Episode 6:13: Worse Open Source with More Steps
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In this episode of Linux User Space, Dan and Leo dive into the latest developments in open source hardware and software, starting with the Framework 13 Pro's adoption of LP Cam 2 memory—offering Mac-like battery life and performance while remaining user-replaceable. They debate the merits of password feedback (stars) in terminal prompts, with Dan favoring visual confirmation for usability and security, while Leo argues for privacy through obscurity. The hosts then turn to the satirical project Malice.sh, which claims to reverse-engineer open source code into 'clean room' versions to circumvent licensing, only to expose the absurdity of the idea: open source but worse with more steps. They critique Intel's increasingly convoluted naming scheme (Ultra 3, Ultra 5, Ultra 9), calling for animal-based codenames like 'Rusty Raccoon' to improve clarity. The episode also covers Ubuntu 26.04's upcoming release, highlighting Rust integration into core utilities like sudo, improved TPM2 disk encryption, and the new GNOME-inspired 'Resources' app. They offer practical advice on upgrading LTS systems, cautioning against immediate upgrades and recommending containerization for stability. The hosts conclude with a tease for next week’s deep dive into KDE Linux and ongoing hardware issues.
LP Cam 2 memory offers Mac-like battery life and performance in laptops, with replaceable modules and no price premium over standard RAM.
The debate over password feedback (stars) highlights a tension between usability (feedback) and privacy (obscurity), with both sides having valid points.
Malice.sh is a satirical tool that exposes the futility of trying to 'clean room' open source code—resulting in open source but worse with more steps.
Intel’s naming scheme (Ultra 3, Ultra 5, Ultra 9) is criticized as confusing and illogical; hosts suggest animal-based codenames like 'Rusty Raccoon' for clarity.
Ubuntu 26.04 introduces Rust in core utilities like sudo, enhanced TPM2 disk encryption, and a new Resources app, with a strong push toward encryption by default.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Password Stars Debate: Feedback vs. Privacy
“I need the feedback so I know when I cleared the field, I guess. Yeah, that'd be all right. See? But also my idea of thumbs up. You pasted it in and he just kind of floats away.”
LP Cam 2: The Future of Laptop Memory
“If Framework is to be believed, then we're going to get Mac-like battery life. And I can't imagine that the only reason that we're getting that is because we're using LP Cam 2.”
Malice.sh: Open Source, But Worse with More Steps
“It's open source but worse with more steps. I can't think of a reason why. It's hard to take it serious for a reason. You're not supposed to. It's satire. It's a joke. Clearly.”
Intel's Naming Chaos and the Case for Animal Codenames
“Give me a chart. And it, you know, I want the rusty one. The rusty one's good. I think I can afford the rusty one. Looks like it's right at the sweet spot. It's the right gen. Yeah, it's the right generation. Supports LP cam.”
Ubuntu 26.04: Rust, Encryption, and the New Resources App
The hosts preview Ubuntu 26.04, highlighting Rust’s integration into core utilities like sudo, improved TPM2 disk encryption, and the new Resources app—a modern, GNOME-inspired system monitor. They emphasize the shift toward encryption by default and the importance of waiting for post-release stability before upgrading.
“It's open source but worse with more steps. I can't think of a reason why. It's hard to take it serious for a reason. You're not supposed to. It's satire. It's a joke. Clearly.”
“If Framework is to be believed, then we're going to get Mac-like battery life. And I can't imagine that the only reason that we're getting that is because we're using LP Cam 2.”
“You're not supposed to. It's satire. It's a joke. Clearly. But because seriously what are you doing?”
Hosts
Dan
person
Leo
person
Framework 13 Pro
product
Ubuntu 26.04
other
LP Cam 2
other
Intel Core Ultra Series 3
other
Rust
other
Malice.sh
other
TPM2
other
KDE Linux
other
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