How a naming conflict shaped the history of the world's premier Linux publication

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Linux Magazine is a global staple for open-source enthusiasts, but its identity has been surprisingly fluid. Born in Germany in 1994, the publication navigated complex legal hurdles and corporate acquisitions to establish its presence in North America, eventually absorbing other industry voices to become the definitive resource for professionals today.

The story of Linux Magazine begins in October 1994, when the German edition, Linux-Magazin, was launched as the official information paper for the DELUG user group. It arrived just seven months after the debut of Linux Journal, cementing its status as one of the oldest Linux-focused publications in existence. Originally founded by Articon GmbH, the magazine was designed to serve the growing community of Linux professionals, a mission reflected in its German slogan, Die Zeitschrift für Linux-Professionals.

Expanding into North America proved complicated due to a pre-existing publication of the same name managed by InfoStrada in California. To avoid legal confusion, the North American version published by Linux New Media adopted the title Linux Pro Magazine. This distinction persisted for years, even as the landscape shifted. In June 2008, Linux New Media acquired the assets of the InfoStrada publication, effectively ending its print run, though the digital archives remained under the ownership of QuinStreet until 2011. It was not until January 2023 that the North American edition finally transitioned to the name Linux Magazine.

The publication has evolved through significant corporate consolidation and editorial integration. In 2014, Medialinx AG and its various titles were acquired by Computec Media GmbH, which continues to manage the German edition. The magazine also expanded its reach by incorporating other voices; in October 2016, the publication Linux Voice was merged into the magazine as a dedicated special section. Today, the magazine maintains its international footprint, offering editions in multiple languages including Polish, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese, while continuing its tradition of providing readers with a DVD-ROM containing recent Linux distributions in every monthly issue.

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