Inside you’ll learn about running Linux on your mobile and protecting your privacy online, discover how to write your own retro games, build a smart home and more, as we explore the wonderful world of open source and bring you tips, tricks and top Pi projects to help you get the most out of your passion. Enjoy!
WELCOME
ESSENTIAL FEATURES
ESCAPE WINDOWS • Looking for a practical alternative to Windows? Nick Peers reveals how to set up and use the extremely user-friendly Elementary OS.
It’s virtually Linux • Before going any further, give your chosen flavour of Linux a thorough test run with the help of free virtualisation software.
INSTALL LINUX IN VIRTUALBOX
Install Elementary OS alongside Windows • You’ve made your choice – it’s time to install Linux alongside Windows.
CHOOSE A DIFFERENT FLAVOUR
Take the desktop tour • The big selling point of Elementary OS is its desktop – here’s what you need to know.
INSTALL VIRTUALBOX GUEST ADDITIONS
Installing new apps • Finding and installing apps in Elementary OS is easy, but you’ll need more than the default app store provided.
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTARY OS APPS
Take a deeper dive • Your new operating system is up and running, and your journey into Linux has begun. Here’s where to focus your efforts next.
GO FURTHER IN ELEMENTARY
Free our SOFTWARE! • Taking anything for granted is dangerous, so Jonni Bidwell and Mike Saunders revisit how the free software movement got started to help free us from proprietary tyranny!
TIMELINE
In 2011, boy genius Mike Saunders met Stallman at the Institute of Engineering and Technology in London, where he put to him some of the questions you’d asked…
RETRO EMULATION • The Linux Format team all have their favourite retro memories, and Jonni Bidwell is here to regale y’all with them.
Relive past computers • A roundup of the computers that made us smile (and occasionally swear).
RETRO GAMING ON PCS
Retro gaming on the Pi • Set up RetroPie and set a course for nostalgic reverie.
SETTING UP RETROPIE
Those magnificent machines of the 1980s • The eight-bit machines managed to do a huge amount with just a smidgeon of memory and CPUs that would faint looking at long division.
ANATOMY OF RETROPIE
MODERNISING GRAPHICS
16-bit hits • For many, us included, the golden age of computing was characterised by the Amiga 500 or Atari ST.
RETRO-FITTING RETRO HARDWARE WITH RASPBERRY PI
Open source RAW photography • Linux offers all the pro-level tools you could possibly need for better photos. Karsten Günther is your top-tips guide.
TAKING RAW PHOTOS
RAW CONVERTERS
FREE YOUR PHONE! • Lesser-spotted Jonni Bidwell climbs to the top of a 5G mast to extol the benefits of running Linux on your phone.
The issue with Android • Android is a hodge-podge of free and proprietary components.
MOBILE LANDFILL AND HOW TO STOP IT
Jump to LineageOS • Enjoy fully featured Android without all the proprietary bits.
THE PERILS OF BOOTLOADER UNLOCKING
Get to know LineageOS • We take a quick tour of the latest OS to power your mobile device.
RASPBERRY PI
Install GNU/Linux • Touch base with Ubuntu Touch or branch out into PostmarketOS.
HALIUM, LIBHYBRIS AND FRIENDS
Open source apps • Get into the F-Droid store and find fun and functional tools (that don’t send all your data Borg-wards).
DISTINCTLY CLOSED GOOGLE APPS
GET INTO CODING! • Code monkey Jonni Bidwell’s firmware has glitched out, so he must teach himself to code again. He hopes you’ll join him for the adventure…
Initial conditions • There are any...