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.

Not so smart

MEET THE TEAM • This issue, we’re getting AIs to badly develop ap plications for us. Hurrah! So, what are you going to do with all the spare time your personal AI is going to free up?

Newsdesk • THIS ISSUE: EU threat to open source Plasma features face chop Gnome opens window plans Debian embraces RISC-V

JUST BUGGIN’

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

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT…

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

Mailserver

BarraCuda 8TB HDD

GeForce RTX 4060

Murena Fairphone 4 • Fairest of them all, Jonni Bidwell is excited by an ethical phone with a privacy-respecting operating system.

Peppermint OS • After years of sampling Linux Mint, Nate Drake opts for something spicier in the hybrid Peppermint OS, which integrates cloud-based apps.

Fatdog64 Linux 814 • Nate Drake decides to look in on Fatdog, a Puppy-based OS that’s grown into a very credible canine in its own right.

Media-creation distros • Michael Reed examines five distributions, aimed at creative types, that come packed with applications, utilities and plugins.

Customisations & extra features

Base distro and package repros • We need a strong foundation with access to the latest software.

Using the user interface

System efficiency • It’s a shame if the distro starts gobbling up resources before you’ve even started.

Audio, music and plugins • Showcasing what Linux can do in this realm and saving installation effort.

Video and graphics apps • Ready-to-go drawing and painting applications are always welcome.

Documentation and support • Information on how to get things running and overcome difficulties.

The verdict

A.I. CODING • Matt Holder spends some time discovering how AI, ML and LLM can be used to help us with our programming – and, yes, he explains what the acronyms mean as well…

Pi Foundation open sources its Code Editor • Accelerating feature development and generally doing the right thing all round, hurrah!

RP2040 ETH Mini Dev • Les Pounder loves all his Pi collection, but sometimes there’s some he simply can’t love as much…

Sonic Mini 8K S • Always on the lookout for upgrades, Denise Bertacchi doubly likes it when there’s a bargain, too.

Build a flashy dice roller with NeoPixels • Les Pounder is learning to multitask but we think he misunderstood the instructions.

Smart management for smart kiosks • Tam Hanna takes a look at how Ubuntu Frame harnesses Wayland’s strengths to make smart display management more comfortable.

Best kept secrets • A man who keeps his cards close to his chest, we struggled to persuade Shashank Sharma to reveal how he protects his passwords.

Upgrade your Steam Deck SSD • Neil Mohr asked hardcore PC gamers Tony Polanco and Katie Wickens to upgrade a Linux device – what could possibly go wrong?

Access services with Nginx reverse proxy • Nick Peers discovers how to open your network services to the internet with this user-friendly implementation of...