Linux

Linux is a popular operating system with many different versions (or "distributions") based upon it.

Distributions

Many different distributions of Linux exist.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distribution for personal computers and is recommended for users who are making the switch from another OS to Linux.

Wine

Wine is one of the easiest and most popular way for Linux users to run programs written for Microsoft Windows. It also provides a software library that can help developers port Windows games to Linux.

The Shell

The Unix Shell "bash" available on Linux is a very useful tool for doing system tasks. If you use Linux as your main operating system, then it is heavily recommended that you learn how to use it.

Google Code University provides a good starting guide.

Steam on Linux

The Steam client for Linux is currently in closed beta and only supports Ubuntu. "Experienced Linux users" are welcomed to sign-up via the Linux Steam Client Beta Application.

Running Games on a Separate x Server

Running games on a different X server from ones main desktop can dramatically improve performance and generally reduces the amount of problems with the game especially when using an advanced compositing window manager like Compiz. To launch a separate X server with a game create a new .sh file and paste in the fallowing code:

#! /bin/bash 
DISPLAY=:1.0
xinit $cd '/YOURGAMEPATH' $* -- :1

Save and allow the file to be executable. Running this script in the terminal will make it much easier end the server when you are finished with it. Alternatively you can set the path to a terminal emulator like Xterm /usr/bin/uxterm and launch the game from a terminal in the new server. You could even launch a file browser like nautilus /usr/bin/nautilus Press Alt+Ctrl+F7 to return to the main desktop and Alt+Ctrl+F8 to go back to the newly created one.

Instructions

Instructions

Instructions

Instructions