Having multiple versions of the same software installed becomes a lot easier, especially given a lot of them come with their own content, which might change between versions. This ease is especially the case with AppImage.
Sandboxing is also an argument. Granted, for two of those package formats it’s optional, but still available. Not everybody has the skills to deal with virtual machines and the like.
Inviting the developer of AppImage for an interview would be nice.
Also, I’m wondering at what crowd FOSSCast is going to be aimed.
If it’s aimed at regular users, having talks with developers of admin/development tools is a BAD idea.
If it’s aimed at developers, having development topics show up, rather than end-user topics, would be the better idea.
If it’s aimed at admins, then, yes, include admin stuff.
But, for the love of god, please don’t be dishonest with the regular user and confront them with the developer of Python, or firejail, as they have NO interest in development/admin topics, unless it’s directly applicable to them and not too complicated.
definition of “regular user”: A person who primarily uses their device for entertainment and/or productivity, and not development of software or administration of their device. The regular user wishes to spend as little time as possible with administration and/or development tasks, because that’s not why they have their device.
The topic of Snap vs Flatpak vs AppImage might be on the edge of what is of interest to the regular user. It could help them with the choice of distribution, though.
If FOSSCast aims for the regular user, and this topic is selected for an episode, it would be wise to tell the listener why this matters to them in the first three minutes or so.
If this podcast is aimed at forum users, I dont think we have many regular users (by your definition) who contribute… they are all tinkerers to various degrees.
The appropriate analogy for ‘regular user’ is ‘average vehicle driver.’ I learned to drive in 1964. At that time, things under the hood were still fairly simple, so I learned. I’ve swapped engines, rebuilt carburetors and distributors (remember those?), and carried most of the important tools in my trunk.
Today’s regular driver (and regular computer user) doesn’t lift the hood except to marvel at the mysteries. GUI operation is totally sufficient to live with Linux. Out of curiosity and based on a lifetime of tinkering, I can use CLI at a very simple level. Snap vs Flatpak vs Appimage vs Wayland vs kernels vs containers–they’re mostly just white noise to me. SystemD vs Runit–the average user doesn’t notice the difference.
FOSSCast should, as Xander says, should pitch the level of the topics in the first three minutes to hold an audience. If not, I’m likely to switch to Oldies Rock.
How about interviewing Clem from Linux Mint? I’m sure he has an interesting story to tell. He could talk about Linux Mint and how and why it got created. That should easily fill an hour.
Another person to interview would be Richard Stallman. However, that choice might be a bit controversial. He could talk about the GNU project, the FSF, and the GPL. This guy could fill hours.
The first was Danielle from elementary OS. At the time, I didn’t have decent set lighting setup so the recording (on my side) doesn’t look good.
The second one was with the developer of Makulu Linux. Again, poor set up and poor voice.
The thirs was in the month of June with the developer of Nitrux Linux. Better set up from my end this time. However, Uri used headphones with built-in microphone and Riverside.fm (the online tool used for recording high quality podcasts) didn’t like it (it asks if someone is using headsets). And entire Uri’s side has superbly distorted noise that could not be cleaned.
So basically, no usable recordings but I plan to resume it again in Sep-Oct. I haven’t given up on it yet.
Hmm… this could be done… although it is not as structured as an email interview. It was very casual and long chat. I’ll have to edit it to make it easy and suitable for reading.
