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

WHO WE ARE • This issue we’re orchestrating our many virtual machines. How many VMs do you have stacked up on your work system and what are you using them for?

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Docker

Is online privacy the hot topic for 2021? • Users alarmed by WhatsApp’s new terms flock to alternative messaging tools offering better privacy.

Linus vs Intel • Linus Torvalds blasts Intel for not supporting ECC memory.

Affordable RISC-V PC arrives • BeagleV is a RISC-V computer designed to run Linux.

THE END IS NIGH, SO…?

SPRING CLEANING

Apple M1 Macs get Linux support • Apple’s OS 11.2 now supports booting custom kernels

FOSS watch • PineTime takes on the Apple Watch and other wearables.

Faster Firefox • Firefox 84 brings HW acceleration to Linux.

Distro watch • What’s down the side of the free software sofa?

IT’S GOOD TO SHARE

TIME’S UP FOR OLD KIT

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

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

Mailserver • Write to us at Linux Format, Future Publishing, Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA or lxf.letters@futurenet.com.

LETTER OF THE MONTH

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

AT YOUR SERVICE

GET HELP NOW!

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X • As Alan Dexter discovers, this chip may be the runt of the Zen 3 family, but it delivers where it counts most: gaming.

SPECS

Slackel 7.4 • Before he couldn’t work with Arch, he couldn’t work with Slackware, which is why Mayank Sharma jumps at everything that mentions the venerable distro.

RebornOS 2020.12.28 • The constant deluge of Arch-based distros can put anyone to sleep, but this one makes Mayank Sharma wake up from his slumber.

Rescuezilla 2.1 • With perennial fat fingers, Mayank Sharma has been messing with hard disks long enough to know that good rescue tools are worth their weight in gold.

IN BRIEF

Garuda Linux 210101 • Mayank Sharma has enjoyed one Arch-based distribution this month, but will lightning strike twice or has he been taken in by the distro’s tall claims?

IN BRIEF

Wasteland 3 • Management simply hates weirdos and snow, so this is a bad time of year for them and they’re taking it out on Jody Macgregor.

Game engines • There’s never been a better time to get into game development on Linux. Michael Reed puts five capable engines under the microscope.

HOW WE TESTED…

How free is it? • There are different kinds of free…

Community and support • A game engine is useless without a way of learning how to use it.

2D workflow and features • Top down, overhead, side on or something else?

Programming environment and GUI • A difficult environment can lead to eventual loss of interest.

3D workflow and features • How easy is it to create a world to move around in?

Extras • Anything that makes it stand out from the rest?

Ease of use • This is relative because some engines are more capable in terms of what they can do.

The Verdict

ALSO...