Joseph Zikusooka (ZIK)

Linux Systems Engineer specializing in open source software technologies | Very experienced in building and configuring UNIX/Linux systems and servers. Passionate about developing software applications and hardware for the smart home | Currently serving as technologist at Jambula Labs and the project leader at JambulaTV, a smart home automation and entertainment platform - https://jambulatv.com | This blog focuses on the following areas: Linux How-Tos and Tutorials ::: IT Security News ::: Free and Libre Open Source Software ::: Smart Home Software ::: Digital Innovations in East Africa https://mastodon.social/@jzik | https://github.com/zikusooka

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๐‰๐š๐ฆ๐›๐ฎ๐ฅ๐š ๐Ž๐’ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ”.๐Ÿ—.๐ŸŽ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ, ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ง๐จ๐ฐ ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ง๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐‘๐š๐ฌ๐ฉ๐›๐ž๐ซ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ข ๐™๐ž๐ซ๐จ ๐–

By Joseph ZikusookaPosted on Posted in Linux, News, Open Source

I am happy to announce the availability of ๐‰๐š๐ฆ๐›๐ฎ๐ฅ๐š ๐Ž๐’ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ”.๐Ÿ—.๐ŸŽ!

Jambula OS is a lightweight, free and open source Linux operating system customized for deployment on embedded single-board computers (SBCs), such as the popular Raspberry Pi. This release brings Jambula OS support to the ๐‘๐š๐ฌ๐ฉ๐›๐ž๐ซ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ข ๐™๐ž๐ซ๐จ ๐– ๐ฏ๐Ÿ.๐Ÿ, one of the smallest boards around.

There are plenty of other changes and fixes in this release, but here are the major additions and improvements I worked on:

๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ ๐‘๐š๐ฌ๐ฉ๐›๐ž๐ซ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ข ๐™๐ž๐ซ๐จ ๐– ๐ฏ๐Ÿ.๐Ÿ
The operating system was tuned to get the most out of this tiny board. Supports H.264 video decoding and Bluetooth audio.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ ๐€๐๐†๐ฎ๐š๐ซ๐ ๐‡๐จ๐ฆ๐ž ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ
You can now use Jambula OS to block ads and trackers for every device on your network, including phones, tablets, smart TVs and more. There’s nothing to install on each device.

โšก ๐€ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐œ๐ก ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐จ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ซ ๐Ÿ๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐›๐จ๐จ๐ญ
Initial setup is now faster and more responsive. The Wi-Fi hotspot is more reliable and the waiting time is shorter, so you spend less time watching a progress screen and more time using your device.

๐Ÿ“ฅ ๐ƒ๐จ๐ฐ๐ง๐ฅ๐จ๐š๐ ๐‰๐š๐ฆ๐›๐ฎ๐ฅ๐š ๐Ž๐’ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ”.๐Ÿ—.๐ŸŽ ๐ญ๐จ๐๐š๐ฒ!

https://jambula.org

Jambula OS 2025.12.0 is Here! Now featuring a Robust, Cloud-Free, Private File Sharing Platform

By Joseph ZikusookaPosted on Posted in Linux, NewsTagged , , , , , , , , ,

I am excited to announce the immediate release of Jambula OS version 2025.12.0!

If you are a developer, a dedicated tech enthusiast, or a passionate DIY maker looking for a local and open smart home, this major release is built for you. Designed for the Raspberry Pi 5 and other SBCs, Jambula OS is the free, open-source Linux platform that I started with the goal of putting you back in control.

Do you already own a Raspberry Pi 5? Or perhaps you’re hoping that Santa listened closely this year? Either way, this major update makes it the perfect time to download the latest image of Jambula OS and transform your Pi into the brain of your next project.

What’s New in 2025.12.0

I focused on two main areas: making the system easier to use and making your data more private.

  1. Robust, Cloud-Free File Sharing and Collaboration: Tired of trusting your data to massive cloud providers? I included a Robust, Cloud-Free, Private File Sharing Platform in Jambula OS. Easily share documents and media privately with zero reliance on external cloud services. Your files, your rules.
  2. Complete Setup Menu Overhaul: I listened to your feedback! The new menus ensure a vastly improved initial setup and onboarding process, making the journey from flashing the image to running your first service smoother and faster than ever before.
  3. Home Assistant Version 2025.12.2: Your smart home deserves the best. This release ships with the latest Home Assistant version 2025.12, offering all the newest features of this world-class, local-first smart home platform.

For Valued Supporters: Enhanced Tools and Advanced Capabilities

To thank those who support the future of the Jambula OS project, I included a powerful suite of advanced tools in this edition:

Jambula Radio (In-House Smart Radio Broadcast): Discover how to listen to the radio the Smart way with this innovative, in-house solution.

โ€‹A powerful, flexible NVR for intelligently organizing and monitoring your CCTV cameras, featuring optional AI integration..

Hotspot & Remote Access Tools: Comprehensive solution providing a robust Captive Portal for secure guest network access and specialized Managed Remote Access capabilities.

โ€‹Features Available to All: Core Stability and Critical Performance

I’ve implemented several bug fixes and performance tweaks to ensure this is the most stable and reliable version of Jambula OS I’ve ever released.

Download Jambula OS 2025.12.0 Today!
https://jambula.org

Hass Core Installer Updated to 2025.12.2

By Joseph ZikusookaPosted on Posted in Apps, Code, News, Tools

A new version of Hass Core Installer is now available: 2025.12.2.

While this is a standard update, it includes a crucial fix for better stability:

  • Home Assistant Core: Upgraded to the latest stable version, 2025.12.2.
  • Bluetooth Management Fix: This version resolves the permissions error related to Bluetooth management (“Missing NET_ADMIN/NET_RAW capabilities”). I’ve updated the systemd unit to include the required NET_ADMIN and NET_RAW capabilities, ensuring smooth adapter recovery and operation.

You can grab the new installer and view the source code here: https://github.com/zikusooka/hass-core-installer

Jambula OS 2025.9.0 Released – Now with Bluetooth Speaker Support!

By Joseph ZikusookaPosted on Posted in Apps, Code, Linux, News, Open SourceTagged , , , , ,

I have uploaded the latest ๐‰๐š๐ฆ๐›๐ฎ๐ฅ๐š ๐Ž๐’ image – version ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“.๐Ÿ—.๐ŸŽ. This release continues the work I have been doing to make Jambula OS, a reliable, lightweight Linux platform for embedded SoC devices like the Raspberry Pi 5. So if you are building smart automation solutions on embedded platforms, this update is definitely worth checking out.

๐‡๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ซ๐ž๐ฅ๐ž๐š๐ฌ๐ž:

๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ž๐ญ๐จ๐จ๐ญ๐ก ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ž๐š๐ค๐ž๐ซ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ: Added support for Bluetooth audio devices which is ideal for voice prompts or music output.

๐’๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐œ๐ก๐ž๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐Š๐ž๐š ๐ƒ๐‡๐‚๐: Replaced dnsmasq with ๐Š๐ž๐š ๐ƒ๐‡๐‚๐ for better dynamic addressing management.

๐–๐ข๐…๐ข ๐ก๐จ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ ๐œ๐ฅ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐œ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐Œ๐Ž๐“๐ƒ: See how many clients are connected to your hotspot right in the systemโ€™s MOTD.

๐๐‘ ๐œ๐จ๐๐ž ๐จ๐ง ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐š๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ข๐ง: Displays a QR code linking to vendor/device info, useful for branding or support.

๐ˆ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ž๐ ๐ฌ๐ž๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐ญ๐จ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฌ: Smoother first-time setup experience with updated scripts.

๐‡๐จ๐ฆ๐ž ๐€๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐š๐ง๐ญ ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐š๐ญ๐ž๐: Latest Home Assistant version included to keep your platform up to date.

๐๐ฎ๐  ๐Ÿ๐ข๐ฑ๐ž๐ฌ: Minor fixes including firewall and weather integration improvements.

๐‹๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ง ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ž ๐š๐›๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐‰๐š๐ฆ๐›๐ฎ๐ฅ๐š ๐Ž๐’:
https://code.jambula.net/zikusooka/Jambula-OS

Demo of Agama Linux Installer at OpenSUSE Conference 2025 – Nuremberg, Germany

By Joseph ZikusookaPosted on Posted in Linux, News, Open Source, TalksTagged , ,

Over the weekend at the OpenSUSE Conference 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany, I had the pleasure of showcasing Agama, the innovative new Linux installer set to debut in openSUSE Project Leap 16 and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 16.

While still in active development, this tool is shaping up impressively and promises to redefine the future of unattended Linux installations.

Curious to learn more or get started? Explore the full documentation here:
https://agama-project.github.io/docs/user/

Hass-Core-Installer: Keeping Home Assistant Core Alive

By Joseph ZikusookaPosted on Posted in Apps, Code, News, Open Source, Tips, Tools

It is finally happening – Home Assistant Core, along with other legacy installation methods and 32-bit system support, is officially being deprecated. The Home Assistant team announced this major shift in their recent blog post, signaling the end of an era for many longtime users who have relied on Core and Supervised installs for years. Starting with the 2025.12 release, support for these installation methods and older architectures like i386, armhf, and armv7 will be phased out.

For most users, the path forward is clear: migrate to Home Assistant OS or Home Assistant Container. These methods offer a streamlined, more stable experience with ongoing official support. But what about those of us who love the flexibility and control that Home Assistant Core provides? Or those running on hardware that does not fit the new supported architectures?

Hass-Core-Installer to the rescue

If you are a developer or among the few who want to continue running Home Assistant Core despite the official deprecation, there’s no need to despair! I createdย Hass-Core-Installer, a free and open source tool designed to help you install and maintain Home Assistant Core on your own terms. The latest offline version supported is 2025.5.3.

Hass-Core-Installer is a practical, easy-to-customize script for users who want to keep using Core without relying on official support. Whether you are a developer, hobbyist, or power user, this tool helps you to keep your Home Assistant setup running smoothly, even as the official landscape changes.

Why Hass-Core-Installer?

  • Flexibility: Retain full control over your Home Assistant environment.
  • Compatibility: Continue using Core on your preferred hardware, including some 32-bit systems.

Ready to Keep Your Home Assistant Core Setup?

If you want to learn more and why I created it, visit my blog post here: Hass-Core-Installer or if you’re ready to try it, go to GitHub where you will find everything you need to install Home Assistant Core confidently and keep it running well beyond the official end-of-life.

While the Home Assistant project moves forward with new priorities, the spirit of customization and hands-on control lives on through projects like Hass-Core-Installer. If you are passionate about Home Assistant Core, this is your chance to stay ahead and keep your smart home running your way.

Releasing Jambula OS Linux – version 2025.3.0

By Joseph ZikusookaPosted on Posted in Code, Linux, News, Upcoming Technologies

๐Ÿš€ I have uploaded the latest image of Jambula OS Linux version 2025.3.0 (Great Seasons)! ๐Ÿ’ปโœจ
While this is mostly a maintenance release, I’ve snuck in some exciting features like:

โœ… Remote connections just got easier with Tailscale support! ๐ŸŒ
โœ… Audio calendar alerts are now possible with Radicale ๐Ÿ“…๐Ÿ””
โœ… Nginx web/proxy server support ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ
โœ… Geolocation tool to help you pinpoint device location ๐Ÿ“

For more information about Jambula OS Linux, including instructions on how to download and install it, please visit:
https://github.com/zikusooka/Jambula-OS

Jambula OS Linux – Version 2025.1.0 Released

By Joseph ZikusookaPosted on Posted in Linux, News

I have just compiled and released a new image for Jambula OS Linux version 2025.1.0! This exciting update features a range of innovative enhancements, including:

๐ŸŒŸ Seamless integration with the latest Home Assistant smart home software

๐Ÿ“… Radicale, the lightweight and powerful CalDAV/CardDAV server for all calendaring needs

๐ŸŽต A local music server that supports audio announcements and alerts

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ A talking clock feature that announces the time at hourly intervals

๐ŸŒฆ๏ธ Periodic weather updates delivered through voice alerts tailored to your location

๐Ÿ“ท MQTT-based triggers activated by motion detection from the built-in camera server

For more information about Jambula OS Linux, including instructions on how to download and install it, please visit:

https://github.com/zikusooka/Jambula-OS

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