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 • This issue, we’re all about taking Linux on the move, so what is the oddest place where you’ve found yourself using Linux?

Linux on the move

Rust drama gets more corrosive

Firefox T&Cs revision sparks controversy • Mozilla tries to back-pedal after backlash to changes concerning ownership and resale of user data.

Steam beats Amazon • Amazon’s gaming ambitions fail to topple Steam.

SOVEREIGN STANDARDS • Italo Vignoli is one of the founders of LibreOffice and the Document Foundation.

STABLE STORAGE • Lori Lorusso is head of community, Percona.

Chromium loses uBlock Origin • Google’s Manifest V3 pushes users to alternative, less powerful ad blockers.

Brother firmware kerfuffle • Brother denies blocking third-party ink cartridges.

Matrix could shut down • Hosted bridges face imminent closure unless urgent funding is secured.

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

ZINK OR SWIM • Faith Ekstrand is an engineering fellow at Collabora.

RUST BUCKET • Jon Masters is a kernel hacker who’s been involved with Linux for over 22 years, and works on energy-efficient ARM servers.

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

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

A QUICK REFERENCE TO… WHAT GOES WHERE?

GET HELP NOW!

Mailserver

Helpdex

LETTER OF THE MONTH

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT READ • The official home of some ofyour most loved magazines all in one place. From technology and gaming to the latest celebrity news and health advice, there really is something for everyone.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 • There’s a new king in town, same as the last, says Jarred Walton.

Netrunner 25 • Nate Drake catches the latest Netrunner just in time. Will this Debian-based distro be able to keep up with his demands?

NuTyX 25.02.5 • Nate Drake is crossing the Channel with this independently developed French Linux distro inspired by LFS. Will he sink or swim?

Rhino Linux 2025.2 • Nate Drake takes the Rhino by the horns to discover whether this Ubuntu-based rolling distro is worth charging up.

Tails 6.12 • Nate Drake dives into the murky world of the darknet with this Debian-based distro that routes connections through Tor.

Dwarf Fortress – Steam • Imploring Management not to tunnel too far, Lincoln Carpenter fears they’ll dig too greedily and too deep, and awake what lies in the darkness.

Ubuntu spin-offs • Michael Reed examines five desktop distributions that use Ubuntu as a base and take things off in five unique directions.

The verdict

ALSO CONSIDER

MAKE LINUX MOBILE • Your Android phone is supporting the Google empire. Jonni Bidwell wants to help set it free, through the wonders of open source.

Android problems… • There are privacy, security, philosophical and environmental reasons to FOSSify your phone. As well as plain whimsy.

DANGER BEWARE

Reasons to deGoogle • It’s difficult to see where the free bits of Android stop and the Googley bits...