Linux Format Issue 265 (August 2020)

Five emerging Linux distributions take the spotlight in Linux Format Issue 265, alongside practical tutorials for programmers, system tinkerers, and Raspberry Pi users. This August 2020 issue brings together the magazine’s characteristic mix of Linux news, software and hardware reviews, interviews, and hands-on projects.

Meet a new generation of Linux distributions

The cover feature explores five distributions—Endless OS 3.8, Fedora 32, Linux Mint 20, Pop!_OS 20, and Solus 4.1—looking at the different approaches and features behind this newer crop of Linux systems. A separate roundup turns to file management, comparing tools that include Dolphin, Krusader, Midnight Commander, and Ranger.

Practical projects, from Pi to Python

The tutorials put open-source tools to work. Build a stop-motion animation project with a Raspberry Pi, explore game programming by creating a Pac-Man-inspired title in Python, or use to visualize data. Other lessons cover terminal-based file management, ebook design and publishing with Sigil, Arduino circuit simulation, and monitoring Linux systems and Docker deployments.

Reviews and open-source perspectives

Issue 265 also reviews the Purism Librem 5 smartphone, the Intel Frost Canyon NUC, and Linux software, while interviews and news coverage consider open-source policy, technology, and developments in the Linux world. The result is a varied issue for readers who like to learn by trying tools and following the wider open-source community.

A lively read for Linux explorers

Whether you are comparing desktop distributions, refining your command-line habits, or looking for a small maker project, this issue offers several different paths into Linux. Its tutorials and reviews span beginner-friendly creative projects as well as topics of interest to more experienced users.