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 • We’re trying out Raspberry Pi and Pico projects this issue – so what’s your favourite maker project or Pi add-on?

Pico boo!

Is Wayland ready for prime time? • With Ubuntu switching to Wayland as default, along with support from Nvidia and Wine, things are looking good for the display server protocol.

Linux lands on the Red Planet • The Perseverance rover’s successful Mars landing took Linux and open source software to another planet.

Secured-core server announced • AMD and Microsoft have teamed up to bring a greater degree of security to devices.

SALUTING KERNELCI

RISKY BUSINESS

Make your own laptop • A modular notebook that users can easily configure and upgrade.

Bye bye Python 2 • Fedora is now almost free from Python 2, though some packages still require the aging language.

Play games with Steam Link • Steam Link enables you to stream games from your PC to other devices.

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

PRIORITIES THE PEOPLE

TRIED AND TRUSTED

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

WHAT’S COOKING IN THE KERNEL?

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

A QUICK REFERENCE TO: KERNEL MODULES

GET HELP NOW!

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

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X • Zak Storey climbs onto the closest thing the computing industry has to a unicorn, and straps in for the ride of his life.

SPECS

WD Black SN850 1TB • Move over Samsung, there’s a new PCIe 4.0 storage king in town says Alan Dexter, as he reaches for the ermine-lined cloak.

SPECS

SparkyLinux 2021.03 • Its rather unimpressive-looking screenshots intrigued Mayank Sharma, who wants to find how this distro has survived for as long as it has.

SystemRescue 8.0 • If you’re as adventurous with your installations as Mayank Sharma, then you too would want to keep a copy of this distro handy…

IN BRIEF

CentOS Stream 8 • Mayank Sharma takes a look at the distro that has the open source community up in arms, to see what the hullabaloo is all about.

Spiritfarer • In these turbulent times management has shown uncharacteristic compassion and allowed Rachel Watts to contemplate life.

Audio workstations • The Linux desktop has always had its share of music software. Michael Reed looks at the cream of the current Digital Audio Workstations crop.

HOW WE TESTED…

Plugin support • There are many plugin standards in the computer audio world.

Installation • How easy is it to install a DAW?

User interface and ease of use • It’s the nerve centre, so it’d better be good.

JACK support • The JACK system offers an advantage to Linux-based musicians.

MIDI workflow • For electronic music, MIDI workflow is the most important aspect of a DAW.

Audio workflow • Recording audio, chopping it up and processing it are key DAW...