Linux Magazine #303 - Print Issue
FEBRUARY 2026 – Pixel Tracking
If you spend time on the Internet, you probably already know you're getting followed. One of the biggest sources of online data collection is pixel tracking technology. This month, we look at pixel tracking and tell you about some tools that could help minimize its effects.
On the DVD: Linux Mint 22.10 MATE and MX-25 Linux Xfce
IN THIS ISSUE:
Kernel News
Chronicler Zack Brown discusses AI in the kernel.
Pixel Tracking
Linux users bristle at the whole idea of getting "tracked,"
but pixel tracking is built into the very foundation of the
commercial web. We examine the dark art of pixel tracking and tell
you about some tools that will keep the trackers at bay.
Distro Zoo –
Discount Debian Distros
Nate explores Devuan 6.0, SparkyLinux 8.1, Zorin OS 18, and
BesGnuLinux JWM 3-1.
Gemini CLI
Gemini CLI helps you write, debug, and test your code, all from the
command line.
bandwhich
With bandwhich, you can quickly see the current network load on your
computer.
Shodan
Every pen test begins with information gathering. Give yourself a
head start with the Shodan search engine and its powerful toolkit.
AVI vs. VVC
Video codecs help reduce bandwidth and save storage space. We compare
AVI and VVC to help you decide which one is right for you.
find with xargs
If you're processing a group of files in a single command pipe, the
xargs tool just might save you some precious execution time.
Reproducible
Remote Desktop
The Terraform orchestration tool lets you create a remote desktop
configuration that you can easily bring up and tear down, which could
save you money and add flexibility to your environment.
Programming
Snapshot – YNAB
Mike Schilli analyzes the accounting data exported from the YNAB
financial tool to discover where his hard-earned money is going.
USB and
Microcontrollers
Learn how to enable a microcontroller's USB interface and exchange
data with a host Linux machine. We'll first emulate a serial port,
then build a pen-drive-type device, and finally create a fully custom
data transfer interface.
Tracking Planes
Curious about the planes that fly over your home? With some simple
and affordable equipment, you can receive their ADS-B signals and
uncover detailed flight information.
Doghouse –
Security Keys
Multifactor authentication and hardware security keys can help keep
your information safe.
Game Engine
Remakes
Rather than emulating the old hardware to play games, engine remakes
allow you to combine the original assets with modern conveniences.
num-utils and
datamash
Experts use tools such as bc and dc for arithmetic in the shell. The
num-utils and datamash packages open up further opportunities for
processing numerical values at the command line.
FOSSPicks
Nate explores the top FOSS including the latest version of Waterfox
Browser, an image metadata removal tool, a lightweight media player,
and the latest LibreQuake beta.