Cover Theme: Locked Down!

DVD Theme: Debian 11 and Redcore Linux 2101

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The security landscape keeps changing, and experienced users know they need to keep their eyes open for tools and techniques that give an edge. This month we study smartcards, hard drive encryption, and a less-bloated alternative to Sudo.

Cover Theme: Linux From Scratch

DVD Theme: Linux Mint 20.2 Cinnamon Edition and Garuda Linux KDE Dr460nized Edition

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Building an operating system is not like compiling a desktop app. You’ll need to create a complete development environment – and if you follow the steps carefully, you’ll emerge with a deeper understanding of Linux.

Cover Theme: Inside the Kernel

DVD Theme: AlmaLinux Minimal 8.4 and SystemRescueCD 8.03

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The only real way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Linux is to write about Linux itself – not the agglomeration of software we know as a Linux distro, but the real Linux – the beating heart in the center of it all: the Linux kernel.

Cover Theme: Turn Your Android into a Linux PC

DVD Theme: openSUSE Leap 15.3 and Kubuntu 21.04

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Learn how to run Linux applications on your Android phone with UserLAnd without voiding your device warranty.

Cover Theme: Brain Tools

DVD Theme: Ubuntu 21.04 and Fedora 34 Workstation

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Sometimes you want the computer to think for you, and sometimes you want the computer to make you think. This month we present a selection of free Linux tools for learning and thinking. Flash through virtual flashcards with Anki, create mathematical presentations with Manim, and, to keep your mind sharp, take a turn with the gbrainy brain teaser collection.

Cover Theme: Post-Quantum Encryption

DVD Theme: Knoppix 9.1 and Zorin OS 15.3 Core

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Quantum computers are still at the experimental stage, but mathematicians have already discovered some quantum-based algorithms that will demolish the best of our current encryption methods. What better time to look for quantum encryption alternatives?

Cover Theme: Faster Startup

DVD Theme: Manjaro KDE Plasma 20.2.1 and Clonezilla Live 2.7.1

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Weary of waiting for a login window? Your driver-drenched Linux distro was configured for all systems, not for your system. This month we show you how to optimize your system for faster startup. Also inside:

• Battery Time – Get more hours out of your laptop battery with auto-cpufreq and automated frequency scaling.
• Dstask – this handy personal tracker uses Git version control to store tasks, letting you synchronize your to-do list across multiple devices.

Check out MakerSpace for a look at home telephony on the Raspberry Pi, and turn to Linux Voice for a story on the little-remembered XENIX, a once-popular Unix variant that was maintained and developed by Microsoft.

Cover Theme: Choose a Shell

DVD Theme: Arch Linux 2021.02.01 and MX Linux mx-19.3

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You're never stuck with the same old command shell – unless you want to be. This month we review some of the leading alternatives. Also inside:

• Boop – this scriptable digital notepad lets you keep your conversions local.
• Converting Images to Text – tricky tools for text as a medium for your art.

Check out MakerSpace for a look at building a minimal Raspberry Pi OS from source, and turn to Linux Voice for a story on the new (and old) protocols that just might save the Internet.

Cover Theme: Stream Processing

DVD Theme: FreeBSD 12.2 and GhostBSD 20.11.28

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The explosion of real-time data from sensors and monitoring devices is fueling new interest in alternative programming techniques. This month we wade into stream processing.

Also in this issue:

• Kconfig Deep Dive – We explore the powerful yet mysterious Linux kernel configuration system.
• Safe Messaging with TLSA -- Tighten up security using DNS and the TLSA resource record.

Check out MakerSpace for an article on the souped-up 8GB Raspberry Pi 4, and look in Linux Voice for a complete tutorial on building a computer game with the Godot game engine.

Cover Theme: iNet

DVD Theme: Linux Mint 20 and Kali Linux 2020.4

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With Linux, more innovation is always on the way. This month we take a look at the iNet wireless daemon, a new wireless client that is poised to replace the venerable WPA Supplicant.

Also in this issue:

• ExifTool and jExifToolGUI – read and manage image metadata from the command line.
• Optimizing Vector Graphics – small but expressive vector graphics files are great for websites, but if you're looking to optimize, get ready for some tweaking.

Check out MakerSpace for an exotic escape room puzzle built on Arduino, and visit LinuxVoice for a tutorial on Ventoy, an innovative app that lets you build multi-boot USB sticks.

Cover Theme: 3D Printing

DVD Theme: Ubuntu 20.10 "Groovy Gorilla" and Fedora 33 Workstation

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The weird, wonderful, futuristic world of 3D printing is waiting for you right now if you're willing to invest a little time and energy. This month we help you get started with practical 3D printing in Linux. Also in this month's issue:

• TOPSIS – Use Python and the TOPSIS urban planning technique to choose the best solution from a group of competing alternatives.
• Nyttig – Turn your Raspberry Pi into a personal micro server.

Look in MakerSpace for a tutorial on building an electronic Nerf ball game, and check out the Stacer system maintenance tool in this month's Linux Voice.