# TLC Podcast 920 - 6/17/2025 ### Here are Several Linux Apps that I gave up on using and supporting: ## Kdenlive: ### 🧱 1. **Stability Issues** - **Frequent Crashes**: Especially during intensive tasks like rendering or working with large/complex timelines. - **Project Corruption**: Occasionally, projects can become corrupted or unreadable after a crash. ### 🐌 2. **Performance Problems** - **Laggy Playback**: Real-time preview performance can be poor, especially without proxies enabled. - **Slow Rendering**: Compared to other editors, render times may be longer depending on system configuration. ### 🧩 3. **UI/UX Inconsistencies** - **Cluttered Interface**: The layout can be overwhelming or unintuitive for new users. - **Window Glitches**: Interface elements sometimes don't scale properly or behave as expected (especially with HiDPI screens). ### 🔧 4. **Buggy Effects and Tools** - **Broken Effects**: Some transitions and effects don’t work as expected or produce inconsistent results. - **Keyframe Issues**: Keyframing can be inconsistent or buggy, especially when tweaking complex animations. ### 🗂️ 5. **Media Management Weaknesses** - **No Built-In Asset Management**: Unlike professional tools like DaVinci Resolve, there's minimal support for organizing large projects or managing media bins. - **Poor Multi-Cam Support**: Multicam editing is possible but not smooth or user-friendly. ### 🔄 6. **Inconsistent Updates** - **Regressions**: New versions sometimes introduce bugs or break previously working features. - **Lack of Testing**: Some updates seem to lack polish or QA, which leads to user frustration. ### 📁 7. **Limited Professional Features** - **Color Grading Tools**: Kdenlive’s color grading is limited compared to professional-grade software. - **Audio Editing**: No advanced audio tools—no built-in compressor, limiter, or EQ stack like in Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve. ### 💻 8. **Hardware Acceleration** - **Spotty GPU Support**: Hardware acceleration can be inconsistent, depending on your GPU and OS (especially problematic on NVIDIA + Linux setups). - **Limited Codec Support**: Some proprietary formats/codecs may not work without manually installing extras (due to licensing). ### Summary Kdenlive is a **powerful tool for lightweight to moderate video editing**, especially on Linux, but for professional workflows or complex projects, its **stability, performance, and feature set can fall short** compared to proprietary tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. ## Steam App (Flatpak Version): ### 🚫 1. **Limited Access to System Resources** - **Hardware Permissions**: Flatpak apps are sandboxed, so Steam might not detect all system hardware correctly (e.g. some gamepads, printers, or certain GPU features). - **Workarounds Required**: You may need to use `flatseal` or pass extra permissions for things like shared memory, joystick access, or host file paths. --- ### 🎮 2. **Compatibility with Games & Launchers** - **Proton Issues**: Some Proton versions or compatibility layers may not work correctly or may need to be manually added in ways unfamiliar to users. - **Anti-Cheat Limitations**: Games using Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) or BattlEye may not function properly in Flatpak Steam, especially if they rely on specific kernel modules or services outside the sandbox. --- ### 📦 3. **Modding Limitations** - **Access to Game Files**: Flatpak installs games in a sandboxed location (`~/.var/app/com.valvesoftware.Steam/`) which can make modding games more complex. - **External Tools**: Mod managers (like Vortex for Bethesda games or Lutris integrations) often can’t interact cleanly with Flatpak Steam. --- ### 🧩 4. **Poor Integration with Native Libraries** - **Missing System Libraries**: Steam may fail to access codecs, GTK themes, or drivers that aren’t bundled in the Flatpak runtime. - **Drivers & Vulkan Layers**: GPU drivers, especially for NVIDIA or AMD Vulkan layers, may not be available or properly configured in the Flatpak environment. --- ### 🛠️ 5. **Update Lag / Maintenance Issues** - **Out-of-Sync Builds**: The Flatpak version can lag behind the official `.deb` release, particularly during major updates. - **Debugging Harder**: It's harder to troubleshoot or patch Steam when it’s sandboxed, and log files are buried deeper. ### Summary The Flatpak version of Steam is great for **isolated environments or ease of installation**, but for **advanced users, modders, or gamers needing full system integration**, it often causes more problems than it solves. ## EasyEffects: ### 🎛️ 1. **Complex and Overwhelming UI** - **Steep Learning Curve**: Not beginner-friendly—too many knobs, sliders, and plugin chains without clear explanations. - **Poor UX Consistency**: Some plugin UIs feel tacked on or inconsistent, especially with different third-party plugins. --- ### 🧠 2. **Requires Audio Knowledge** - **Not Plug-and-Play**: Users unfamiliar with audio engineering may struggle with EQ, compression, limiting, etc. - **Easy to Mess Up**: Bad filter settings can cause distortion, clipping, or even damage to hearing if not careful. --- ### 🛠️ 3. **Buggy Behavior / Stability Issues** - **Crashes or Freezes**: Can crash on certain configurations or with specific plugins, especially on certain hardware (e.g., USB audio interfaces). - **Preset Problems**: Presets don’t always load or apply correctly, especially after system reboots. --- ### 🔌 4. **PipeWire-Only** - **No PulseAudio Support**: Only works with PipeWire, so users on older systems or minimal distros without PipeWire can’t use it at all. - **Dependency Hell**: Requires a properly configured PipeWire and plugin system, which can be a pain on non-mainstream Linux distros. --- ### 🎧 5. **Latency and Real-Time Audio** - **Added Latency**: Some configurations introduce noticeable latency, which can be annoying for live monitoring or gaming. - **Glitching or Popping**: Under high CPU load or poor plugin chains, audio artifacts or dropouts can occur. --- ### 🔐 6. **Flatpak Limitations** - **Sandboxed Access**: The Flatpak version can’t always interact properly with system-level audio devices or plugins without extra permissions. - **Plugin Access Issues**: It may not see system-installed LV2/LADSPA plugins unless properly configured. --- ### 💡 7. **Overkill for Simple Needs** - **Too Heavy for Basic Tasks**: If you just want to boost bass or volume, it’s overkill compared to simpler mixers or PulseAudio tools. - **Background Resource Usage**: It can consume a noticeable amount of CPU in real-time audio processing mode. ### Summary **EasyEffects is incredibly powerful**, but: - It’s **not beginner-friendly**, - Can be **buggy or system-dependent**, - And may introduce **latency or compatibility headaches**. For users who just want to “make their mic sound better” or “boost volume,” it’s often **too complex or unstable** for everyday use without some Linux and audio know-how. # Main Topic: ## Will Pewdiepie Bring People to Linux?: ### ✅ **Pros** #### 1\. **Massive Awareness Boost** - PewDiePie has a global audience in the tens of millions. His endorsement could expose millions of users—especially gamers and content creators—to Linux for the first time. #### 2\. **Normalization of Linux for Gaming and Content Creation** - If he uses it for gaming, streaming, or video editing, it helps break the myth that Linux isn’t suitable for serious creative or gaming work. #### 3\. **Increased Developer Interest** - More developers may start contributing to Linux tools (like OBS, Kdenlive, Proton, etc.) to support the influx of new users. #### 4\. **Pressure on Software Vendors** - Companies like Adobe, NVIDIA, or major game studios might take Linux support more seriously when someone like PewDiePie is actively using and promoting it. #### 5\. **Community Growth** - A flood of new users could bring in diverse talent—artists, video editors, modders, and hobbyists—broadening the Linux ecosystem beyond just developers and sysadmins. --- ### ⚠️ **Cons** #### 1\. **Misaligned Expectations** - PewDiePie's audience may expect Linux to behave like Windows/macOS. Without the right guidance, they might bounce off Linux quickly, leading to frustration or backlash. #### 2\. **Shallow Engagement** - If it's a gimmick or short-lived trend, it might not lead to lasting adoption and could trivialize the challenges and efforts of the Linux community. #### 3\. **Support Overload** - Forums, subreddits, and help channels could get swamped with beginner-level questions, overwhelming current contributors and users. #### 4\. **Distro Wars Intensify** - His choice of distro (e.g., Pop!\_OS, Ubuntu, Arch, etc.) might ignite unnecessary tribalism or elitism within the community, especially if fanbases clash. #### 5\. **Commercialization and Dilution** - Brands or influencers may try to capitalize on the hype, flooding the space with low-quality tutorials or clickbait content, which could dilute genuine educational resources. --- ### 🧠 Final Thought While PewDiePie using Linux could be a *massive win* for exposure and growth, the Linux community would need to balance **onboarding**, **support**, and **expectation management** to ensure the momentum is positive and sustainable. ## General thoughts on the YouTuber "switch to Linux" trend: ### ✅ **Why It’s a Good Thing** #### 1\. **Real-World Exposure to Linux** - These challenges show how Linux performs in *actual daily use*: gaming, content creation, browsing, productivity, etc.—not just theory or terminal tutorials. #### 2\. **Breaks Myths and Fear** - Many viewers believe Linux is “just for hackers” or "too hard." Seeing regular creators navigate it for a month *demystifies* the system and shows it’s usable, especially with modern distros. #### 3\. **Constructive Feedback Loop** - YouTubers often point out pain points—like broken drivers, inconsistent UI, or app compatibility—which can help devs see where polish is needed from a new-user perspective. #### 4\. **More Demand = More Support** - More attention leads to more demand for better Linux support in games, creative software (like DaVinci Resolve or Blender), and hardware drivers. #### 5\. **Encourages Community Growth** - Viewers try it too. Even if only 10–20% stick with Linux after the month, that’s still thousands of new users learning, contributing, or even reporting bugs. #### 6\. **Cross-Pollination of Communities** - Viewers who normally stick to Windows/Mac now stumble into Linux forums, channels, and dev communities—diversifying perspectives and contributions. --- ### ⚠️ But What Makes These Challenges *Actually* Valuable? To *really* be a good thing, these challenges should: - Be **honest** about the struggles *and* the successes. - Focus on **real use cases**: editing videos, gaming, using Discord, etc. - Try multiple distros (e.g., Fedora, Pop!\_OS, Nobara, Arch) instead of judging Linux based on just one. - Avoid turning it into a meme or “failure montage.” --- ### 🧠 Final Thought These challenges are like a “gateway drug” to Linux. They don’t guarantee mass adoption, but they **plant seeds**—some users will stay, others won’t, but overall it pushes Linux out of the shadows and into public conversation. That visibility can spark momentum for better tools, wider compatibility, and a more inclusive community. ## Now the Cons: ### ❌ **Cons of the “Linux for a Month” Trend** #### 1\. **Shallow Testing, Superficial Opinions** - Many YouTubers only scratch the surface (e.g., browsing, installing Steam, editing one video). That can lead to **oversimplified conclusions**, like “Linux is bad because OBS didn’t work instantly,” or “Linux is great but they only used Ubuntu.” #### 2\. **Unrealistic Expectations Set for Viewers** - Viewers may assume Linux will "just work" like Windows or macOS after seeing a polished video. When they try it and hit driver issues, missing apps, or config hassles, they give up — and blame Linux. #### 3\. **Clickbait Over Accuracy** - Some creators lean into sensationalism: - “I switched to Linux... and it DESTROYED my PC!” - “Can’t do ANYTHING on Linux 😡” - “Linux is the FUTURE???” This generates views but misleads people about Linux’s actual strengths and weaknesses. #### 4\. **One Distro = One Verdict** - A YouTuber might try just one distro (e.g., Ubuntu or Arch) and then make sweeping judgments about “Linux” as a whole. That ignores the diversity and flexibility of the ecosystem. #### 5\. **Neglecting Power Users and Real Use-Cases** - Some videos are filled with “I couldn’t find the screenshot button” moments but don’t touch more serious use cases—gaming on Wayland/X11, audio production with JACK/PipeWire, or compiling code. - This can **undermine the actual capabilities** of Linux and reinforce the “not ready” narrative. #### 6\. **Audience Flood Without Guidance** - Their large audiences may jump into Linux en masse—**without understanding it’s a different OS paradigm**. That leads to: - Frustrated users - Distro hopping chaos - Overwhelmed support forums and Reddits #### 7\. **Short-Term Commitment** - After the month, most YouTubers go back to Windows or macOS and may treat Linux like a curiosity rather than a viable platform. - Viewers may see this as a confirmation that Linux “isn’t good enough.” --- ### 🧠 Final Thought These challenges are like inviting millions of people to test-drive a car without a driving lesson. Some will love it, some will crash it, and many will walk away with strong opinions based on a shallow experience. **It's only a net positive if creators are fair, informed, and clear that Linux is different—not broken.**