much of userland with Go-based tools and a cleaner filesystem layout under /avyos. @toadie praised the all-Go approach and @hydn linked the project site for readers to explore.
@krish started a privacy-focused thread in Linux Support with .appimage security, asking how to sandbox a game launcher AppImage. @hydn suggested Firejail for quick containment and pointed to bubblewrap for finer-grained control, along with questions about distro context. The conversation weighed tradeoffs and practical guardrails.
In Linux Support, @corbingw detailed a stubborn throughput cap in Intel AX210 speeds capped at 20 Mbps on multiple distros. The card kept falling back to 20 MHz without HT on Linux, while Windows exceeded 300 Mbps. @hydn noted likely factors like regulatory domains, firmware and kernel alignment, or AP compatibility, and linked several threads and a kernel bug report to narrow the search.
A gaming thread in General Discussions, Best video game for older paople, gathered suggestions after @hydn asked for specifics on interests and platforms. @J_J_Sloan recommended OpenArena, and @nelk shared a list of approachable free Linux titles like Micropolis, Cube 2: Sauerbraten, 0 A.D., and FreeCol. Good options for a range of tastes and hardware capabilities.
Best Reply: @Blue_bird’s clear and concise solution in Root account without root privilege. Explaining the difference between su and su -, this reply resolved the Debian root environment issue and taught a broader shell concept that benefits many readers.
Thanks for reading. See you again next week!
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In Linux Support, @tad described a puzzling “connection timed out” while SSHing into a VMware-hosted Ubuntu server from another machine. @Jakarta2 pinpointed NAT mode as the culprit and explained why switching the VM’s adapter to Bridged fixes external access, plus how to verify the VM’s IP before reconnecting. @hydn chimed in with notes on NAT port forwarding as an alternative. Read the clear diagnosis and fix in SSH connection timeout.
@Ravi_E started a discussion in General Discussions about early impressions of the Ubuntu 26.04 beta. The thread gathered a nice spread of perspectives, including @hydn’s excitement about the LTS and @Jakarta2’s test on a 2010-era netbook. @MarshallJFlinkman offered a thoughtful privacy angle on tying an Ubuntu Pro account to the OS. Catch the angle you might not have considered in Ubuntu 26.04 Test.
In Linux Support, @Blue_bird asked how to use a USB Wi‑Fi adapter inside a Kali VM for wireless testing. @Jakarta2 walked through VirtualBox’s USB passthrough steps, from installing the Extension Pack to adding a USB filter and verifying the device in the guest. If you are practicing with aircrack-ng in a lab, the setup is nicely actionable: How to install wireless adapter in kali VM?.
@Ravi_E reported interface issues after upgrading to Zoom 7 on Ubuntu 24.04. In Linux Support, @Blue_bird noted Wayland-related behavior, and @Jakarta2 detailed dependency packages to install, how to clear Zoom’s config cache, and an easy way to switch to Xorg when Wayland is in use. The step-by-step is here: Zoom version 7 woes - side bar remains blank.
A lively Linux Support thread followed with several users (@corbingw, @fur, @Akiron) chasing Intel AX210 speeds mysteriously capped around 20 Mbps. @Jakarta2 highlighted “DFS-UNSET” in the regulatory output, pointing to Intel LAR not determining the region and forcing a 20 MHz fallback. The analysis explains the behavior and what to try next on routers and clients: Intel AX210 speeds capped at 20 Mbps on multiple distros.
@hydn weighed in on ThinkPad thermals and tuning strategies in General Discussions, with a link to a detailed review that compares T14 generations. Practical advice if you are balancing heat and noise on daily drivers: Favorite laptop brands?.
In General Discussions, @hydn shared a simple path for Google Drive integration on GNOME as an alternative to third-party tools, helping members choose the least painful route for desktop sync: My personal Linux backup strategy.
The most impactful solution this week goes to @Jakarta2 for resolving a stubborn Broadcom STA driver issue on Ubuntu. The reply identified a DKMS build failure against newer kernels, then provided a precise cleanup and a direct link to the fixed package, which immediately restored Wi‑Fi for the user. This kind of clear, reproducible fix is a perfect community reference: TP-Link T6E (Broadcom BCM4352) Wi‑Fi not working on Ubuntu — solution post.
Thanks for reading. See you again next week!
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Pursuing from ubuntu-mate.community
In MATE Desktop, @Watford started a warm “we’ve moved” thread as several Ubuntu MATE Community regulars joined our forum. Familiar faces like @Norm24, @pavlos, @ricmarques, @ugnvs, and @lah7 checked in, while @hydn shared how to set flair and helped members with avatars and trust levels. It felt like a reunion and set a positive tone for the new category.
Instructroduce My self @Utsav introduced themselves in Ubuntu and asked for guidance on starting Linux for Cloud and DevOps, including dual‑booting on a Dell G15 with Nvidia GPU. @hydn recommended beginning with Ubuntu LTS, practicing in a VM, following a CLI roadmap, and backing up before dual boot. Later, @Powder added useful context on VM performance and Nvidia driver considerations.
Ubuntu not playing nice
Over in Ubuntu, @appsy described a puzzling system state with missing wallpaper, broken apps, multiple UEFI entries, and the installer appearing at boot. @hydn suspected filesystem issues and recommended live-USB checks with smartctl, then more guidance followed. Tips from @NothingConspicous on running fdisk with sudo and a recovery checklist from @Blue_bird rounded out a strong collaborative troubleshooting effort.
A Small Linux Distro Project (Zyphor OS) — I Need Guidance
In Showcase, @markjason shared an early Debian-based learning project that reuses Kali build scripts. The ask was mentorship and best practices for structure and process. @hydn welcomed the project and verified ownership, while @ugnvs suggested Linux From Scratch as a source for deep systems knowledge.
Considering WiFi7? Things To Be Aware Of
In Articles & guides, @ejkeerbs documented lessons from moving to a WiFi7 motherboard on Linux, including how interfaces self-configure regulatory domains at boot and the impact of Secure Boot on firmware loading. @hydn weighed in that WiFi6 may remain the more reliable choice on Linux for now and appreciated the linked deep-dive blog for further reading.
Running windows programs in linux @Ravi_E started a discussion in General Discussions about gaming on Ubuntu 26.04, specifically Prince of Persia in Bottles. @hydn suggested trying Lutris and linked a game-specific installer page, offering a practical next step for compatibility.
Useful aliases for all
Back in MATE Desktop, @pavlos shared two handy shell aliases: one to batch update and clean a system and another to parse shell history for most-used commands. It’s a concise tip members can drop straight into .bashrc for everyday productivity.
[Newbie help] Laptop control utils - install-asus-linux.sh
In Linux Support, @cute_potato asked whether an Asus control utility script is safe to run and how to optimize its build directory. The conversation emphasized best practices like downloading and inspecting scripts before execution and clarified that moving the build dir to /tmp provides little speedup but may reduce SSD wear.
What Linux distro is suitable for beginners?
Also in Linux Support, @Jakarta looked for a first distro after leaving Windows 10. @hydn recommended Zorin OS, Ubuntu Desktop, and Linux Mint, noting that Pop!_OS remains strong but its new Cosmic Desktop is still maturing, which may introduce minor rough edges for brand-new users.
Intel AX210 speeds capped at 20 Mbps on multiple distros
A networking thread in Linux Support saw @fur report that switching the ISP’s channel width to 80 MHz resolved a stubborn 20 Mbps cap. The fix illustrates how throughput problems can trace back to AP settings and spectrum configuration, not just client drivers or kernels.
Onboarding the MATE crowd smoothly: he explained how to set group flair over avatars in this post within the MATE migration thread (instructions) and proactively bumped a member’s trust level to enable avatars and posting (trust level update).
Routine housekeeping and content curation: @system published the previous weekly digest, keeping regulars up to date in Weekly Forum Summary.
Best Reply or Topic of the Week
Best Reply: @guiverc’s field-tested guidance on running the Ubuntu 26.04 development release, complete with kernel-era notes and real-world expectations. It’s practical, calm, and sets good habits for testing pre-release software: Ubuntu 26.04 Test — post #5
At times you’ll have problems, but they get resolved as users discover issues, report them, and they’re confirmed and fixed. Mostly you just use it normally, and keep an eye on changes.
Thanks for reading. See you again next week!
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Do you daily drive Linux at work, or just at home?
In General Discussions, @hydn kicked off a check‑in on where we actually run Linux. @toadie shared that Windows remains mandatory at work, while @shybry747, as IT Manager, daily drives Linux across i3wm, Sway, and VMs. Several retirees like @Brian_Masinick and @Jymm chimed in with long histories on Unix and Linux. @lah7 runs Arch + KDE at both home and work and noted the pragmatic reality of Microsoft 365 in the browser. A thoughtful read on how workplaces enable or block Linux, and how we adapt.
What’s everyone working on? 2026 edition @hydn restarted this General Discussions tradition and it quickly filled with cool projects. @pavlos is wrestling with PAM policy on a router to relax password constraints. @tkn is prototyping a tiny multiprocessing and IPC “framework” in bash, complete with message‑passing syntax and event loops. @ugnvs outlined an Algol‑like language that compiles to C, and @ericmarceau offered practical PAM config pointers. A great window into what members are building.
[Go] cert-checker
In Showcase, @toadie released a simple Go‑based TLS certificate checker with rapid iteration throughout the week. Packaging improvements for AUR, compressed binaries, sample outputs, and UI refinements followed. Feedback from members like @ugnvs helped shape feature ideas, and there are already screenshots of multiple display modes.
Accidentally reformatted efi boot partition
A Ubuntu support thread that ended in a clean resolution. With measured guidance from @ricmarques and additional pointers from @hydn, @Norm24 confirmed the fix by updating the ESP’s changed UUID in /etc/fstab. A useful reference for anyone who has to recover from an ESP mishap.
Self-challenge to report disks like Windows
In #mate, @ericmarceau shared a handy visual disk usage report script that outputs HTML. The discussion evolved with @pavlos recommending findmnt for reliable mounts reporting and @ricmarques adding a pro tip on using findmnt --verify to catch /etc/fstab errors. Iterations even explored Python rendering approaches and UI styling choices.
Battery Power Monitor
A practical #mate discussion by @Jymm comparing the MATE battery applet and the Ayatana indicator. @Blue_bird explained why the Ayatana indicator can be more stable when upower sends inconsistent readings. Useful for laptop users who want both percentage and time remaining without panel crashes.
[QUESTION] QR codes
In General Discussions, @cute_potato looked for a privacy‑friendly webcam QR decoder on Mint 22.3. @hydn traced Flatpak lag to sandboxing and recommended the reliable zbar-tools with zbarcam, which worked and was bound to a hotkey. Quick, local, and no cloud.
My desktop today
A #mate screenshot parade featuring @Watford, @jaymo_chicago, and @ClaudioDC. @ericmarceau showcased a polished two‑panel setup with a custom “Resolute Raccoon” wallpaper adaptation and a neat launcher to toggle desktop icons, linking to how‑tos for reproducibility.
Calling for a discussion: Ubuntu MATE or Ubuntu + MATE DE
A thoughtful #mate compare‑and‑contrast. @guiverc offered nuanced context from packaging and team perspectives, and @ugnvs experimented with removing ubuntu-desktop after adding MATE. A good read for those deciding between the flavor and layering MATE on a base Ubuntu install.
@hydn opened a community reflection on Fedora’s consistently participative project processes in Correct me if im wrong about Fedora, linking to a live governance discussion and inviting comparisons with other distros.
For Arch users on HDDs, @hydn proposed practical I/O tweaks in Pacman I/O tweaks for older spinning disks, covering cache hygiene, noatime mounts, and links to reduce disk access on constrained media.
In response to a webcam decoder request, @hydn provided a privacy‑first solution with zbarcam in [QUESTION] QR codes, diagnosing Flatpak sandboxing as the likely lag cause and offering a distro‑agnostic CLI fix.
Troubleshooting sluggish boots, @hydn pinpointed network wait offenders and suggested safe optimizations in Systemd-analyze: Debug and Optimize Your Linux Boot Time, including when to disable NetworkManager‑wait‑online and what to check before doing so.
@shybry747 joined the desktop sharing fun in My desktop today, while elsewhere describing a dual home‑and‑work Linux workflow as an IT Manager who standardizes on trusted distros for security.
@system published last week’s roll‑up in Weekly Forum Summary, helping members catch up on trending discussions and notable contributions.
“I believe that @hydn is (probably) absolutely right… the change of the UUID of the ESP… updating the /etc/fstab accordingly should fix that.”
This guidance directly led to @Norm24 confirming the fix, closing out a potentially stressful boot‑recovery scenario with a clean, teachable solution.
Thanks for reading. See you again next week!
Important: Avoid replying to this topic. Instead, reply to the topics linked within. Or, if you have questions or comments related to this weekly summary, please post them in the site-help or Our Community forum category.
Important: Avoid replying to this topic. Instead, reply to the topics linked within. Or, if you have questions or comments related to this weekly summary, please post them in the Site Help or Community forum category.
