Linux Gaming Surge, OpenSSH Vulnerability, and Latest Updates: Tips and Tricks

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In the latest episode of Untitled Linux Show, hosts Jonathan Bennett, Jeff Massie, Rob Campbell, and David Ruggles dive deep into the exciting developments in the Linux ecosystem. From gaming advancements to security vulnerabilities and hardware updates, there's something for every Linux enthusiast. Here are just a few actionable tips and tricks from the episode that you can benefit from.

1. Linux Gaming Surge:

The gaming landscape on Linux is witnessing a significant transformation. According to the latest Steam survey, Linux has surpassed the 2% threshold in the gaming market share, overtaking macOS. This surge is attributed to the success of the Steam Deck and growing dissatisfaction with Microsoft's recent decisions. Additionally, StatCounter statistics suggest that when including Chrome OS, Linux's desktop market share could be around 6%.

• Tips:
  • Participate in the Steam Survey: If you’re a Linux gamer, make sure to participate in the Steam survey. This helps to maintain and increase Linux's market share, which in turn encourages more developers to support Linux.
  • Try the Steam Deck: If you haven’t yet, consider trying out the Steam Deck. Its popularity is one of the driving forces behind the growth of Linux gaming.

2. OpenSSH Vulnerability:

Security is always a crucial concern, and the episode highlights a significant vulnerability in OpenSSH. Introduced in version 8.5 P1 and fixed in version 9.8 P1, this flaw can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on your server after about five to six hours of continuous hammering.

• Tips:
  • Update Immediately: Ensure you’re running the latest version of OpenSSH. If you’re on Debian 12 or a RHEL 9 derivative, this is particularly crucial.
  • Restart SSHD: After updating, either restart the SSHD daemon or reboot your machine to apply the changes.
  • Use Fail2ban: Tools like fail2ban can help mitigate risks by banning IPs that show malicious signs, although they are not foolproof.

3. New Features in Wine 9.12:

Wine 9.12 has introduced several updates that enhance Windows application compatibility on Linux. Notably, there’s initial support for user 32 data structures in shared memory and a complete rewrite of the cmd.exe engine.

• Tips:
  • Update to Wine 9.12: If you rely on Wine for running Windows applications, update to the latest version to take advantage of these improvements.
  • Check Bug Fixes: Specific bugs, including those affecting Firefox 126, have been resolved. Keep Wine up to date to ensure your applications run smoothly.

4. Fedora Spyware Concerns:

Finally, concerns about potential spyware in Fedora are addressed, urging users to stay vigilant and informed.

• Tips:
  • Stay Updated: Regularly update your system to protect against vulnerabilities and spyware.
  • Review Software Sources: Be cautious about the software and repositories you add to your system. Stick to official and trusted sources whenever possible.

Want to hear more in-depth discussions and Linux tips? Join Club TWiT and listen to the full episode of Untitled Linux Show for additional insights and entertaining banter from Jonathan, Jeff, Rob, and David!