Saving 32-bit

This isn’t quite the Linux Format any of us was expecting, but I guess we should feel lucky there’s a Linux Format at all, right now. I don’t want to dwell, as I expect you’re hoping for a happy Foss-based distraction from world events, but if the magazine feels lighter than normal and you’re wondering where the DVD has gone, the Covid-19 box below explains. Distribution, transport and circulation restrictions meant we simply couldn’t continue with business as usual. Our honest hope is to return the magazine to normal as soon as possible – you know, after everyone out there is safe and back to normal, too.

With the release of Ubuntu 20.04 imminent and its lack of a 32-bit build, we thought we’d look at who’s out there trying to save 32-bit Linux and why it’s so damn hard to do! To kick things off we’re doing a

Roundup of the best 32-bit supporting distros. The main feature has Jonni explaining why maintaining a 32-bit distro is so resource consuming, but as Jonni loves his ancient 32-bit EEEPC he also wanted to reveal how you can also support older hardware.

We’re glad to say Hotpicks is back for the best new open source, we’re taking an in-depth look at Tor and how it protects your privacy online, there’s the usual array of interesting tutorials to try including Kanban boards, cloud encryption for backups and getting to grips with Openshot video editing.

To find out what happened to the DVD and claim your free £50 worth of ebooks head to page 9. Stay safe, wash your hands and – despite LXF being a little more slimline for now – enjoy the issue!

Neil Mohr Editor neil.mohr@futurenet.com