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The mid-autumn distro season is always fun. We get a new interim release of Ubuntu (see page 20) and a brand new version of Fedora. Both use the Gnome 47 [...]

Last issue we reviewed Murena's Fairphone 4 (its latest and greatest offering loaded with the privacy-respecting/e/OS). We noted a few rough edges, but on the whole were very impressed. So [...]

Thanks to LibreOffice's superb document compatibility, Linux users no longer have to worry about dealing with Microsoft Office files. And Windows and Mac OS users need no longer be forced [...]

Northern hemisphere summer may be over, but no more heatwaves doesn't mean the weather shouldn't be monitored. In fact, we should probably pay yet more attention to it. To that [...]

If you've never heard of KDE, you're missing out on a fantastic desktop experience. Or maybe you have heard of it, but recall it bringing your system to a crawl [...]

We're almost as guilty as some of our readers when it comes to hoarding old hardware. If it ain't broke don't throw it away, we always say. However, tracking down [...]

Readers in the US who are on the lookout for a Linux machine could do a lot worse than hit up Denver-based System76 and grab one of its fine desktops [...]

High-profile headlines involving the gerund 'hacking' are becoming increasingly common. Nary a day goes by without cybercrooks making off with millions of dollars worth of internet money (or 'priceless' NFTs). [...]

Ahuge number of readers, we reckon, will fondly look back on the Commodore Amiga 500. Sure, some may remember further back, to the C64s, Spectrum or even the BBC Micro. [...]

When the Steam Client came to Linux it was a watershed moment for gaming. At the time of its official release in January 2013, Linux gamers could run some 50 [...]

Perl is a language that today is all-too-often overlooked. Its creator Larry Wall was making open source software long before the phrase had entered the common parlance. He wrote the [...]

This document provides a comprehensive overview of Qubes OS, a secure operating system that focuses on compartmentalization to protect against security threats. It explains how the system works, including the use of isolated virtual machines and Application VMs that are rebuilt on each use. The document also discusses the installation process, configuring networking options, and navigating the unique desktop environment. It emphasizes the importance of keeping the system updated and secure, and provides tips for maximizing privacy and protecting against threats. Additionally, it explains how to use disposable qubes and backup important data. Overall, the document offers a detailed guide for using Qubes OS for secure computing. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a comprehensive guide for users of Linux Mint 22, a popular operating system. It highlights the features and improvements of the new release, emphasizing its suitability for both beginners and experienced users. The article discusses the foundation of Linux Mint on Ubuntu 24.04 and the availability of different desktop environments. It also covers topics such as the overhauled Software Manager, the inclusion of verified applications from Flathub, and instructions on how to boot and install Mint. The article concludes by mentioning the advantages of being based on Ubuntu, such as extensive testing and long-term support. Additionally, it provides tips and instructions on various topics including system updates, antivirus software, software management, web browsing, file transfer, and customization options. The article also mentions the availability of resources such as official documentation, community forums, and chat support for users seeking assistance. [Extracted from the article]

BACK IN 2015, Microsoft decided that it loved Linux so much it built a whole Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which enabled Linux programs and development stacks to run natively. [...]

After an extended break, alleged hacker Jonni Bidwell emerges from the shadows to teach you the noble art and keep you out of trouble. It's that time again when our [...]

When Richard Stallman wrote the first version of the GPL, even if no one but people contributing to the GNU Project were using it, it represented a major shake-up of [...]

Linux Mint continues to go from strength to strength, as you'll know if you've already had a play with the latest 20.2 release. If not, what are you waiting for? [...]

Linux has a reputation for reliability. People band around phrases like 'rock-solid stability', 'outstanding resilience' and sometimes even 'unbreakable', but often people's experience of Linux runs entirely counter to this. [...]

Being an online broadcaster has been a legitimate profession for some years. But the pandemic fuelled a surge in aspiring home streamers. And despite the ongoing relaxation of measures, the [...]

Last issue we studied Ubuntu 21.04, which marks the distro's shift from the X.org display server to Wayland (on amenable hardware). But this isn't the first time Canonical tried using [...]

So there was us happily thinking things were getting back to normal, enjoying a beer on the terrace that latterly had become our base of Friday operations. We sipped our [...]

The article from Linux Format discusses the new Fedora release, highlighting its user-friendly features, software availability, and installation process. Fedora is presented as a beginner-friendly distribution with seamless updates and support for proprietary software. The article also covers customization options, keyboard shortcuts, and the installation of additional desktop environments. It emphasizes Fedora's compatibility with Nvidia drivers, AI tools, and alternative spins catering to diverse desktop preferences. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive guide for users interested in exploring Fedora's features and functionalities. [Extracted from the article]

The 1995 movie Hackers has a lot to answer for. Not only was there egregious product placement for a certain fizzy beverage with red and white branding, but it helped [...]

At the risk of overextending an already slightly dubious metaphor, Kubernetes (k8s) is fast becoming the operating system of the cloud. But how did we get to this point? And [...]

We do love the Raspberry Pi here at LXF Towers. And so do our digital colleagues at tomshardware.com, home to our Pi User's Les Pounder. So with their help we've [...]

We don't think that governments Wor tech giants have good reason to be monitoring every aspect of our lives. But we do think it's well within your remit to monitor [...]

As humanity becomes ever more connected, so our lives and information about them move ineluctably online. In times past, the only information about citizens was held in paper records in [...]

Creative ingenuity and the ability to cram a network stack into the smallest of things have gifted us, over the past few years, some pretty cool home innovations. Legacy (classical?) [...]

Netflix's hit show The Queen's Gambit has opened more people's eyes to the fascinating world of chess. The characters in that show may be fictional, but chess aficionados will know [...]

Forget about the draconian confines of reality and immerse yourself (well, your computing) in a virtual world. Jonni Bidwell's here with a machines-inside-machines extravaganza. Virtual machines--where would we be without [...]

This article provides an overview of virtual private networks (VPNs) and their use in enhancing privacy and security online. It explains that a VPN is a proxy that routes internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, making it difficult for ISPs to track users' online activities. The article discusses the history of VPNs, potential risks associated with using consumer VPNs, and the importance of choosing a reputable VPN provider. It recommends Proton VPN as a reliable option for Linux users and cautions against relying on free VPN tools. The article also mentions other premium services and provides step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring Proton VPN on Linux. It concludes by discussing the option of hosting your own VPN using OpenVPN or WireGuard and provides basic instructions for setting up each. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Linux Format explores how Linux operating systems can be effectively used on older machines. It highlights that while modern operating systems may struggle on older hardware, there are Linux distributions that can run on machines up to 20 years old. The article provides examples of these distributions and offers advice on upgrading old hardware for better performance. It also discusses the system requirements for major desktop Linux distributions and dispels the myth that 32-bit hardware cannot use more than 4GB of RAM. The article concludes by mentioning the increasing demands of newer software and suggests various ways to upgrade and optimize old hardware. It introduces Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) as a user-friendly distribution suitable for older hardware and provides information on installation and troubleshooting. The text also advises users on installing a PAE kernel if their CPU supports it and discusses lightweight web browsers and alternative Linux distributions for older machines. It concludes by mentioning the option of enrolling older machines into Ubuntu Pro for extended support. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides an overview of KDE Neon, a Linux distribution that features the KDE Plasma desktop environment. It highlights the various features and functionalities of KDE Neon, such as software updates through the Discover app, the availability of Snap packages, and the use of the pkcon package manager. The article also discusses the integration of KDE Connect for mobile device management, the transition to the Wayland display protocol, theming options in KDE Plasma, and the use of Activities for organizing tasks. It concludes by mentioning the use of KDE Plasma in the Steam Deck gaming device and the availability of Plasma Mobile for mobile devices. [Extracted from the article]

This text provides an overview of Ubuntu, a Linux operating system, and offers tips and information for users. It emphasizes the versatility of Ubuntu, which is used by a diverse range of people, from beginners to professionals. The text explains the importance of the command line interface, or Terminal, for manipulating the system. It also discusses useful commands and features, such as power profiles, hardware management, and software updates. The text mentions Ubuntu Pro, a paid service that offers extended support and additional features. It also introduces different flavors of Ubuntu, including Kubuntu, MATE, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, and others, each with its own desktop environment. The text highlights the availability of applications in the Snap Store and Flathub, but cautions users to be cautious of unverified apps. It concludes by mentioning gaming on Ubuntu and the option of using virtual machines to try out different Linux distributions. [Extracted from the article]

Nary an issue of Linux Format goes by without us mentioning Nextcloud, the open source private cloud. And that's because it's fantastic, and there's a lot that you can do [...]

Linux is full of virtual dials, switches and frobs that can tweak, monitor or break pretty much every aspect of the system. You can meddle with GPU settings in /sys/class/drm, [...]

This article discusses the latest release of Wine, a software that allows Windows applications to run on Linux. It highlights the new features of Wine 9.0, including Wayland support and an improved Vulkan renderer. The article also mentions Proton, a Wine fork from Valve Software that is used in the Steam platform and Steam Deck, which makes it easier to run Windows-only games on Linux. The article provides instructions for installing Wine on Ubuntu and recommends using the stable release for most users. It concludes by demonstrating how to run the Notepad++ text editor using Wine. Additionally, this document provides instructions for installing and configuring Notepad++ on Linux using Wine, including downloading the installer, running it using Wine, and configuring Wine using the Winecfg tool. It also discusses Wine's improved Wayland support and its handling of 64-bit Windows binaries. The document mentions the Wine Registry Editor and Control Panel, as well as the use of Winetricks to manage libraries. Finally, it mentions Wine's availability on other platforms, such as Mac OS and ChromeOS. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the growing popularity of retro gaming and the tools available to recreate past computing eras. It focuses on specific emulators for machines like the ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro, Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari ST. The article also discusses the option of running retro games on a PC through emulation or reworked versions of classic games. It provides information on setting up RetroPie on a Raspberry Pi for an authentic retro gaming experience. The article emphasizes the legal use of ROMs and the availability of various emulators for different platforms. It also highlights the capabilities of the VIC-II chip and the SID chip, used in the Commodore 64, for impressive graphics and sound. The article includes instructions on installing and configuring emulators for the Commodore 64 and Atari ST, as well as mentions of hardware add-ons that enhance the retro gaming experience. [Extracted from the article]

We've been using Pop!_OS on a seventh-generation Dell XPS 13 since the 20.04 LTS release, so were excited to see how the new edition worked. The upgrade was smooth (if [...]

The upshot is there's a whole host of very capable hardware stuck running Windows 10, and when that goes EOL in 2025, that hardware will have to exit the Microsoft ecosystem, one way or another. It's generally not possible to upgrade CPUs on laptops (old desktop upgrades tend to offer only minor speed bumps), so the next bit of hardware we'll address is that noisy hard drive. FEATURES It is the season of rejuvenation and a time for investing in new hardware. OLD HARDWARE vs NEW SOFTWARE Microsoft would love you to buy a new Windows 11 PC, but your old hardware can find a new lease of life. [Extracted from the article]

The article reviews the Murena's Fairphone 4, a first 5G privacy conscious and sustainable phone, with a focus on its privacy-respecting operating system.

One of the joys of Linux is that it enables users to run all kinds of services, which they might otherwise rely on some giant internet company to do. Said [...]

Well, it's quite the Mint-fest this issue, what with it being on the cover, the disc, Jonni's virtual machines and (as always) Effy's laptop. Why all this attention? For a [...]

Graphics on Linux is complicated. On Windows, you have one driver model and one graphics API (DirectX... okay there are multiple versions, and subsets such as Direct2D). On Linux we've [...]

Consumer VPNs (virtual private networks) are big business. Indeed, if all the sponsored product placement and affiliate linking is anything to go by, then just a few bucks a month [...]

These days we're never far from cybercrime-themed headlines. What was very much in the realms of sci-fi a couple of decades ago has become almost commonplace today. In the past [...]

Despite the name, Calculate Linux isn't focused on complex numbers and calculations. And despite being Gentoo, using it won't necessarily imply hours of compilations because it uses binary packages. Yet [...]

Fedora and Ubuntu are both highly regarded distros, but have different approaches in a number of areas. If you were to believe the first few Google results comparing them, you'd [...]