Back Issues

Issue #232: Stop Ads– Before they reach your browser

Web ads and ad scripts can slow down your system and gum up your web experience. Browser-based ad-blockers are useful for controlling many types of popups and banners, but they are less effective with ads built into applications – and they are often difficult to implement on mobile devices. This month we look at a couple of alternative tools for blocking ads at the network level: Pi-hole and Privoxy.

Other highlights include:
* Firewalld and OpenSnitch – a practical workshop on configuring firewalls for outgoing, as well as incoming, traffic.
* Create a Personal Web Archive – Future-proof your bookmark library by downloading and archiving web pages.
* MakerSpace – This month includes a study of the tiny BBC micro:bit.
* LinuxVoice – Learn to build a unified game library with GameHub.

On the DVD: GParted and Kali Linux

DVD contents are not available with the digital version of the magazine.

Issue #231: Tiling – Speed up your desktop experience with Regolith and the i3 tiling window manager

Are tiling window managers still relevant for today's desktop? This month we explore the possibilities of the tiling paradigm with a modern Linux built for tiling.

Other highlights include:
* Cryptomator – A free tool for encrypting cloud data.
* Unison – Access your files from anywhere with SSH and this popular sync tool.
* MakerSpace – Build your own security camera with a Raspberry Pi and motionEyeOS.
* LinuxVoice – We look at the Kube communication and collaboration client.

On the DVD: MX Linux MX-19 (64-bit) and Zorin OS 15 Core (64-bit)

Issue #230: Automation Tricks – Building custom solutions for the intelligent home

Home automation is no longer the stuff of science fiction. This month we explore some versatile tools for Linux users who are interested in IoT but don't want to surrender the freedom of open platforms and open source.

Other features include:
* PXE Boot with TinyCore – Your old computer can live on even without a hard drive. Boot across the network with PXE.
* Symphytum – Create a simple and practical database for your notes, recipes, or pine cone collection.
* MakerSpace – A real-world project with the Python Remote Objects Library (Pyro).
* LinuxVoice – We look at the Gotify push notification tool, a self-hosted open source notification solution.

On the DVD: Fedora Workstation 31 and Ubuntu "Eoan Ermine" Desktop 19.10

Issue #229: The Future of Vector Graphics

Vector graphics applications like Inkscape are a popular option for creating scalable graphics. Could these tools be even better? As is often the case, the science is out in front of the mainstream. We show you some innovations that could revolutionize tomorrow's graphics apps.

Also in this month's issue:
* Go Game Development – Create a gambling machine using the versatile Go programming language.
* Mediapurge – Organize your media files and eliminate duplicates.
* MakerSpace – Learn to configure a multiboot Raspberry Pi with BerryBoot.
* LinuxVoice – This month we give you an introduction to Anbox, a cool tool that lets you launch Android apps on Linux.

On the DVD: Arch Linux and CentOS 8.0.1905

Issue #228: Anonymous File Sharing – Pass files secretly with OnionShare

SOLD OUT: This issue is sold out. To purchase the digital version, please click here.

Sure you've heard of the Tor Browser, but what about OnionShare? This cool tool for the invisible web lets you share files without revealing your identity.

Also in this month's issue:
* Baobab – find and remove unnecessary files and directories.
* Secure Online Passwords – discover some tools and techniques for keeping online passwords safe.
* MakerSpace – Learn to expand the range of wireless communication for IoT devices using the low-power and long-range LoRa communication protocol.
* LinuxVoice – We study the Lutris gaming platform and take a swat at McFly, an innovative solution that brings the power of AI to the Bash shell.

On the DVD: Knoppix 8.6 and Super Grub2

DVD contents are not available with the digital version of the magazine.

Issue #227: Backup – Practical tools for protecting your data

The bad news is that disasters happen. The good news is that Linux has a variety of powerful backup tools that will protect you when disaster strikes. This month, we cover some backup apps for the†Linux environment, including Rclone, restic, and rsnapshot.

Elsewhere in this issue:
* Local DNS with Unbound – improve performance and enhance security with a local DNS server.
* Jade Desktop – the creators claim this new desktop environment will "change the way you interact with your desktop".
* MakerSpace – A look at the LibreELEC media center distro
* LinuxVoice – A study of some useful and little-known photo tools.

On the DVD: Linux Mint 19.2 "MATE Edition" and Debian 10 "Buster"

DVD contents are not available with the digital version of the magazine.

Issue #226: Spotlight on Small Distros – Choose the best small-footprint Linux for your environment

Hardware resources keep expanding, and mainstream OS systems also keep expanding, sucking up the newfound space with more and better bloatware. But many users would rather escape the arms race and keep it simple. This month, we review some of the top resource-conscious small distros.

Also in this month's issue:
* Nftables – this new tool for managing Linux firewalls is gradually replacing iptables.
* Timeshift – a user-friendly app for creating and managing system snapshots.
* MakerSpace – Learn to build a homegrown IoT humidity monitor
* LinuxVoice – This month includes tutorials on WordPress and 3D.

On the DVD: Manjaro Gnome 18.0.4 and MX Linux 18.3

Issue #225: IoT on the Cheap – Hack your smart plugs and make them talk to Linux

This month we show you how to hack a smart plug, reflash the firmware, and control it from a nearby Linux computer. If you love the concept of the Internet of Things but you don't like spending a lot of money on proprietary gadgets, read on for our low-tech high-tech solution.

Also in this month’s issue:
* eBPF – explore the performance and monitoring tools available through the enhanced BPF in-kernel virtual machine.
* Karoshi – an innovative Linux distro with the emphasis on simplifying configuration.
* MakerSpace – We look at the Rasp Pi as a function generator.
* LinuxVoice – This month we have articles on GnuCash and the Fanurio time management tool.

On the DVD: openSUSE Leap 15.1 and SystemRescueCd

Issue #224: Energy Consumption – Why are some applications more efficient?

Energy efficiency studies often focus on hardware, but what about the software? As it turns out, software tools created for similar tasks sometimes use energy very differently.

Also in this issue:
* Barrier – declutter your desk with a free tool that lets you operate multiple computers with one keyboard and one mouse.
* Network Analysis – Search for intruders with tcpdump, Wireshark, and NetFlow.
* MakerSpace – We look at malware analysis on the Raspberry Pi as well as a study of Amazon's Greengrass IoT services.
* Linux Voice – We highlight some unsung command-line tools and explore some useful LibreOffice extensions.

On the DVD: Ubuntu 19.04 and Fedora 30