Linux Prepper

This is a bonus Linux Prepper podcast, available as a detailed companion to “A Great Year for Linux”. This is a discussion with HB, stemming from this post on Lemmy learning from admins who avoid container technology. We discuss our experiences with containers, who they are for, and the contexts in which we find them useful. If you are self-hosting, and are container curious, this one is for you!

(00:00)

Welcome to Linux Prepper Podcast

(00:19)

Bonus episode connected to Season 1 Episode 1: A Great Year for Linux. Time to get technical!

(01:29)

This discussion will not cover Permissions, File Systems, or Backups.

(02:32)

Lemmy Discussion - What is keeping people away from Containers

(02:47)

Ameridroid Sponsor: LINUXPREPPER code

(03:16)

What are Containers for?

(04:05)

HB describes making a text adventure game (in Docker)

(04:42)

MagPi Magazine

(05:09)

TTYD: Share your Terminal on the Web

(06:12)

Why containerize TTYD?

(07:05)

Managing multiple iterations through containers

(07:47)

Use of containers, as opposed to Python virtual environments

(08:53)

When does it make sense for someone to consider containers?

(10:30)

Docker run commands. similar to bash scripting

(12:30)

Compose Files, migrating from docker run commands

(13:03)

Portainer - WebUI Management for Docker services (HB)

(13:16)

docker ps - Management from the terminal (James)

(13:34)

James using Docker to test for NextcloudPi and write documentation

(14:41)

Using containers in order to define your own image

(15:50)

Running a fleet of AI services through Compose: “Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger”

(17:17)

James migrating to Compose files to manage variables across many services

(18:54)

Composerize - Turn run commands into compose files

(18:58)

Storing compose files to avoid confusion

(20:21)

Noisebridge Unicorn services run via compose files on a VPS

(26:34)

Docker Networks - connecting services internally, even to a reverse proxy

(27:46)

Aria Download Protocol

(28:04)

HB describes using multiple, simulateous networks in isolation

(30:00)

James describes complexity of modular tools like Nextcloud

(31:37)

Testing Locally

(32:30)

People leaking their private credentials in their Docker images on the web

(33:09)

Docker Secrets

(33:42)

HB suggests storing environment variables as files

(34:52)

Understanding git.ignore files for people hosting files on public repos

(35:32)

Using public sharing to learn, share and problem solve

(36:31)

Lemmy comments of those opting out of containers

(38:03)

There is nothing wrong with running services directly, aka “bare metal”

(43:20)

HB’s Github

Ways to Support the Show!

Share it with others!

Enroll in Linux Prepper Premium as a Patron of Living Cartoon Company to support the show! Gets you access to more content.

Join #linuxprepper:matrix.org chat on Matrix!

Follow from the Fediverse: Mastodon, etc.

@[email protected]

Lemmy community, which x-posts across the Fediverse.

Send in anonymous feedback with one click!

See more detailed notes and info at the forum

Email feedback to [email protected]

I do not promise to respond, but I promise to read your words!

(00:00)

Welcome to Linux Prepper

(00:25)

Keepass skit

KeepassXC is recommended for desktop users.

(01:32)

Ameridroid Sponsor

LINUXPREPPER at checkout

(02:43)

Lemmy discussions. It looks to be a great year for Linux.

Those who’ve switched to Linux in the last year, how is it going?

Lemmy world and Lemmy ML

Where is Linux not working well in your daily usage? Share your pain points as of 2026, so we can respectfully discuss.

Lemmy World and Lemmy ML

Linux Prepper Lemmy community

(03:13)

Lutris - Open Gaming Launcher

Github repo

(04:57)

Ubuntu Shutdown from 4 to 2 clicks

(09:47)

Mermaids - ASCII Game developed by HB

Pixel Artwork Tools recommended by HB

(11:56)

Who is HB, the guest host?

(13:17)

Who is James, the host?

(14:18)

Containers, Compose - Good? Who are they for? Bonus episode TBD

Asking Lemmy about reasons to avoid containers

(15:19)

Premium subscriptions available

Recurring support possible through Ko-fi, backed by Stripe.

You can now be a Patron of the show!

Get access to additional content.

(16:04)

HB’s Thoughts on show topics and expectations

(17:02)

State of the Podcast

Discussion forum for the show, used for notes.

Lemmy community

Discord chat now bridged to Matrix

Invite to Discord

Invite to Matrix space for Living Cartoon Company and Linux Prepper

Podcast now available on Youtube Music

(18:22)

Steam Key Giveaway now through March 20th

Leave a review on your podcast platform to enter!

(19:15)

This podcast is now available on Youtube

(21:30)

Submit to DURP - DIY Unfinished Resurrection Project

Now through March 20th

Work on a project this Winter!

Accepting audience submissions! Get included in an episode!

Use this simple form to submit thoughts or an audio recording.

Discussing Homelabs with Robin Monks of Don’t Forget to FOSS

(23:15)

LinuxFest Northwest Performance TBD weekend of April 24th

Hackerspace AI Scanned My Brain Rot (Working Title)

SeaGL 2025 Coverage to be posted: Trivia, Open Source Projects, Recap, Interview.

Ways to Support the Show!

Share it with others!

Enroll in Linux Prepper Premium as a Patron of Living Cartoon Company to support the show! Gets you access to more content.

Join #linuxprepper:matrix.org chat on Matrix!

Follow from the Fediverse: Mastodon, etc.

@[email protected]

Lemmy community, which x-posts across the Fediverse.

Send in anonymous feedback with one click!

See more detailed notes and info at the forum

Email feedback to [email protected]

I do not promise to respond, but I promise to read your words!

Linux Prepper Season 1 begins. Our focus remains on using Open Source tooling, Self-Hosting, and FOSS tooling in daily life. Linux Prepper podcast is created by James as part of Living Cartoon Broadcasting & Living Cartoon Company.

We are a welcoming show, which doesn’t waste time judging others; we are all here with a common interest. By engaging in our communities you agree to our rules, which keeps things supportive and family friendly.

The Matrix chat in Living Cartoon Broadcasting is now bridged to Discord.

The podcast is now available on Youtube, in addition to directly from the website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Fountain, Podcast Index, etc.

2025 episodes

According to DuckDuckGo:

The Linux Prepper podcast focuses on using open-source technology to enhance everyday life, featuring discussions on self-hosting, Linux, and related topics. It aims to empower listeners to take control of their technology and enjoy a DIY approach to tech.

Ways to Support the Show!

Share it with others!

Enroll in Linux Prepper Premium as a Patron of Living Cartoon Company to support the show! Gets you access to more content.

Join #linuxprepper:matrix.org chat on Matrix!

Follow from the Fediverse: Mastodon, etc.

@[email protected]

Lemmy community, which x-posts across the Fediverse.

Send in anonymous feedback with one click!

See more detailed notes and info at the forum

Email feedback to [email protected]

I do not promise to respond, but I promise to read your words!

(00:00)

Complete Shownotes at https://discuss.james.network

(00:40)

Sponsor

Ameridroid referral link - US-based distributor of Odroid, Open Hardware and Home Automation

Third Reality M1 Power Plug w/ Metering with Home Assistant support.

LINUXPREPPER at checkout

(02:01)

State of the Podcast

Albyhub as a selfhosted Bitcoin Lightning node. Locally hosts wallet and node for podcasting 2.0 donations + Nostr authentication.

Thank you to those who have sent me donations and messages over the last couple days of it working.

Send a direct lightning or Nostr donation here.

Also, a thank you to the helpful Alby team. They have useful step-by-step guides. Only email them because their chat is covered in scammers.

(02:44)

Nostr decentralized social network.

Iris.to webui client for Nostr

(04:38)

Events

SeaGL or Seattle Gnu/Linux Conference at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA from 11/07 - 11/08. Full schedule released. No cost; all are welcome!

My SeaGL presentation on 11/07 at 5pm.

Will also be tabling to promote this show. Do stop by and say hello!

(06:40)

Self-hosted Tools

Is Wireguard hard to use? Send your thoughts on an anonymous form.

Adding authentication services onto Wireguard, specifically ones you can selfhost, and run on a cheap VPS:

Racknerd Referral link, and select “Reveal Deals” for VPS annual subscriptions at $11. They are friendly bunch with a great reputation; Pangolin recommends them. Minimal VPS is all that is needed for these sorts of services, which are merely providing your authentication, as opposed to the actual wireguard traffic.
Limited locations:

Los Angeles, San Jose, Seattle

Chicago, Dallas, New York, Ashburn

Strasborg France

Toronto, Canada

Asia recommended to use DC-02 out of Los Angeles

(07:47)

Netbird - Connect your devices into a secure WireGuard®-based overlay network with SSO, MFA and granular access controls.

You can try their hosted service or selfhost it, or whatever. Check out

Pangolin - is a self-hosted tunneled reverse proxy server with identity and context aware access control, designed to easily expose and protect applications running anywhere. Pangolin acts as a central hub and connects isolated networks — even those behind restrictive firewalls — through encrypted tunnels, enabling easy access to remote services without opening ports or requiring a VPN.

Combines traefik reverse proxy with Single Sign On and Wireguard. Meant to be selfhosted, but they do offer a hosted instance.

Pin codes, temporary links, password links for exposing services as a “funnel”. Similar to cloudflare tunnels, where users cannot be bothered to sort things out and just want a service exposed.

Headscale - The main objective of Headscale is to provide a non-proprietary implementation of the Tailscale protocol & control server for hobbyists and self-hosters. Acts as a replacement for the listening servers while allowing you to continue using your existing clients applications. Funnel functionality is currently considered in beta status. Does not include a web ui by default.

Headscale-ui

Full listing of various webui implementations for Headscale

(14:15)

Self-hosted Tools for when your Nextcloud server goes offline

Syncthing - peer-to-peer file synchronization utility, designed to sync files between devices on a local network or between remote devices over the Internet. Note: Syncthing project does not directly support Apple Store or Google Play store for mobile.

Syncthing-fork for Android. Available through Github or F-Droid

Moebius Sync for iOS. Paid app.

FileStash - webui designed to sit on top of your own sync service, Git, Google Drive, Database, S3, etc. Now supports arm devices!

FileBrowser webui

SFTPGo webui with multi-user and group support!

Ways to support the show!

Share with others! Help spread on social media.

Donate on Paypal

Donate Directly on Podcasting 2.0

Steam Key Giveaway drawing continues through 11/01 for reviewing the podcast on a platform of your choice: Apple Podcasts, Podcast Index, etc. Send me a link to enter the drawing.

(20:01)

You into Cyberdecks, bro?

Cyberdore 2064 - 3D print yourself, with Pi Zero and Pi Pico. Looks like a blackberry / cell phone / palm pilot.

What is a Cyberdeck - A cyberdeck is a portable computing device often associated with the cyberpunk genre, typically used by hackers or “Netrunners” to access and navigate virtual networks.

Cyberdeck hat from Adafruit $9 and still requires a 3.5“ style touch or non-touch display for another $35. Angled to not be awkward on existing GPIO port in back.

Cyberdeck Bonnet $8 and a $20 e-ink display or small OLED. Allows a couple pins additional GPIO access. Size of the Pi Zero / GPIO port.

Pi 400 - $66. Another $20 for the accessories: mouse, power supply, SD Card. Awkward GPIO access requires expander, similar to Cyberdeck or Bonnet. No camera or Touchscreen cable connector. Improved thermals over Pi 4!

4gb ram is lame if using this with a web browser watching videos.

Functions as a bluetooth keyboard, as do the other models!

pi400kb - Use the Pi 400 or 500 as an actual HID USB Keyboard on your existing computer. Will likely require a USB-C splitter to allow power for the device while it acts as your USB keyboard

Supports an attached mouse as well!

Pi 500+ support still in development

OrthoPi - Convert Pi 400 to mechanical yourself with a ~$20 gerber board that supports a rotary encoder.

Doubles height of the keyboard.

Repository offline and gerber not available in Wayback Machine. Send a link to the show if you find it!

Pi 500 lowered heat produced. Regular keyboard. 8gb ram. $90. $30 for accessories.

Pi 500 + w/ Gateron switches. RGB lighting. m.2 slot. Includes 256gb nvme at $200. $30 for accessories, probably worth it for 5 amp power.

Is this actually comfortable to type on? Chiclets are ultimate low profile. Raised keys are angled… so, does this thicker keyboard feels uncomfortable?

(30:00)

Keybow 2040 by Pimoroni. Pi Pico RGB-lit mechanical 12-key. Python programmed over usb.

(31:00)

Dell SK-8115. Turn up at Goodwill. $12 - 20 on ebay. - Bomb-proof, raised keys, and made for decades of abuse. $59.99 retail.

Ways to Support the Show!

Share it with others!

Enroll in Linux Prepper Premium as a Patron of Living Cartoon Company to support the show! Gets you access to more content.

Join #linuxprepper:matrix.org chat on Matrix!

Follow from the Fediverse: Mastodon, etc.

@[email protected]

Lemmy community, which x-posts across the Fediverse.

Send in anonymous feedback with one click!

See more detailed notes and info at the forum

Email feedback to [email protected]

I do not promise to respond, but I promise to read your words!

Complete show notes here. Big thanks to developers Tobias and Marcel for joining the interview. There will be a second part of the interview. Was tempted to write a silly title like Nextcloud Atomic Explodes. If you are curious on related presentations from the past:

NextcloudPi podcast interview by Nextcloud

NextcloudPi Lightning Talk 2022

How to Contribute Panel Discussion 2023

You Can Contribute to Open Source Lightning Talk 2023

How to Escape Bigtech Techlore Interview 2023

Who is in the Interview

Tobias is the developer of NextcloudPi, Atomic, and Nextcloud Secrets

Hire as freelancer or donate directly on Kofi

Marcel is the developer of Floccus, Nextcloud Bookmarks and Recognize.

Donate through Github or donate directly on Kofi.

James is host of Linux Prepper Podcast. Contributor of documentaton and testing to Nextcloud, NextcloudPi, AIO, Floccus.

Donate directly on Paypal. Premium subscriptions with bonus content TBD.

Steam Key Giveaway is active for anyone leaving a quick review of the show on their podcast platform of choice.

(00:14)

Welcome to this Mini Episode + Lengthy Interview! Detailed shownotes on forum.

(01:44)

Nextcloud Conference 9/27 - 9/28 in Berlin

(01:56)

SeaGL Conference in Seattle, WA 11/07 - 11/08

(02:20)

Sponsor - Ameridroid - use LINUXPREPPER at checkout

(02:47)

Odroid H4, Plus, Ultra series

(03:43)

Nextcloud service overview and short review, also called Nextcloud Hub

(06:51)

NextcloudPi - Managed Nextcloud for Selfhosters

(08:04)

Nextcloud AIO or All-in-One is containerized by Nextcloud company proper in Docker

(08:45)

Nextcloud Snap

(09:06)

Floccus - Cross Platform Browser + Mobile App Syncing to Karakeep, Git, Google Drive, Nextcloud, etc.

(09:33)

Nextcloud Bookmarks app

(10:20)

Recognize AI app - Smart Media Tagging for Nextcloud

(10:56)

Nextcloud Atomic - System Level Wrapper for Nextcloud AIO in Podman. WIP

(12:20)

Prototype Fund - For Developers Contributing to Open Source

(14:31)

Interview Begins with Tobias Introduction

(15:43)

Hire Tobias Freelance!

(15:58)

Marcel Introduction - Listen to his previous episode interview on AI in Nextcloud

(18:18)

What is NextcloudPi? Not actually made for only the Raspberry Pi

(21:29)

How Tobias became involved in NextcloudPi project, then Atomic

(26:39)

Architecture and Efficiency of Maintenance

(29:21)

Starting as an early Nextcloud project and the rise of containers + AIO

(32:59)

Build system of NextcloudPi with Bash as opposed to containers

(35:55)

Development of Atomic through containers

(37:03)

Immutability - Fedora Silverblue, NixOS, Fedora CoreOS & iOT, openSuse MicroOS, etc.

(39:30)

SkiffOS - early contendor for Atomic. Embedded Linux Systems from Scratch

(41:02)

Updates and security in SkiffOS and Buildroot

(42:50)

mkosi by Systemd in combination with Debian & Armbian

(45:46)

Nextcloud Atomic upgrade process for developer

(51:23)

How major upgrades will be handled for users

(54:04)

Is Atomic upstreamed to AIO; use of Podman

(57:24)

Management of Nextcloud Apps within Nextcloud. Updates breaking apps.

(59:06)

Will I now be able to use imagick on the operating system by default?

(01:01:47)

Support for users making their own changes: Jellyfin, etc.

(01:05:55)

“Untested” Nextcloud update handling in Atomic

(01:09:38)

Who is the target audience of Atomic vs NCP?

(01:15:49)

The future of NextcloudPi

(01:18:30)

Conference Lightning Talk in Berlin for Atomic

(01:19:12)

Marcel thoughts on NextcloudPi and Atomic

(01:20:08)

What has Tobias learned from the last 6 or 7 years?

(01:23:34)

How James became involved with NextcloudPi, Discourse, and Nextcloud

(01:25:25)

Tobias on how the community contributes to the project

(01:27:00)

How to Contribute Panel at Nextcloud Conference 2023.

(01:28:00)

How can future contributors to Atomic help Tobias?

(01:32:40)

Ways to Contact, Hire or Learn more about Tobias & projects.

(01:33:37)

Ways to Contact or Learn more about Marcel & projects

(01:34:19)

Next episode will discuss fundraising, how they handle donations, other interests, life balance, containers

Sponsor - Ameridroid

USA distributer of Odroid, Home Assistant, and other open hardware. Tons of reasonable shipping options and great customer service. Use linuxprepper at checkout.

Odroid H4, Plus, Ultra series

Low Power x86 with BYO Ram DDR5 up to 48gb, Dual 2.5gb realtek nic, 2 - 4 Sata ports, m.2 nvme expansion

Supports Truenas Scale, OMV, Proxmox

Not a power house, but great as a backup server or basic server

Events

Nextcloud Conference 9/27 - 9/28

SeaGL Conference 11/7 - 11/8

Self-hosted Tools

Nextcloud - Biggest FOSS application in file sharing and online collaboration. Has grown from a dropbox alternative to a Google Suite alternative. Massive app store. Attempts to be a jack of all trades.

NextcloudPi - Managed image of Nextcloud for hands-off, single machine selfhosting.

Nextcloud All-in-One, or AIO. Containerized Nextcloud.

Nextcloud Atomic - Immutable system-level wrapping of AIO for hands-off, single machine selfhosting. Currently in active development only.

Roadmap

Nextcloud Apps, available within Nextcloud itself

Bookmarks app

Recognize app for local AI/ML media tagging for Nextcloud: recognizes faces, objects, landscapes, music genres

Hear previous episode interview on Recognize and use of AI in Nextcloud as an open source project.

Software Spotlight

Floccus - Cross-platform Firefox, Chrome, Vivaldi, Brave bookmarks sync for Nextcloud, Linkwarden, KaraKeep, Git, Google Drive or WebDAV server. Also offers dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Ways to engage with the show

Send in one-click anonymous feedback or email [email protected]

Join the forum

Join our chat on Matrix

Follow directly from the fediverse @[email protected]

If the enjoy this small show, please share it with others! Thanks!

Ways to Support the Show!

Share it with others!

Enroll in Linux Prepper Premium as a Patron of Living Cartoon Company to support the show! Gets you access to more content.

Join #linuxprepper:matrix.org chat on Matrix!

Follow from the Fediverse: Mastodon, etc.

@[email protected]

Lemmy community, which x-posts across the Fediverse.

Send in anonymous feedback with one click!

See more detailed notes and info at the forum

Email feedback to [email protected]

I do not promise to respond, but I promise to read your words!