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 looking to blast off with Linux in 2021, so we asked our team of writers what new software, tech or projects they were looking forward to in 2021…

Year of the Linux…?

Red Hat kills off CentOS eight years early • Support for the distribution will no longer last until 2029, and people are seeing red at Red Hat’s move.

Google changes sign-ins • Google account sign-ins from embedded browser frames will be blocked from 4 January 2021.

What now for 32-bit Linux? • Companies, distros and manufacturers are moving to 64-bit only support, so where does that leave 32-bit systems?

PAY THE MAN!

INSTANT BIFROST

RISC-V smashes records • Micro Magic’s RISC-V-based CPU generates record-breaking results.

Boost to Vulkan • Advanced lighting rolling out to the Vulkan graphics API.

New NTFS driver • NTFS 3 kernel driver gets better compression features.

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

OPEN-ISH SOURCE?

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

LOOKING FORWARD

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

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… CRON

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

SPECS

AMD Radeon RX 6800 • The RX 6800 not only delivers 1,440p performance, it demolishes the RTX 2080 Ti at 4K, too says Jacob Ridley.

VERDICT

DRIVER PROGRESS

Guix System v1.2.0 • Strap in for this wild tour of the distro designed for the uber-geeks with your knowledgeable guide Mayank Sharma.

WHAT WE HURD?

VERDICT

Edge on Linux (dev) • Microsoft’s shiny new browser touches down on Linux. Mayank Sharma fires it up for a test drive… or will it become a voyage of discovery?

VERDICT

Feren OS 2020.11 • Mayank Sharma discovers that this distribution is one of the best options to introduce new users to Linux. It’s time to spread the word!

VERDICT

SPECS

Amnesia: Rebirth • Management refuses to go into the server dungeon, and for good reason – Leana Hafer has returned a changed woman.

VERDICT

Astronomy software • If you’re a novice stargazer but clueless about how to feed your passion, Shashank Sharma knows a few tools to help you get started…

HOW WE TESTED…

Features • What can you do with and learn from these applications?

Customisations • Kicking things up a notch with even more databases and catalogues.

Unique selling points • What makes these programs special?

Usability • Balancing ease of use with functionality.

Platform and hardware support • Will they work on your Linux distribution and device?

Search options • Can you look up coordinates and space objects?

Support and documentation • Is that a new star you’ve found, or just a speck of dust?

The Verdict

ALSO CONSIDER

BLAST OFF WITH LINUX! •...