Linux Format

Linux Format is your complete guide to the world of Linux. Whether you've just discovered Linux, or you're a full-time guru, Linux Format has everything you need to make the most of your OS. The editorial formula is a mix of features, reviews and practical tutorials that tackle topics as far ranging as installing software to socket programming and network management. Thought-provoking features and interviews also provide a focus on key technologies, trends and issues in the fast-paced world of Free and Open Source software.

MEET THE TE AM • We’re all about taking back control this issue, implementing Pi-hole protection. What open source tools do you use to help bring control back to your life?

Corporate takeover

Google steps up arms race against ad blockers • First ad blocker users experienced interrupts, then YouTube videos loaded slower, now Google is disabling most ad blockers altogether.

ALL AI HYPE

Road map to GIMP 3 • Latest version of GIMP finally has a release schedule.

X.Org being phased out • For four decades, the X Window System has endured despite competition, but major OSes are bowing out.

PipeWire turns 1.0 • The audio/video bus designed to replace PulseAudio, JACK and other systems has now reached version 1.0.

More Linux-first laptops • Linux come preinstalled on more and more machines.

Open firmware doing very well • 100 million firmware updates supplied by the LVFS.

ALL IN THE PIPE!

NEW YEAR! NEW LIBRE!

Distro watch • What’s behind the free software sofa?

Kernel Watch • Jon Masters keeps up with all the latest happenings in the Linux kernel, so you don’t have to.

UPSTREAM FUNK

Answers • Got a burning question about open source or the kernel? Whatever your level, email it to answers@linuxformat.com

Mailserver

Intel Core i5 14600K

EndeavourOS 11-2023 • Nate Drake endeavours to discover all that is great about this Arch-based Linux distro, created by former Antergos developers.

SysLinuxOS 12.2 • Nate Drake dives into SysLinuxOS to find whether its reputation as the dream OS for system administrators is well deserved.

OpenMandriva Lx 5.0 • Nate Drake relives Mandriva Linux’s heyday with its programmer and community-developed successor. Plasma has never looked so good.

Ultramarine Linux 39 • Nate Drake decides to take this Thai Fedora-based distro for a spin and finds it fast, simple and surprisingly customisable.

Steam Deck OLED • Management is overjoyed: “Take an old product and slap a new badge on for more money?” Tyler Colp likes his job too much to correct them.

File managers • File managers are the interface between the user and storage, and Michael Reed looks at five of the best that Linux has to offer.

STAY SAFE ONLINE! • Eat unwanted online nasties by sending packets to the Pi-hole. David Rutland helps you protect your browsing data with the ultimate in a paranoid’s delight!

Coolest Projects 2024 remote and in person • Start your Raspberry Pis! The coolest digital creators competition is ready to open in 2024.

Ubuntu 23.10 for Pi • The ever dapper Les Pounder has been using Ubuntu since Dapper Drake and has been looking forward to sampling this Pi-based iteration.

Bambu Lab A1 Mini • Good things come in small packages is something Denise Bertacchi never says – now she’s eating her delicious words.

Build a Pi Pico electronic piano • Les Pounder is trying his best to make his mum proud by not taking apart an electronic piano!

Torrent your slice of Pi • Torrenting isn’t all about taking – Christian Cawley helps you use a Raspberry Pi to serve open source ISOs on the BitTorrent P2P network.

The rise and fall (and rise again)...