Magazines were a popular source of information and entertainment. They still exist, but perhaps just not as much as they used to be, especially in the print version.
Easy internet access and the rise of websites and blogs have changed the landscape of magazine world. It’s often debatable if people still read magazines. I am not going to discuss that.
I was crazy about magazines as a teenager. I had tons of magazines on a variety of topics, technology, science, literature, stories and what not. But things changed gradually as I become more accustomed to reading on the internet.
I still consume a lot of information from my favorite websites and through social media, but it is not the same as reading magazines. Rarely, I come across printed editions of a magazine that interests me.
Nevertheless, if you are a curious cat who wants to learn about the magazines that were loved by many, their online counterparts, or a digital iteration of similar magazines that exist, this list is for you.
Linux Format
Started in the year 2000, Linux Format is the leading Linux magazine from the UK. This magazine is published monthly (actually 13 issues a year) and is sold around the world.
Linux Format highlighted the latest developments in the world of open source, explores new software and Linux related book releases. It also covers hands-on tutorials. Interviews with key Linux players is also covered frequently.
Intended audience ranges from beginners to advanced Linux users. It is available only in English.
The magazine is available in both print and digital format. You can subscribe to the magazine as well.
Price depends on several factors such as the format of the magazine, country of residence and subscription duration. For people outside the UK, there are shipping charges for the print version.
The print format of a single issue magazine costs $15+ if you are ordering it from India. The digital format is significantly cheaper at around $5. You can check out the detailed pricing on their official partner page.
All subscribers get the right to download selected articles in PDF format on magazine’s website. You can get more information on Linux Format website.
Linux Magazine
Linux Magazine also known as Linux Pro Magazine in the North America is also one of the oldest Linux magazines.
First published in German language back in 1994, Linux Magazine is today published in English, Spanish, Polish and Brazilian Portuguese.
It is published monthly and includes a free DVD with each edition. This DVD mostly contains a Linux distribution.
Linux Magazine caters to the readership of experienced Linux users. The articles are written on advanced technical topics in details.
Topics include but not limited to interoperability, rootkits, virtualization, and cryptography. Thorough reviews of new products. Practical advice on tools and strategies for system administrators and tips on programming in the Linux environment.
Linux Magazine is available in both print and digital format. The digital format cost $13.99 adn the print version does not seem to be available when updating the article.
Linux User and Developer (Discontinued)
This magazine used to have its own website linuxuser.co.uk, the website now redirects to futureplc.com, which is the company that owned it.
Linux User & Developer covered tips, tricks and tutorials to help readers do more with the Linux system and expand their programming knowledge. It also covered Raspberry Pi projects.
Every issue came with a free live-booting DVD packed with selected Linux distributions and Free and Open Source Software.
The magazine was published in English language and was available in print and digital format both.
Open Source For You
Open Source For You is by EFY Group, perhaps the oldest tech magazine publishing group in India.
It is published once a month in English language and is available only in print edition.
The magazine focuses on FOSS (Free and Open Source Software). It covers tech articles on Linux and open source for new Linux users, sysadmins, developers, and open source lovers. It also strives to help organizations enhance their Return-on-Investment (RoI) by deploying Linux and/or open source solutions.
A yearly subscription costs $120 and is shipped worldwide, whether you order it in India or anywhere else.
Linux Journal (Magazine Discontinued)
Linux Journal is also one of the oldest Linux magazines. Like Linux Magazine above, Linux Journal was also started in the year 1994 by Phil Hughes and Red Hat co-founder Bob Young. It is based in the United States.
While started as a print magazine, it switched to a digital-only format in 2011. It is published in English language only. Originally, it catered to all kinds of Linux topics geared for technical folks and Linux experts.
Linux Journal shut down briefly, but it is back again under Slashdot Media as its parent. It does not offer a magazine as of now, but the website is a good place to land at if you are missing its magazine. You can find tutorials and news on the portal.
Ubuntu User (Discontinued)
Ubuntu User magazine was dedicated to the now-popular Ubuntu Linux distribution and its community. It served as a valuable resource for both newcomers finding their way around Ubuntu and experienced users looking to deepen their knowledge.
Each issue featured news related to Ubuntu releases and developments, step-by-step tutorials for various tasks, reviews of software relevant to the Ubuntu ecosystem, and tips for optimizing the system. It aimed to help users get the most out of their Ubuntu desktop experience.
Published by the same group behind Linux Magazine, it has now been discontinued.
Tux Magazine (Discontinued)
Tux Magazine was a PDF-based Linux publication specifically aimed at beginners and intermediate users. Its goal was to make Linux accessible and fun to learn.
Published monthly during its run, Tux Magazine focused on user-friendly guides, introductions to desktop environments and common applications, hardware compatibility tips, and explanations of core Linux concepts in simple terms. It often reviewed distributions known for ease of use.
Tux Magazine is no longer published. However, archives of past issues may still be found online on various Linux community sites or archive platforms like the Internet Archive.
ADMIN Magazine
If you're a system admin working with a mix of systems like Linux and Windows, ADMIN Magazine is worth checking out.
From the same team as Linux Magazine, it comes out every two months packed with practical, deep-dive articles.
It talks about real-world IT challenges like security, configuration, optimization, cloud tech, and more, focusing on hands-on techniques. You can get it in English, either in print or digital format. An annual print sub, with six issues and six DVDs, is roughly 74 USD (for US). Refer to their official website for all the details.
Linux Gazette (LG)
Linux Gazette is one of the earliest online publications dedicated to Linux. It was kickstarted by John Fisk in 1995 and later published by the original publishers of Linux Journal, it operated as a free, community-driven resource for many years.
It was published monthly and featured a range of content submitted by the Linux users worldwide. This included tips and tricks, tutorials, programming articles, and general Linux advocacy.
While active publication seems to have ceased, the extensive archives of Linux Gazette remain online and serve as a valuable historical repository of Linux knowledge and community spirit from its formative years. You can find archives hosted on various mirror sites or via the Linux Documentation Project.
Maximum Linux (Discontinued)
Maximum Linux was a print magazine that existed for a short while, during a time when Linux was not the hottest topic. It shut its doors among several other publications from the same company in 2001.
It aimed to cover the Linux operating system with news, reviews of distributions and software, technical articles, and tutorials, targeting a general audience of Linux enthusiasts, from desktop users to developers.
You can find a couple of issues on Archive.org for a weekend read.
LinuxFocus (Discontinued)
LinuxFocus was a free online magazine dedicated to Linux and open source software.
LinuxFocus was published every second month and the content included technical articles, software development guides, system administration tips, hardware reviews, and community news.
The website for it still seems up with an archive of the issues from back in the days.
Linux Voice
Linux Voice was a popular magazine that many in the Linux community enjoyed during its run.
It stood out by focusing not just on tutorials and reviews, but many other type of content. You could find in-depth articles, news about the open-source world, and guides suitable for various skill levels within its pages.
Eventually, Linux Voice merged with Linux Magazine and can be found to be available as a PDF to purchase.
Honorable mentions
Some other magazines I would like to mention here. You can see them as free Linux magazines.
- Full Circle Magazine: Full Circle is an independent, free monthly PDF magazine focused only on Ubuntu Linux. It also has a weekly podcast. Visit the website and download the magazines to read.
- PCLinuxOS Magazine: PCLinuxOS Magazine is an independent, free monthly PDF magazine focused only on PCLinuxOS. If you use PCLinuxOS, you could read them regularly.
Ankush Das
Your favorite?
Apart from magazines, you can also stay informed with Linux podcasts. Podcasts are completely free and share news and reviews more frequently.
There are more Linux magazines available in other languages. You can try finding them as well.
Do you already read any of the above magazine or some other Linux magazine perhaps? Share it with us in the comment section below.
One more thing. Would you be interested if It’s FOSS starts a monthly magazine or would you rather prefer it to keep focused on the blog itself?
