| Gutsy Geeks take Linux to the airwaves |
Jun. 20, 2008
 Linux has its own radio show in Phoenix. Hosted by "the distro dorks themselves," and syndicated nationally, the "Gutsy Geeks" show aims to promote and teach Linux to newcomers while also providing tips to intermediate-level Linux users.
The show is broadcast each Sunday at 4 p.m. on 1310 KXAM in Phoenix, and also available in online archives. The humor-laden, hour-long broadcast started out in 2001 as "PC Chat", but this January it was converted to a show devoted to Linux and open source software.
The "Geeks" include:
- Michael Cady -- Cady is co-CEO of a computer company called RedSeven, and co-founder of a PC-recycling charity called kidcomputers.org. Personal note: Sounds remarkably like Tim Allen.
- Nick Coons -- The show's "die-hard, fingers-to-the-keyboard geek," Nick is co-CEO of RedSeven with Cady. Personal note: Found his wife on the Internet.
- Richard Sherman -- "Mr. Modem" is a long-time computer book author and writes the nationally syndicated "Ask Mr. Modem" column. He also hosts the "Mr. Modem Minute" show produced by FOX-TV. Personal note: due to early exposure to dual-floppy Zenith computer and high-radiation monochrome monitor, Mr. Modem now "makes a lovely night light."
Highlights from Gutsy Geeks episodes over the last two months include:- June 8th -- Linux 101: WINE (a Windows environment for Linux)
- June 1st -- interview with Roku rep on NetFlix Player
- May 25th -- Mr, Modem's Firefox3 review
- May 18th -- interview with Henry Kingman of DesktopLinux.com.
- May 11th -- password policies
- May 4th -- Asus Eee PC, Ubuntu Hardy Heron
- April 27th -- Mozilla Lightning improvements
- April 20th -- GnuCash and the "ridiculousness" of DRM (Digital Rights Management)
The following is a sampling from last Sunday's June 15th broadcast:- The benefits of Linux and open source -- Michael Cady offers a persuasive argument for moving to Linux, and explains how the Linux and open source ecosystem works. "With Linux, there are hundreds of thousands of developers all contributing to the code, making it more stable," he notes. He also describes how open source developers make money, discussing how TiVo has succeeded with open source, and noting that from the point of view of the typical customer, "there's money in Linux -- it's just not your money." Cady also reports that since Linux is "the most stable virus- and hacker-resistant software around," school systems in India and Brazil are moving to Linux across all their schools.
- Microsoft free; one year later -- An interview with blogger Mike Kavis, who describes how he got fed up with Windows and took the leap to Linux a year ago, and hasn't looked back.
- Mr. Modem does Linux; 20 things I've learned using Linux (part 1) -- A fairly recent convert to Linux, Mr. Modem lists the first ten things he's learned from his experience, paraphrased below, followed by some general Vista-bashing from his co-hosts:
- You don't have to pay money for a dependable operating system.
- There are far more Linux distros than any normal person could possibly be interested in.
- Every Linux user will claim that his or her distro is the best. "Talking to a diehard Linux user can be as obnoxious as talking to a diehard Mac user," says Mr. Modem.
- Arguing with a guy wearing a penguin hat or shirt is pointless – just agree with them and try to avoid eye contact.
- The best distro for Linux beginners is Ubuntu: "For years Linux wasn't for average users, but today it is so ready."
- Switching to Linux does not mean trouble-free computing, but there is a lot less trouble than with Windows.
- Answers to most Linux technical problems can be found online.
- Linux freezes up occasionally, but it's very rare. "You don't see blue screen of death," he says.
- Linux can help you relearn how to enjoy the command line.
- You can get by with a lesser configuration than Vista.
- Linux 101: ACL's on Linux -- Nick Coons discusses access control lists (ACLs). They're good for server-based installations, he says, providing access levels to different users. He also describes a recommended ACL utility called Eiciel.
Availability
Audio archives of the Gutsy Geeks radio show should be available here.
Meanwhile, more technical Linux listeners may want to check out the "Linux Action Show", an Internet only podcast that debuted in 2006. Like Gutsy Geeks, it is is available in both OGG and MP3 formats.
-- Eric Brown
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