Sparkling gems and new releases from the world of Free and Open Source Software
Marble 2.0
This KDE application often gets overlooked, as well, and the release of the 2.0 update is the best excuse to look again. Marble is basically an open source version of Google Earth. Unlike Google, all the data used by Marble is open. While you scroll around the 3D globe exploring different parts of the Earth, the data in any layer you're using will be completely "Free," including OpenStreetMap layers, global temperature and precipitation maps (from December and July), weather, real-time clouds, political maps, and even the Behaim Globe from 1492. Plus, you can explore the moon, although the new navigation feature didn't seem to be able to plot a route between Mare Tranquillitatis to Mare Smythii without a detour via Paris. These layers are Marble's biggest strength, because there's so much to discover while focused on a single location.
Everything is beautifully rendered and presented, even on modest hardware, thanks to the new OpenStreetMap vector rendering, which covers the entire globe and looks fantastic. The satellite view looks good from a distance and serves its purpose perfectly for wide-angle geography, but it can't compete with Google or Microsoft when zoomed in because it's using public domain images, mostly from NASA. We'd love some rich anthropologist to create a similar data set of higher resolution imagery. Marble can be used with a GPS and navigate routes on foot, bike, or road or connect to the flight simulator, Flight Gear, to provide real-time map support. Plugins link to Wikipedia and other local information and, because much of the data can be cached locally, would make an ideal tool for the classroom or travel. The development team are working on an Android version, currently in Beta, that might just bring Marble to a much wider audience, and we can't wait.
Project Website
Classic Platformer
SuperTux 0.5.0
There can't be many Linux users who haven't played SuperTux. For many years, before SteamOS seemingly changed everything, it was one of the few genuinely finished and playable games for our platform of choice, although that doesn't include the great work done by Loki, LGP, and Tux Racer. SuperTux is a platform game that's taken a huge dose of inspiration from the various early Super Mario games. You use your lightening-fast reflexes and platforming skills to get your penguin across each level. The thing that sets SuperTux apart is that, because the game has been in development for so long (since 2003), each level is finely tuned, with just the right amount of compulsive addiction. This is something that doesn't happen overnight, and it's something that SuperTux has over the million other Mario-styled platformers. There is even an online poll for rating all the world 2 levels, so that developers can look at making similar improvements to those levels in a future release.
It's also fantastic that the game is still being actively developed, even if the version number gives no indication of its heritage. This release, for instance, includes an in-game level editor, so you can tweak the levels yourself and see if you can improve on their magic. This is a great way for younger players to not only see how games like this are constructed and programmed, but also to experiment with game mechanics and the idea that what works on paper might not always work in practice. The level editor makes this update worth the download on its own, but there are also lots of improvements to some of the levels, the languages, and the game engine. SuperTux can be downloaded for any platform, including installers for other operating systems, and built from the source code, and we highly recommend you grab a copy.
Project Website
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
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.