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 TEAM

Flexible friend

Debian embraces DuckDuckGo • The distro’s switch from Google as its default search engine causes controversy over privacy concerns.

PINE64 drama as moderator quits

Hacked tractor plays Doom… • …but also runs outdated and unpatched hardware.

STOP THE SPRAWL

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

Canonical embraces RISC-V • Ubuntu now supported on StarFive’s VisionFive RISC-V boards.

Flathub undergoes key changes • The project will make donating to teams easier.

LibreOffice 7.4 released • Now with greater file support and documentation for scripts.

AI GETS IN YOUR FACE

Distro watch

Kernel Watch • Jon Masters summarises the latest happenings in the Linux kernel, so that you don’t have to. 

MY SPACE

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

Mailserver

REVIEWS AMD Ryzen 5500

DragonflyBSD 6.2.2 • David Rutland takes a long and confusing journey to the land before time, where things look familiar... but aren’t.

KDE Neon 2022.08 • David Rutland finds that KDE is a delight to behold and regardless of whether it’s a ‘real’ distro, it’s a charming and relaxing place to be.

NuTyX 22.07 • David Rutland finds this distro with its unique package management system a little less nutty than he had expected. It’s certainly a bit crunchy.

Emmabuntüs 4-1 • David Rutland finds that the latest stable distro release is a little lacking in the “zig-a-zig-ah” department. Maybe it was lost in translation…

Psychonauts 2 • When Management said they’re implementing a mindfulness policy, Matthew Castle didn’t realise it meant entering his very psyche!

Creative-writing tools • Struggling to compose a story? Nick Peers reviews five tools that all provide more than a simple writing environment to help bring your novels to life.

Installation, upgrades • How easy is it to install and get up and running with each tool?

User interface and navigation • Are these tools easy to use and how accessible are their features?

Standout features

Planning your novel’s structure

Keep your stories organised • How does each tool organise your story and let you alter its running order?

Write and export your story

Helper and search tools

The Verdict

MULTI-BOOT MINT 21! • Got a new PC with Windows on it? Jonni Bidwell shows how you can get Linux Mint too, without breaking a thing.

Taking precautions

Installing stereo operating systems • A few more cross-checks and detours, then we can get the freshest edition of Mint installed on your machine…

Tweaking the Mint • Finish the Mint installation, enjoy a fresh view of your Windows files and learn more about UEFI.

Logical Volume Manager

RS Group loses its 10-year Pi licence • RS Components had been a manufacturer and distributor of Raspberry Pi since its launch in 2012.

Low-Profile ICE Tower • Les Pounder’s Raspberry Pi runs cool. In contrast, Les always feels the heat. Could this new cooler make even our expert chill out this summer?

Pimoroni Trilobot...