An up-to-date overview of free software and its makers
Projects on the Move

© parisod@snowmelody, Fotolia
If you want to convert a bunch of audio files into another format and prefer to steer clear of the command line, the Gnac graphical tool might do the trick. Also, the Gourmet Recipe Manager helps out in the kitchen.
People with a good sense of hearing often cringe when forced to listen to MP3-compressed music files, and this is understandable: MP3 is a lossy compression method. Converting an audio file to MP3 format can save up to 90 percent disk space, but it will affect the quality. Although the MP3 format theoretically only loses sound components that are inaudible to the human ear, you might still miss them if you listen carefully.
Of course, there are many alternatives to MP3. AAC and Vorbis files save more disk space while giving you the same or superior audio quality. Vorbis has the additional advantage, compared with MP3 and AAC, of being patent free. Today, many portable audio players support the Vorbis file format. The Xiph.org foundation [1], which developed the Vorbis format, also has a lossy compression method for voice recordings dubbed Speex. If you prefer to avoid quality loss of any kind, a loss-free compression approach like Flac will fit the bill perfectly.
Audio formats thus exist for almost any application you can imagine. But choosing from one of these formats can pose a problem for users. How do you convert your painstakingly digitized CD collection to the right format?
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.