CrunchBang - Code, Design & GNU/Linux

Linux Podcasts Roundup

I have been working pretty hard lately, mainly coding some personal projects. I always used to listen to music whilst coding, these days I tend to listen to podcasts. Is that sad? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, I thought I would post a list of Linux and Ubuntu related podcasts which I listen to on a regular basis [the list is presented in no particular order]:

• LugRadio — one of my favourite podcasts and probably THE podcast which got me hooked on listening to podcasts. LugRadio is released every 2 weeks and is currently in its 5th season. The production quality is always excellent and the content can be very thought provoking. Note, the LugRadio presenters are somewhat notorious for their use of colourful language, therefore it is probably not wise to listen to this podcast while at work [without headphones], or in the company of minors ;)

• The Linux Link Tech Show — again, another personal favourite, and again, a podcast which is not particularly safe for work. TLLTS is released every week and is normally over 2 hours in length. It is also probably [?] the longest running of all Linux related podcasts. Production quality is not always the best; however, the show is presented in a down-to-earth manner and the content is varied and interesting. The presenters often interview influential members of the Open Source community.

• Ubuntu UK Podcast — a fairly new podcast, [just released episode 6], but a very good one; IMHO, it could quite easily become the official Ubuntu podcast. The presenters apply the Ubuntu Code of Conduct to the show and therefore it is safe for work. Production quality is excellent, as is the content; Mark Shuttleworth has already been interviewed twice! Hopefully the presenters will be able to continue to push out this level of quality. The show is published every 2 weeks.

• Launchpod — again, another fairly new podcast. Launchpod is not strictly speaking a Linux podcast, still, due to Launchpad's close ties to Ubuntu it is interesting to hear news from the Launchpad developers. Production quality is fair and content ranges from Launchpad specific news to interviews with Launchpad users. There does not seem to be a set release schedule [very un-Ubuntu like]. Note, listen out for the funky bass!

• lottalinuxlinks — a Linux related podcast by Dave Yates, recorded at 75 miles per hour during his drive to and from work. I am not sure it is entirely safe [or legal for that matter] to record a podcast whilst driving, still, I enjoy listening to this podcast as it has character :) Like TLLTS, the presenter has a relaxed, down-to-earth approach to podcasting. Production quality is fair and the content is varied. Released frequently.

• Fresh Ubuntu — an Ubuntu specific podcast which covers news and community happenings. Another podcast which is presented in a down-to-earth manner. Production quality is generally good, as is the content which provides an insight into what is occurring within the Ubuntu community. Released most weeks.

• Linux Basement — "Greetings & Salutations", is how this podcast is commonly introduced, it goes downhill from there :D Just kidding, the Linux Basement is another down-to-earth Linux podcast, although content covers other topics such as Drupal and web development. The presenter, Chad Wallonberg, also entertains by writing and performing songs for the show. Production quality is good and the podcast is released every 2 weeks or so.

• Linux Outlaws — a podcast in which the presenters take a "laid-back" look at Linux and the Open Source scene. The presenters have good chemistry and the show is often amusing and insightful, although not particularly safe for work. Production quality is good and the show is released most weeks.

• The Bad Apples — Linux from the perspective of an ex-Apple user. The show has recently been released less frequently than before; still, when it is released it is often varied and insightful.

• The Talk Show — okay, so it is not Linux related; however, it amuses me to listen to Mac fans. Also, is it not good to mix it up now and again? Released sporadically.

• hashlugradio — a podcast which discusses issues raised by the LugRadio podcast and its community. Has recently been released less frequently than before, when it is released, the quality is good and often amusing. Another show featuring colourful language.

• The Linux Action Show — the Linux podcast presented by Bert 'n' Ernie from Sesame Street. Not :) The real presenters, Bryan 'n' Chris, take an energetic look at the latest Linux related news and releases. Production quality and content is excellent. The show does feature some strong language, though not nearly as colourful as LugRadio. The podcast is released every 2 weeks.

The above pretty much sums up the podcasts I am currently subscribed to. Am I missing any which you think I might enjoy?

A Chat With The Ubuntu UK Podcasters

Last Saturday I received a telephone call from the Ubuntu UK podcast team. We had a chat, it was fun. Parts of our conversation can be heard in their latest podcast, S01E05 - Everybody Come Aboard. I have just listened to the podcast myself and apart from the feature with me, it's another great show :)

I would like to say thank you to the guys for allowing me on the podcast. I can now place a tick next to the item, "Appear on a podcast" on my list of things to do before I die :) Oh, and thanks also for using a picture of Daisy, an unexpected, but pleasant bonus — Daisy will no doubt grin from ear to ear when I show it to her :)

URL: http://podcast.ubuntu-uk.org/2008/05/07/s01e05-everybody-come-aboard/

Ubuntu UK Podcast

I've just listened to the first podcast from the Ubuntu UK LoCo team. Considering this was the first episode, the quality was very good. I listen to quite a few Linux related podcasts and this one made for a refreshing change — it was good to hear some sensible discussion and quality music. I think there's definitely a gap in the market for a "safe for work" podcast discussing Ubuntu related topics in a grown-up manner. Hopefully the Ubuntu UK team can fill that gap.

Also, I've been reading the mailing list and it's good to see lots of enthusiasm for the project. It seems that many UK team players are keen to get involved and contribute. It'll be good to hear these contributions and try to put voices to faces — why is it that nobody ever sounds like you imagine?!

URL: http://podcast.ubuntu-uk.org/

Tinkering & Secret Software

I've just finished listening to the latest LugRadio podcast, Episode 9 of Season 5. I've always enjoyed the podcast and this season the guys have produced some of their best shows to date.

I found today's show especially interesting as Stuart Langridge openly discussed his thoughts and ideas on the subject of software tinkering [listen to a 2 minute excerpt]. Much of what Stuart said sounded strangely familiar, I also write lots of personal scripts to perform specific tasks. I'm also guilty of hard-coding paths and producing code that'll probably only run on my own Ubuntu based systems. I tend to class these scripts as secret software, probably because they really aren't fit for general consumption, not to mention that they're embarrassingly bad :)

Anyway, Stuart's New Year resolution is to post more of his personal scripts and software on his blog, and not worry too much about whether the software is fit for general consumption. I think this is a brilliant idea and I'm going to follow suit, so look out for some of my shockingly bad secret software, it'll be appearing on a blog near you soon.

TLLTS Discuss the Gutsy Upgrade Process

I've just listened to the latest Linux Link Tech Show episode [no. 216]. At about 73 minutes into the show the guys discussed their experiences of upgrading from Feisty to Gutsy.

The two presenters who actually performed the upgrade reported mixed results. Dann talked about a few minor issues but gave the overall impression that the upgrade was a success. Pat on the other hand didn't sound too happy, and asked the question:

Do you think this Ubuntu upgrade has been a total cluster fuck?

Another of the presenters, Linc, also seems to be a little pissed@ubuntu.

I experienced my own issues when I tried the upgrade, although I think the problems I encountered were due to my eccentric desktop system. Later today I'm going to perform the upgrade on my laptop, I'll report back on my experiences when done.

LugRadio is Back!

LugRadio is back for season 5. This is going to sound sad, I know, but, I've really missed the show over the summer. There is a definite lack of good quality Linux podcasts to choose from and when LugRadio goes on a break I'm really only left with The Linux Link Tech Show [as good as LugRadio] and The Linux Action Show [not quite as good but you gotta love Burt & Ernie!]

Anyway, welcome back LugRadio!