Ubuntu 25.04 — I Didn’t Expect This

Summary

In this episode of 'Cyber Gizmo,' DJ Wear explores the impact of Abuntu Desktop 25504, highlighting the removal of UTEMP support and the shift toward Systemd as the central system manager. This change disrupts key utilities like 'who' and 'w,' as well as CPU frequency management tools, while introducing eBPF modules in the kernel. DJ Wear expresses concern over the increasing reliance on Systemd, which centralizes control and reduces user freedom. The episode concludes with DJ Wear deciding to move away from Abuntu 25504, citing a desire for more user-centric control over their system.

Takeaways

• 😀 Abuntu Desktop 25504 removes UTEMP support, impacting utilities like 'who' that track user sessions on Linux systems.
• 😀 The removal of UTEMP means essential tools that monitor user activity no longer function as expected.
• 😀 Systemd has become the default replacement for many traditional Linux utilities, which now function based on systemd's policies.
• 😀 Missing system components like CPU frequency settings or the CPU governor in virtual environments (e.g., Proxmox) are linked to incompatibilities with the kernel.
• 😀 Tools like 'w' from the procps package still work with systemd, but core utilities like 'who' from the core utilities package no longer do.
• 😀 As of systemd 258, support for System V service scripts is officially deprecated, and these scripts will no longer work.
• 😀 Changes in kernel features like CPU governor controls are now handled by systemd's power profile functions, restricting user control.
• 😀 eBPF modules in the kernel offer direct interfaces with systemd, raising concerns about tracking and telemetry at a deeper level.
• 😀 There are security concerns surrounding the use of eBPF, particularly regarding the potential for spyware to be injected into the kernel and hidden from users.
• 😀 Systemd's growing influence means that Linux users are losing granular control over their systems, consolidating power into fewer developers' hands.
• 😀 The speaker expresses a strong disapproval of the increasing complexity of systemd, fearing that it will eventually replace key parts of the original Linux ethos with a proprietary approach.

Q & A

What is the major change in Abuntu Desktop 25504 that DJ Wear discusses?

The major change is the removal of **UTEMP support**. UTEMP (User Temporary Log) was used for monitoring user sessions on Linux systems, and its removal has caused key utilities like `who` to stop working.

Why is the removal of UTEMP important for Linux users?

UTEMP was essential for utilities like `who` and `w` to track user sessions and system activity. Without it, session monitoring becomes much more difficult, and many user-based tools no longer function.

How does **Systemd** affect the tools on Linux systems in this version of Abuntu?

Systemd takes over the logging and system management functions, causing tools like `who` from core utilities to stop working. It also integrates more deeply with kernel features, which limits user control and flexibility.

What is the impact of **Systemd** on CPU governor settings in Abuntu 25504?

The CPU governor settings, which allow users to adjust performance and power usage, are no longer customizable. This is due to **Systemd’s** control over power profiles, effectively removing user-driven settings.

What is **eBPF**, and why is DJ Wear concerned about it?

eBPF (Extended Berkeley Packet Filter) is a kernel feature that allows for more direct interaction with the system. DJ Wear is concerned because eBPF modules are now integrated with **Systemd**, potentially creating a backdoor for tracking and data extraction, especially since it operates in binary form.

How does DJ Wear feel about the direction Systemd is taking with Linux?

DJ Wear expresses frustration, believing that **Systemd** is centralizing control over the system, removing the flexibility that Linux was originally known for. He worries that developers, particularly Lennart Poettering (creator of **Systemd**), are pushing Linux away from its open, user-modifiable roots.

What are the potential privacy concerns mentioned by DJ Wear regarding the use of **Systemd** and eBPF?

DJ Wear highlights that the **eBPF** integration could make it very difficult for users to monitor or track what’s happening in the system, as data can be accessed and transmitted in binary form. This could open the door for **spyware** or other privacy issues within the kernel.

Why does DJ Wear call the removal of **UTEMP** and other changes a 'problem' for Linux users?

DJ Wear views these changes as a loss of **user control** and a move towards a more **restricted** and **centralized** system. He believes that Linux was meant to allow users to freely modify and manage their systems, but **Systemd** is undermining that flexibility.

What is the significance of **Systemd’s** control over kernel-level features like CPU settings?

Systemd’s increasing control over low-level system settings, like CPU governors, limits the ability of users to optimize their systems according to personal preferences. This shift toward **Systemd-managed** power profiles removes a layer of user customization.

What action does DJ Wear take at the end of the video regarding Abuntu 25504?

At the end of the video, DJ Wear **removes Abuntu 25504** from his system, expressing dissatisfaction with the changes, particularly the lack of flexibility and the centralization brought by **Systemd**.